Family and friends of Hartlepool woman Mary Musgrave raise £50,000 for 'jewel in the crown' hospice

Family and friends of Mary Musgrave, 85, raised the huge amount in her name following her passing at the hospice after a long illness on January 3.

It is the largest ever donation raised in someone’s memory in Alice House’s 40-year history.

Mary lived much of her life in Hartlepool with her husband Joe Musgrave who died five years ago.

Both had supported the hospice for over 20 years.

Mary and Joe achieved great success in their business ventures, which included fruit and veg shops in the 1980s, and then property development with their son Chris who now has land and property holdings locally and nationally.

Chris said: “The hospice was a special place to my mam and dad, which is why they supported the charity from the day it opened.

“I am very grateful to everyone for their kind donations, as Alice House provide a vital service and is a ‘jewel in the crown’ of Hartlepool.”

The money raised through donations to a memorial page on JustGiving.com and gift aid, will be presented to the hospice in the near future.

Related story: Alice House appeals to community as it faces £1.5 million pandemic shortfall

Chris and the Musgrave family have continued fundraising for the hospice since his father’s death.

He added: “My mam loved Hartlepool and she never forgot where she was from, which is why she had so many happy memories of her life in the town.

"We were lucky to have them as our mam and dad – whatever we have achieved is down to them. I will miss my mam and she will always be in my thoughts.”

Tracy Woodall, Chief Executive of Alice House, said the amount raised shows how much Mary was loved and respected.

She said: “We are honoured that we were able to care for Mary at the end of her life and it is fitting that she was here in a place that was close to her heart.

“Mary and Joe were wonderful supporters and friends of Alice House for many years. The donation of £50,000 is the largest in memorial amount the Hospice has received in its history, and it will assist us greatly in providing care to people who are seriously ill.”

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