Hartlepool hospice chief's open letter after supporters raise "incredible" £20,000 for patient care

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The Spring edition of Alice House Hospice’s supporter magazine Hello, my name is… Alice, attracted a bumper amount of entries to a monthly £2,000 draw and generous donations.

It follows a major dent to the charity’s fundraising due to Covid which was estimated to run to £1.5million last year.

Greg Hildreth, hospice senior communications manager, shared an open letter on their website to thank everyone who contributed to the great total.

Greg Hildreth has written an open letter to thank readers of its magazine after the last edition helped to raise £20,000 for patient care.

He said: “With your help, the magazine raised over £20,000 for Hospice care through the cash draw and generous donations we received.

“Readers showed their support in the thousands, which is truly fantastic.

"The only downside of this of course, is the fact that it would be almost impossible to thank each kind person individually, which I wish we could do.

“I hope that this letter goes some way towards letting you know the value of your support to our patients and their families, as well as how much

we appreciate it.

"Without you, we would not be able to provide the services that improve the lives of so many people in Hartlepool and beyond.”

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The hospice magazine includes tickets for the monthly prize draw draw which supporters can choose to buy and return the stubs to the hospice based in Wells Avenue.

There is also a form included for people to complete if they wish to make an additional donation and magazine has also recruited new players for the hospice’s weekly lottery.

Meanwhile, the hospice plans to resume fundraising events later in the summer depending on Covid restriction announcements and Greg said they are looking forward to seeing their supporters in person again.

Following the Government’s four-week delay to ‘freedom day’ Alice House’s Colour Fun Run, which had been due to take place on Sunday, July 4, will now be held on Bank Holiday Monday, August 30.

It will take place at the venue of West Hartlepool Rugby Club, on Catcote Road.

Alice House needs to raise £3.5million this year but only receives about 20% from the government meaning £2.8million must be raised through the community and fundraising.

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