Louise Askew knows just how important fundraising is to St Mary’s Hospice. Having worked at the hospice for a number of years and working closely with patients she sees just how much the hospice relies on money from the community.
This is why she’s encouraging as many people as possible to join our events and help raise funds to keep us going. Only one fifth of funding comes from the NHS meaning that eight out of 10 patients are cared for through money raised within the community.
As well as working for the hospice, Louise has taken part in a number of our events and is encouraging more people to sign up for Blencathra at Night this year. Having completed the Helvellyn at Night challenge last year, Louise said the events are a must do and the sense of community while taking part was something she couldn’t describe.
She said: “It was amazing, it was so good. Me and my boyfriend both signed up around the same time and we weren’t actually together when we signed up. But then we did it together and it was really good.
“It’s really amazing to see the amount of people that turn up, from those that work there to those in the community and those that take part because they’ve had family members use the services.”
Louise said she loves working at the hospice so signing up to an event and supporting the hospice was an easy decision to make. She said she’d do anything to help keep the hospice going and it is why she’s also taken part in more events organised by us.
Speaking about working for St Mary’s, Louise said: “It’s amazing, it’s one of the only places I’ve worked at where I’ve not dreaded getting up in the morning to go to work. As soon as I started working here, I just knew it was the place for me.”
Louise has also signed up to the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and would encourage as many people as possible to sign up to events oragnised by St Mary’s Hospice. Knowing that without the kindness of people fundraising for St Mary’s, Louise dreads to think how we would cope.
She added: “It’s so important because the way I look at it, the hospice is only partly funded by the NHS. I think about all the people I’ve cared for since working here and where would they be if the service wasn’t available.
“We’re really lucky to have this hospice in the area because not every area has access to something like this.
“I’d encourage people to keep going and save as much for the people in the future that might need the service.”
Louise is now encouraging other people in the community to sign up to the Blencathra at Night event being held by St Mary’s.
The event takes place on June 8th into the morning of June 9th and there are still places available with coach trasnfers available from Barrow. By signing up and fundraising for St Mary’s Hospice you’ll also be making a huge, life changing impact on those that benefit from the work of the charity.
You’ll be led by experienced and professional leaders from Lakeland Mountain Guides who will help get you through the challenge and ensure you have a great time doing so. Events and Challenges Manager, Mel Dixon is encouraging as many people as possible to sign up and take part in the event.
She said: “We have worked in collaboration with Lakeland Mountain Guides for several years now on our extremely popular night climbs. Having the opportunity to safely summit some of the Lake District’s tallest mountains, then be rewarded with a stunning sunrise and a celebratory glass of fizz is a just an added bonus to the breathtaking views.
“We’d love as many people as possible to sign up to this event and help us continue to deliver amazing work within our community. We’re always grateful for anyone that supports us and those that are taking part in this event are wonderful. Good luck to everyone taking part.”
For more information, click here.
