News from Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

Hospice Gears Up Its Fundrasing
The new members of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice’s fundraising team have hit the ground running with the unveiling of a series of initiatives aimed at the local business community and the wider public.

Hospice general manager David Kinnear introduced Claire Walker and Lillian Revill, the latest members of his staff, at a press conference attended by South West Surrey MP Virginia Bottomley.

Mr Kinnear is hoping to raise the profile of the Farnham hospice in its catchment area of West Surrey and North and Mid Hampshire through a range of fundraising schemes aimed at involving people of all ages.

He said: “It’s a relaunch in a way.

“We are quite a large operation and we are looking to reach out to the community and hopefully get a bit more support.

“This year it will take about £2,250,000 to run this place and that’s a fairly scary target.”

Virginia Bottomley, the vice-president of the hospice, described how the organisation had changed beyond all recognition since she had known it and she stressed the need, now more than ever, for people to contribute towards it.

She said: "We never know what's round the next corner.

"It's important to help local charities such as Phyllis Tuckwell as much as possible.  They do wonderful work in our area but they need more help."

Claire Walker, the new community fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell, outlined plans to, involve junior and senior school pupils as well as college students in innovative fundraising schemes where they will test their initiative to see how much can be gained.

One of the schemes, Multiplying Fives, will give children the chance to see how much profit can be gained from an initial handout.  The scheme is supported by Barclays PLC, who are looking to enter a flagship team to launch the event.

Claire Walker said: "We're trying to get as many pupils as possible to take part.

"You get together a group of four, I will give you £10 and you see how much money you can raise.”

Wider community projects include Coffee in the Community and recycling of all manner of foil as well as aluminium cans and newspapers.

She said: “My coffee in the Community scheme is being launched this month (September).  I’m asking people to come forward and host a coffee morning in their homes.  It’s that simple.”

The hospice is also asking people to wash their foil for it to be recycled, including all cooking foi, dairy lids, chocolate wrappers and ready meal and take-away food containers.

Lillian Revill, Phyllis Tuckwell's new business fundraiser, is hoping for a quick rise to the top .... of Ben Nevis that is.

She still has a handful of places left for a sponsored walk to the top of Britain’s highest peak on September 29, 2000, returning on October 1, 2000 and as this is the first Ben Nevis Challenge, company support is being sought to help participants reach the expected target of £375.

Lillian reassures potential walkers that they will be in good hands as her brother is the mountain rescue team leader.

To apply to take part contact Lillian Revill on 01252 729400.

She has assumed the responsibility of tapping in to the business community and has arranged a programme of events designed specifically with local firms in mind.

The main challenge for her is to find for runners and sponsors for next year's London Marathon and she is pushing for the maximum on every project.

She said: "The Flora London Marathon is out big one for next year.  We have got five guaranteed places but 1 want 10.

This year we're taking 40 people on the Ben Nevis challenge but next year I want it to take at least 300."

A company orientated It's a Knockout tournament is also being planned, while for those with less stamina more sedate fundraising events are planned, including an auction, hopefully with a celebrity auctioneer, where a small number of high value and quality prizes are being sought, such as holidays.

Details of another auction, of 150 items such as furniture, were announced by appeals coordinator for Farnham, Susan Crowe.

She said: "We've got an auction on November 4 which the Hedgehogs will do for us and we have to provide 150 lots. We are up to 65 and we want some nice things that people want."

The hospice is encouraging people to come forward to join the volunteer staff whose part-time work is of great importance, whether it is helping to take tea round the wards or recycling newspapers.

The Hospice Home Support, a sister organisation which provides care at people's own homes, needs to fill at least five volunteer places to make up the team of 30.

The work involved can be taking people out, shopping or sitting with the patient for a few hours to give the carer some free time.

All volunteers receive professional training in the care and support of patients living with a serious illness.

Further information on each the Phyllis Tuckwell’s fundraising events will be given nearer the time.

For details as to how to volunteer, take part in or provide sponsorship for any project, contact the fundraising team 01252 729400.

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