A magically special place…

[prev] …money. We have had tremendous support from local people, businesses and community groups. But we need more.’ Partnerships with organisations such as Peterborough United, Queensgate, Access Prepaid, Santander and Linden Homes have proved mutually beneficial.

Angela Babb, marketing manager at solicitors Hegarty LLP, said: ‘Our staff set a challenge of raising £10,000 for Thorpe Hall in celebration of the firm’s 40th anniversary. It’s had a significant, and unpredicted, benefit to the firm. Staff are determined to rise to the challenge and our “Life Begins at 40” fundraising campaign has created a fantastic buzz around the office. Staff morale is high and everyone is talking about the Snowdon climb later this month. Sharing a common goal that resonates with staff on a personal level really does have a broader significance.’

‘Thorpe Hall is here for the community… the community understands that and gets involved’

Fundraising brings out creativity too. Tammy said: ‘We’re always amazed by the ingenuity of people. We’ve had staff teams racing to eat Jaffa Cakes, businessman Rob Moore broke a world record for the longest speech, we’ve had money from sporting sweepstakes, swear box fines and car washes.’ Schools, Brownie packs, netball clubs, Rotary groups and youth clubs have all pledged fundraising support too. ‘Thorpe Hall is here for the community,’ said Tammy. ‘It’s not just about what we offer patients. We run events, our gardens are open all year, our day service helps those with long term conditions and we offer bereavement counselling… the community understands that and gets involved.’

The first patients will be welcomed into the new Thorpe Hall next summer. The old building is Grade 1 listed and will remain under the charity’s ownership with plans being developed to ensure its sustainability. But the future lies within the walls of the new Thorpe Hall Hospice. Susan Shackleton says: ‘We hear every day how special Thorpe Hall is. People talk about it in terms of care, compassion, love, support, friendship and memories.’ Martyn Watkins is one of those people. His wife Vicky spent her last three days at Thorpe Hall. The gardens are the place where Martyn and his three daughters choose to visit to remember the wife and mother they lost. ‘Thorpe Hall has become a magically special place for us as a family,’ said Martyn. ‘We sit under what we think of as ‘our tree’ and it’s a safe place to talk and remember.’ The new Thorpe Hall will secure that ‘magically special place’ for generations to come.

Please get involved. Together we can create something amazing.
www.thorpehall.org

This article has been supported by Peterborough-based Perkins Engines Company Limited, one of the world’s leading suppliers of off-highway diesel and gas engines.

How you can help:

• Take part in a sponsored challenge: sign up for the Perkins Great Eastern Run half marathon or fun run and rope your family and friends in!
• Organise a fundraising event: a retro disco, neighbourhood bake sale, dress down day at work…
• Volunteer in Sue Ryder shops, at Thorpe Hall or at an event
• Donate your unwanted items to the shops
• Shop in your nearest Sue Ryder store
• Text ‘Thorpe’ to 70007 to donate £3
• Donate using your credit card by calling 01733 225999 or on the website www.thorpehall.org
• Send a cheque to Thorpe Hall Hospice, Thorpe Road, Longthorpe, Peterborough, PE3 6LW
• Follow Thorpe Hall on Facebook (Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice) and Twitter (@SRThorpehall) and help spread the word