Catch up on all the latest news from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care including our spectacular community event – Candles on the Lake in Poole Park.

In this month’s round-up we also meet staff member Gabby Levene, People Officer, and Volunteer Driver Robin Sherwood.

We hope you enjoy our monthly update from your local charity hospice.

Your support would mean so much to local families, so please head over to the Lewis-Manning website.

You can find out more about the free of charge vital services that we offer and how you can help.

Just click here.

Read up on what we’ve been up to recently.

We love to keep you involved in what our community is up to.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care celebrates and remembers lives with a free community event – ‘Candles on the Lake’. Join us at 6pm on Saturday October 16 at The Ark in Poole Park and enjoy a spectacular floating candle display, music from local musicians and a reflective reading to remember and celebrate loved ones. Read more here.

Clare Gallie shortlisted for national award: We are delighted to report that our CEO was shortlisted for the coveted title of the Charity Retail Association’s ‘Most Supportive Chief Executive’ Award. The annual national Charity Retail Awards took place at a prestigious ceremony in Nottingham, where leading charities from across the UK and esteemed sector leaders came together, having been nominated for a glittering array of awards. More details can be found here.

We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their continued support and help.

Each month we turn the spotlight on one of these incredible people who are an integral part of the organisation.

This month we meet driver Robin Sherwood. 

When and why did you start volunteering?

I saw an advert in the Daily Echo in August 1991. Early retirement had become a little boring and I missed the three ‘P’s’, People, Purpose and Pattern. Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provided all three and I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 30 years and the contribution I have made to this worthwhile charity.

I’ve done a variety of roles over the years but it’s mainly driving that I do nowadays. In previous years I occasionally helped out in the kitchen. I’ve also held fundraising events on my land at St Leonards.

I estimate that over the years that I’ve volunteered in excess of 10,000 hours!

What’s the best bit of the role?

The friendships I have made both with staff, other volunteers and patients.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of volunteering?

Give it a go – it may surprise you.

 Join us in celebrating and remembering lives with our community event – ‘Candles on the Lake’ in Poole Park.

We invite you to join us at 6pm on Saturday October 16 at The Ark in Poole Park, and enjoy a spectacular floating candle display, music from local musicians and a reflective reading to remember and celebrate loved ones.

Area Fundraiser Vicki Gray said: “The event is free for all to join, so tell your friends, neighbours, colleagues, and family to come along to this wonderful evening.

“You can make an online donation for a candle(s) before the event, alternatively candles will be available on the night.

“If you would like to add a personal dedication to your candle, facilities to write your own message will be available.”

We are proud of our dedicated and committed team, especially seeing how everyone has dealt with the challenges and adversities that Covid-19 has presented to the charity.

This month we wanted to find out more about Gabby Levene, People Officer, pictured.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Operating as part of a lovely and dedicated team of colleagues within a hugely supportive working environment.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

We can all achieve more than we think we can.

Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t know

My grandparents were Russian.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Empathetic, diplomatic and loyal.

If you were going to rule the world for the day, what law would you introduce?

To find a way to ensure that no child ever goes hungry.

Your best place for a holiday is?

There are so many countries I hope to visit but it is hard to top being on a ski slope on a sunny day

Our aim is to help as many local people as possible, who are dealing with a life limiting illness, to live their precious lives well.

There is no charge to attend Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

If you wish to make a donation to support our extraordinary hospice care, please visit lewis-manning.org.uk/donate-online.

If you would like to know more about our vital services, or discuss anything in greater detail, then please contact a member of our team on 01202 708470 or email enquiries@lewis-manning.org.uk