With the Macmillan Unit hospice celebrating its 50th year, the owners of three Christchurch venues have issued an invitation to other businesses to join them in support of the charity.

Jason Giddings and Dave Burns are owners of The Thomas Tripp and Bodega in Wick Lane. Jason is also co-owner of Tuckton Tea Gardens.

The team at The Thomas Tripp and Bodega organise the popular Xchurch Music Festival and has chosen Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL) the local charity which supports the ‘Mac Unit’, as its headline charity in 2024.

Jason and Dave have also introduced Mac ‘n’ Cheese to their menus at the Thomas Tripp in honour of the Mac Unit and will be donating £1 to the charity for each dish sold.

Tuckton Tea Gardens recently hosted the charity’s inaugural Light up the Sky event on October 13^th, in memory of people who have been cared for by the hospice.

The Mac Unit is situated in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital and has provided end of life care to thousands of people since it was formed in 1974.

Jason said: “The Mac Unit means a lot to a lot of people in Christchurch, including members of our staff and loyal customers. We will do whatever we can do to drum up extra support for such a deserving charity.”

Dave agreed: “The Mac Unit is a real haven for the patients and families it supports. We are very proud at the Tripp, Bodega, and the Xchurch Music Festival to be supporting such a great cause.

“Some of the team from Macmillan Caring Locally came along to try out the Mac ‘n’ Cheese at our launch and gave it their seal of approval. We now hope other businesses will come on board with fundraising and support the unit during its golden anniversary year too.”

Neal Williams, Trust Secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally said: “Dave, Jason, and their fabulous businesses, are, like the Mac Unit, part of the fabric of life in Christchurch, and we are immensely grateful for their support.

“During 2024, we will be looking back at what the Unit has achieved and forward to what it can become, with the help of sponsorship and fundraising. The guys’ support, together with that of other local businesses will be key to our success.

“We hope to hear from other companies who may be able to support us in any way they can, from one-off fundraising events, to taking us as their charity of the year or becoming a Golden Partner.”

Businesses, groups, and organisations forming a Golden Partnership with Macmillan Caring Locally can take advantage of a host of branding, marketing and staff engagement and volunteering opportunities. For more information please email: Lin@macmillanlocal.org or phone: 01202 477628.

Tickets for the Xchurch Music Festival go on sale on 30^th November and can be purchased via: www.xchurchmusicfestival.co.uk

Read next: Read all the latest news from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and find out ways to get involved