Welcome to the latest update from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

This is our monthly round-up of all the latest news from your local charity hospice.

We want to let you know how to get involved in our events and the community, volunteering opportunities and introduce you to our talented and wonderful team of staff.

This month, we meet Area Fundraiser, Ruth Wright, and Volunteers Daniel Scarborough & Catriona Robson

Your support would mean so much to local families, so please head over to the Lewis-Manning website to find out more about the free of charge vital services that we offer.

Just click here.

Read up on our recent news, we’ve certainly had lots to report on!

• Big thanks from Harry – Patron Harry Redknapp has written a compelling letter of thanks to the supporters of the charity in what he describes as “an unprecedented year”. Full story here.
• New Trustee welcomed onboard – Jeremy Lune has significant experience in retail and online sales and is the CEO of ‘Cards for Good Causes’ which sells Christmas cards on behalf of more than 200 local and national charities. Full story here.
• Jo joins as Director of Clinical Services – Jo Whale has joined as the new Director of Clinical Services, taking over from Ruth Burnhill who is retiring after a fantastic career in the hospice sector. Full story here.
• Success for Christmas tree collection – More than £9,000 was raised, 770 Christmas trees recycled producing 3.5 tonnes of Eco Mix and compost. Full story here.

We can’t 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 two relatively new volunteers, the fabulous boyfriend and girlfriend team, Daniel Scarborough & Catriona Robson.

Role and task

Collecting Christmas trees in the local area. We managed to get to 41 houses in total for the day – phew!  In between trips to collect the trees, we headed over with our tipper-truck to the retail park where the trees were being turned into chipping. All great fun. The people involved were lovely and all looking to help wherever possible. Dan definitely found one of the highlights as being able to tip a whole truck upside down each time!

When and why did you start volunteering? 

We moved to the Poole area in the last year for Dan to launch his new community-based business called Rifu. The business is focused on community and when the opportunity came up to be able to support such a worthwhile cause as the hospice we couldn’t wait.

Like most people, we’re time poor, however we decided to take a holiday day from work and do our bit to help. We can’t wait for the next opportunity.

What’s the best bit of the role?

Every time we stopped for a collection we would be greeted by smiling faces, waving and the odd cat from behind windows and doors.

People were really appreciative of our help and it was actually quite nice to feel like we were part of a bigger community, particularly with the current lockdown environment over the last year.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of volunteering?  

There’s no downside to volunteering.  You meet new people, often do things you’ve never done before and provide support to those who need it most.

Time is free for us to give and if everyone chips in, the world will be a better place.

“Just Do It” you never know who you might meet!

 Jurassic Coast Trek

In 2021 we are delighted to have launched various challenge events, one of which is the Jurassic Coast Trek.

We would love to have your support in joining in and taking part in this stunning coastal walk. Participants can either book their place in May or September’s trek dates. This is a fantastic experience and a great opportunity for companies to develop team building or friends and families to enjoy a wonderful adventure together, whilst raising vital funds to support your local charity hospice.

To learn more and to register, please click here.

 We’re 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 during 2020.

This month we wanted to find out more about our Area Fundraiser, Ruth Wright.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Working as part of such a great team to help benefit the care for others.

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

Always be true to yourself and trust your gut!

Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t know

I’ve sung on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, London. When I was MUCH younger I took part in a massed Singing Company (Junior Choir) performance on stage in the Royal Albert Hall as part of The Salvation Army’s International Congress in 1990.

Describe yourself in three words

Fun, Outgoing, Hardworking.

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

That it is illegal to say ‘haitch’ for the letter ‘H’. Who says N Haitch S? It’s ‘aitch’ people.

Your best place for a holiday is?

Camping on Lake Garda, Italy. Just stunning. My family love summer camping holidays in Europe in my in-law’s caravan (we’ve upgraded from our tent days…) We have visited many beautiful places across France and Italy but my favourite spot is Lake Garda, the scenery is simply breath-taking, the locals are very friendly and the food is AMAZING! Also, you don’t need an excuse to sample some gelato every 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