Emma from St John’s Hospice Fundraising Mission

In this week’s meeting, we were delighted to welcome Emma, a fresh face at St John’s Hospice, who shared insights into her role in fundraising and the plethora of services the hospice offers. With 18 members in attendance, the session was not only insightful but also a testament to our group’s engagement, marking seven referrals and generating over £5,000 in business through recent referrals.

Emma, embarking on her journey since November, highlighted the hospice’s significant reach across South Cumbria and North Yorkshire, offering comprehensive care beyond cancer, including a range of life-shortening illnesses. From the 13-bed Buddy Ward in Lancaster to the bespoke care provided by the Hospice at Home team and the innovative Forget Me Not Centre for bereavement support, Emma underscored the hospice’s commitment to enhancing patient and family well-being.

The presentation also shed light on the hospice’s financial realities, emphasising the challenge of raising necessary funds with only 25% NHS contribution. Emma introduced the ’50/500′ initiative, encouraging local businesses to participate in fundraising efforts, underscoring the importance of community involvement in sustaining the hospice’s crucial services.

Emma’s personal connection to the hospice, through her father’s experience, added a heartfelt dimension to her talk, illustrating the hospice’s role in providing dignified, personalised care at life’s end.

As we reflect on Emma’s presentation, we’re reminded of the power of community and the impact of our collective support for vital services like St John’s Hospice. Let’s consider how we, as a business group and individuals, can contribute to such meaningful causes in our community.