Chesterfield organisations come together to support community initiatives
Our Chesterfield Champions are supporting the community through fundraising and employment initiatives. Ashgate Hospice launched its Wills Month campaign with BRM, while its record-breaking High Peak Trail Walk raised over £75,000.
Meanwhile, Elate Staffing Solutions’ “30 Jobs in 60 Days” campaign aims to help people into work while raising funds for Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s Stroke Unit.
Hospice and legal firm launch Wills Month campaign
Two of our Chesterfield Champions have teamed up together to raise vital funds through a new Wills Month campaign.
Ashgate Hospice has partnered with BRM to offer professional will writing services throughout April 2026 in exchange for a voluntary donation to the charity.
Last year’s campaign raised almost £16,000, with more than £100,000 generated since the partnership began in 2013.
The funds help support Ashgate Hospice’s services for people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones, including care in patients’ homes, 24-hour inpatient support, and a range of therapies and spiritual care.
Leading the campaign at BRM’s Chesterfield office are executive directors Rob Woodhead and Paul Berresford. Rob said:
“We are looking forward to launching our annual Wills Month campaign in aid of Ashgate Hospice, having raised over £100,000 for their vital services over the years.
Laura Law, senior individual giving and legacy officer at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“Gifts in wills are incredibly important to the hospice and raise more than £1.2 million each year. Quite simply, they help ensure Ashgate Hospice can continue to provide care and support for those who need us, now and in the future.”
People can register to take part in the campaign until the end of April at: www.brm.law/Ashgate
Record turnout for High Peak Trail Walk fundraiser
A record number of walkers took part in Ashgate Hospice’s High Peak Trail Walk last month, raising more than £75,000 for palliative and end of life care across North Derbyshire.
Around 721 people signed up for the event, sponsored by Darwin Forest Luxury Lodge Holidays, choosing from 3.5, 11 or 17-mile routes. This beat last year’s total of 580, making it the biggest event to date.
Fundraising has already reached £75,000, with more donations still coming in to support people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones.
Among those taking part was Helen Bird, who completed the 11-mile route in memory of her friend Dave Smith, who died in June 2025 aged 58. He had been cared for at Ashgate Hospice’s inpatient unit on the day he died.
Helen has raised more than £1,000 so far and was cheered across the finish line by Dave’s wife, Sarah.
James Branson, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“To see 721 people come together like this was incredibly special. “We’re so grateful to every single person who signed up, donated, volunteered or cheered walkers on. The money raised will help us continue to be there for the people who need us, now and in the future.”
Registration for next year’s High Peak Trail Walk is now open, with more information available on the Ashgate Hospice website.
Chesterfield business owner launches charity jobs campaign
Chesterfield business owner, Ricky Clayton, is launching a new initiative to help local people into work while raising funds for the Stroke Unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Elate Staffing Solutions has announced its “30 Jobs in 60 Days” campaign, which begins on 1 April. The aim is to place 30 local people into permanent roles, donating £100 for every successful placement.
The campaign is expected to raise £3,000 to support stroke care services, benefiting patients and families across the community.
Running from 1 April to 31 May, the campaign invites local businesses to get involved by hiring through the initiative.
Each role filled will not only support someone into long-term employment but also generate a £100 donation to the hospital’s stroke unit. Local employers and jobseekers are encouraged to get involved ahead of the launch.
Liam Pickard, Charity Fundraising and Engagement Lead at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT, said:
“We are incredibly grateful for Ricky’s decision to support our Trust Charity. Knowing that this campaign has been inspired by the care his family received means so much to our teams, who work tirelessly to support patients and their families during some of their most difficult moments.
“Elate Staffing Solutions’ generosity will help us continue providing the highest standard of care across our community, and we cannot thank Ricky enough for turning such a personal experience into a positive impact for others.”
For more information and to get involved, visit: elatestaff.co.uk/community-charity
Ashgate Hospice, BRM and Chesterfield Royal Hospital are a few of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
