chesterfield charity news

Vaccination rollout at the Winding Wheel raises thousands for Ashgate Hospicecare

Visitors of a North Derbyshire vaccination centre have raised more than £11,000 to help fund Ashgate Hospicecare’s specialist end-of-life care for patients and families.

More than 170,000 jabs have been provided at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre’s vaccination centre since the rollout first started at the beginning of the year.

The Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and primary care network were keen to further support their local communities by helping to raise funds for Ashgate.

Charity bucket yielding marshals at the Holywell Street site have collected an incredible £11,989 towards the charity’s end-of-life and palliative care, which supports patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Local health bosses have hailed the public’s response to the fundraiser as “fantastic”, after £800 was raised after just two days.

Janet Kirk, who has been volunteering at the Winding Wheel Theatre during the rollout, is one of the marshals to have helped raise the much-needed funding.

She said: “I like to bring people’s attention to the fundraising at the Winding Wheel Theatre. You don’t know when you might need Ashgate’s services and people need to know it’s primarily funded by fundraising.

“The hospice wouldn’t be able to exist if it wasn’t for people being generous and giving what they can; it doesn’t take long before the pennies soon turn into pounds!”

Among those supporting the vaccine rollout at the Winding Wheel Theatre has been Ashgate’s retail staff, who were furloughed due to the charity’s shops being closed in lockdown.

The workers stepped forward to support the NHS with the vaccine rollout to help protect the local community and save lives.

Staff volunteered to ensure smooth arrival onsite of people arriving for their jabs, efficient patient flow to the clinical assessment and overall onsite safety and security.

Dr Peter Flann, GP and Chesterfield and Dronfield primary care network clinical director, says they wanted to support Ashgate because of the “essential care” the hospice provides to patients and families across North Derbyshire.

He said: “We chose Ashgate because of the integral day-to-day work it does in general practice and for patients who need its support across the region.

“The hospice’s skill and support for end-of-life care really is essential and should be funded as such; it offers a fantastic service that we simply cannot be without.”

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager, at Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “We are so grateful to the staff and volunteers at the Winding Wheel for their support during the vaccination rollout in recent months.

“Not only have they tirelessly fundraised for us, but they’ve done an incredible job in vaccinating the North Derbyshire community against COVID-19.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has dug deep into their pockets to make a donation – your support means we can continue caring for the patients and families who need us most.”

Would you like to fundraise for Ashgate Hospicecare? Find out what you can do to help online at www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or calling 01246 568801.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Citizens Advice Chesterfield appoints youngest ever trustee

Phoebe Sellars (22) has been appointed as the youngest ever trustee of Citizens Advice Chesterfield.

Phoebe, who hails from Chesterfield and is a Business Development Manager at Chesterfield-based bridging finance company Bridge Help, will be officially voted in as a trustee of the charity later this month.

Welcoming her to the volunteer role, Linda Moore, Chair of Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “Phoebe’s enthusiasm and energy is contagious and, as a charity, we need people like her to help raise awareness of our cause and appeal to a broader audience. Quite often people don’t realise that we are a charity and as such, we do need to raise funds. We are delighted to welcome her on board.”

As a trustee, Phoebe will help create, shape and deliver a strategy that supports the aims and principles of Citizens Advice Chesterfield which is to provide help to those who are in need in the local area.

Phoebe is no stranger to charity work. Last year she was responsible for organising Bridge Help’s Christmas collection for Chesterfield Food Bank. It resulted in more than £1500 of much- needed food and toiletries being donated by the local business community.

Delighted to take up the role of trustee, Phoebe said: “This is a real honour for me. I live and work in Chesterfield and feel passionately about strengthening the community that I live in, work in and love. Citizens Advice Chesterfield does such good work for so many people in my home town.

“I’m really eager to take on this new challenge in my life. The pandemic has hit many young people hard and as a young person, who has been very fortunate to have had the opportunities in life that I have had, I really want to give something back. Becoming a trustee with Citizens Advice Chesterfield is an excellent way for me to do this.”

Chesterfield Citizens Advice, which is based at Broad Pavement, helps people who live within the borough of Chesterfield, by providing support with debt and money advice, financial skills, fuel poverty, welfare benefits and advice at GP and community settings. It is part of the national Citizens Advice network which through independent charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

The national Citizens Advice charity was established in 1939 to meet the needs of a civilian population during war time. Since then, the network of independent charities has become a vital service to many people with problems and in need of good quality independent advice. During the pandemic, the charity faced unprecedented challenges with the demand for their services rapidly increasing. In their busiest week, their website alone had 2.4 million views.

To access advice and support from Chesterfield Citizens Advice, please contact 0808 278 7843.

Citizens Advice Chesterfield and Bridge Help support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal raises £117,300

Supporters from across North Derbyshire have rallied behind Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal to raise £117,300 in just eight weeks.

Since the appeal launched in May, 3,194 flowers have been dedicated in memory of someone special, with supporters receiving a custom-made flower for a suggested donation of £25.

The charity, which provides specialist end of life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, say they have been “overwhelmed” by the response.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We are so grateful to all of our wonderful supporters who dedicated a flower and helped to raise vital funds for the hospice.

“Over the course of the appeal we have had the privilege to speak to many of our supporters who have shared emotional stories about the people they are remembering. It is an honour to be able to provide our community a way for them to mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a meaningful way.”

Throughout June, thousands of visitors enjoyed visiting the flowers which were on display within the grounds of Chatsworth.

Jack added: “We want to say a huge thank you to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for hosting our flower display within the picturesque grounds of Chatsworth and to our sponsors Graysons Solicitors who have supported us every step of the way.

“We hope that everyone who has received a flower loves them as much as we do. Every penny raised helps to fund our specialist round-the-clock care to support families across North Derbyshire living with a life-limiting illness.”

With just a small number of the limited-edition flowers left; supporters are being urged to act quickly to secure one. To dedicate a flower, visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/forget-me-not or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Hasland pupils get creative to support patients and families at Ashgate Hospicecare

Kind-hearted school children have been hard at work creating bespoke fabric hearts for patients and families cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare.

Pupils at Hasland Junior School took part in the project during the pandemic to help families and loved ones who may have been separated feel closer together.

Every child in the school was encouraged to create hand-sewn hearts, which are lovingly handcrafted with matching fabric, with one kept by the patient and the other given to the family member.

The school was inspired by the original project launched by Shelagh’s Sewing Circle – a group ran by Ashgate volunteer Shelagh Cheetham, who supported the pupils throughout the creative process.

The aim is that the hearts will provide comfort to those who may be unable to visit the hospice and encourage feelings of togetherness.

Teacher at Hasland Junior School, Fran Lee, said: “I saw how Shelagh’s Sewing Circle had supported Ashgate Hospicecare and thought it was a fantastic way of contributing to the local community during such a challenging year.

“Our focus has been on building mental health and wellbeing through the concept of ‘giving’. The project provided an incredible opportunity to discuss with the children the role that volunteering plays in the community and how acts of kindness, however small, can make someone’s day.

“The whole school community takes great satisfaction in knowing that the hearts that we have created are making a big difference to the patients at Ashgate Hospicecare and their families.

“Thanks to Shelagh’s Sewing Circle for their support and guidance with this project and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”

The children, both at home and in school, enjoyed making the hearts and practising their textiles skills and even took part in a dedicated day to the project called ‘Helping Hearts’.

The fabric hearts have also been made available across the charity’s 14 shops to offer comfort and support to grieving relatives donating their loved one’s possessions.

Shelagh, a strong supporter of Ashgate for more than a decade after the hospice cared for her father-in-law, said: “We were so delighted when we saw that the teachers and pupils at Hasland Junior School wanted to support Shelagh’s Sewing Circle’s fabric hearts project.

“Visiting your friends or family at the hospice and then leaving without them can be so difficult, but the hearts are a wonderful way to keep your loved ones by your side at all times – whether with us still or not.

“Hasland Junior School’s contribution means more people will be able to spread love, kindness and offer comfort during these challenging and uncertain times. Everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare would like to thank them for their generosity and support.”

Since the group started the project last year, more than 1,500 fabric hearts have been donated to the hospice to support patients and their families.

To find out how you can support Ashgate Hospicecare, go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Community Chesterfield launches interactive sharing sessions

An organisation that supports local community and voluntary groups within the health and social care sector in Chesterfield has launched a brand new programme of free interactive online networking and learning sessions.

Community Chesterfield, a National Lottery funded partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby, is set to hold monthly ‘Connect and Reflect’ sessions, with the first taking place on 13 July.

The sessions aim to connect the community, the health and social care sector and the University to allow them to discuss, learn from and reflect on the common experiences we each have.

Each session will cover a different topic, with the first being ‘Co-Production’. Co-Production is:

  • Professionals and people who use services working in equal partnerships towards shared goals.
  • A movement towards frontline staff, people who use services and carers having an equal, more meaningful and autonomous role in services, including the planning, development and actual delivery of the service.
  • Ensuring the assets of people who use services, carers and staff are valued – recognition that if someone makes a contribution they should get something back in exchange

At this session attendees will get the chance to talk about time when they have worked in a co-produced way: maybe you have used co-production yourself  without even realising, or have been involved as a participant, or you think of a time when working in co-production may have been helpful and now you want to use it in the future.

Kate Burns, skills co-ordinator at Community Chesterfield, said: “We are really excited to be launching the brand new Connect and Reflect sessions. At Community Chesterfield, we work incredibly hard to strengthen the offering of local community and voluntary groups through learning and development, with the overarching aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Chesterfield.

“Through these sessions, we are creating a mutually beneficial forum where people will have the opportunity to share knowledge, experience and skills with others in the community. This will help to discover new opportunities for best practice, ultimately helping to strengthen the skills, knowledge and expertise of people within our community.”

The interactive online networking and learning sessions are for those working at or volunteering for a third sector organisation in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, staff and students of the University of Derby who have an interest in Chesterfield and individuals working within the Health or Social Care sector in Chesterfield.

The Co-production Connect and Reflect will take place on 13 July, with subsequent sessions held on the second Tuesday of every month. To find out more or to book you free place on any of the sessions, visit https://www.communitychesterfield.org.uk/shared-learning

If you have any suggestions for Connect and Reflect topics or for more information contact community@dva.org.uk.

 

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Caring Ashgate Hospicecare colleagues swap scrubs for hiking boots to take on High Peak Trail challenge

Two Ashgate Hospicecare staff members who provide vital palliative care in the North Derbyshire community are getting their walking boots on for a charity hiking challenge – and they’re urging the public to join them.

Community Palliative Care Support Workers Dianah Whelpton and Fiona Hardy are taking on the charity’s brand-new High Peak Trail event this summer to help the charity fund care for the families they support.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, July 10th, will see the pair – along with Dianah’s husband Paul – hike 17 miles across the scenic Derbyshire countryside.

The trail, which also offers the option of a shorter eight-mile route, will see the group head along the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Dianah, who has been working for Ashgate for the past two years, wanted to do something to raise funds towards the care after the charity had been forced to close its shops and cancel fundraising events during the pandemic.

“I decided to take part in the High Peak Trail walk for Ashgate to try and raise some much-needed funds after our hospice was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“Our wonderful communities haven’t stopped raising money for us in all kinds of innovative ways and continue to make such a huge effort to support our services. So when I learned of this event, I thought that it would be a very good opportunity to join in with the efforts while exploring the wonderful Derbyshire countryside!

“It’s also a great opportunity to highlight the huge amount of work that the Community Nursing Teams do in caring for thousands of people in their own homes every year.

“I am inspired daily by the wonderful people that I am privileged to care for and I am raising funds to make sure that we can continue caring for years to come.”

The off-road linear walk is traffic-free and promises to be a fun day out with friends and family. There will be free parking at Cromford Meadows, and free transport will be provided to take participants to the start point of the walk so they can walk back to their vehicles at the finish line.

Fiona is urging people across North Derbyshire to join her, Dianah and Paul on the trail this July.

The 53-year-old, who started working at the hospice in 2002, added: “I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and walking is something I do on a regular basis, but I have to admit that 17 miles will be double the distance I usually go!

“It’s been a long time since I started at Ashgate and there’s been lots of changes to the hospice in its appearance and the number of staff working here.

“But the hospice values and compassionate care delivered by our community teams and Inpatient Unit staff has always been excellent.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the High Peak Trail in tribute to my amazing colleagues and the wonderful patients and families we care for. Come and join us – not only will you get to enjoy the stunning Derbyshire countryside, but you’ll be helping us fund care for the families who need our support most.”

There are a limited number of places for the event so people are being urged to sign up quickly. Entry costs £10 per person, which includes a t-shirt (if requested), medal, refreshments and more.

To sign up go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/high-peak-trail-walk/ or call Ashgate Hospicecare’s fundraising team on 01246 567 250.

To sponsor Dianah and Fiona’s team go to ashgatehospicecare.enthuse.com/pf/dianah-whelpton-2615a/post/586904

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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DVA funding helps people feel connected

Funding from a project aiming to break down the barriers around ‘social connectedness’ to stop people from feeling lonely and isolated is helping a number of organisations across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) recently launched the Feeling Connected Fund, which funds work in the community across North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield to help people stop feeling disconnected from others.

The aims of the project are to raise the profile of the benefits of being socially connected, raise awareness of existing services that support social connectedness and identify interventions, initiatives, and activities to assist people to feel socially connected.

One organisation to receive Feeling Connected funding is the Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP), which specialises in supporting the aspirational decision making of young people to shape their future, helping them to fulfil their potential.

DEBP, which works with vulnerable young adults and young people up to the age of 19 – or 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), received more than £4,000 from the Feeling Connected Fund.

Thanks to the funding, the ‘Let’s Get Creative’ project was set up to support young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. It provides the opportunity to link up with businesses and organisations in the creative sector, giving them an insight into what it’s like to work in that environment and meet other young people with shared interests.

The group of learners have undertaken a range of activities to learn about a variety of aspects within the creative sector. They have been able to spend time at Chesterfield College which is hoped will help them transition into further education – a move that can be very challenging. The group are utilising their skills in developing an interactive app and this includes the creation of soundscapes.

Clare Talati, director of DEBP, said: “During the pandemic, we saw a huge increase in young people with additional needs feeling isolated because they are often not catered for by mainstream provision. Most of their peer network and social interaction is at school, so when the schools closed last year it had a huge impact.

“We recognised an opportunity to provide young people with the chance to utilise, develop and showcase their skills, allowing them to progress positively and enhance their experiences – people with SEND are often an unrecognised talent pool. Thanks to the funding from the Feeling Connected project, we have been able to collaborate with Kakou, a local organisation specialising in inclusive technologies and Chesterfield College’s Digital, Media and Graphics department, to deliver ‘Let’s Get Creative’, which is achieving just that.

“It’s been such a fantastic experience for the young people involved and what is clear is that participants are getting a huge level of satisfaction from this initiative. It is enabling each of the young people to create a bigger peer network and giving them the opportunity to interact with new people in different ways, which is proving extremely beneficial.

“Without the funding this project wouldn’t have been possible, so a huge thank you to DVA for all their support, as well as all the other partner organisations we’ve worked with who have supported us in delivering it.”

Delivery of the project also coincides with the Marmalade Trust’s Loneliness Awareness Week, which is taking place from 14 – 21 June. The week aims to get people talking about loneliness and reduce the stigma around it, accepting that is does exist but looking at ways to help.
A total of six organisations have benefitted from the support of the Feeling Connected Fund, including Ashgate Hospice, EMH Care and Support and St Thomas Church, Brampton.

The Feeling Connected project is a multi-agency Health and Wellbeing Partnership project, led by DVA.

DVA, which has created a network of more than 300 organisations with the aim of making the voluntary sector stronger and more joined up, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year after forming in 1991.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and DEBP support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ground-breaking role created at Chesterfield FC Community Trust

Mollie Ward is relishing her ground-breaking role as a young people’s physical activity link worker, based in the HUB at the Technique Stadium.

Mollie recently took on the newly-created post, which sees her working with young people aged 14 to 25 who face challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

The role has been created as a result of a partnership between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Derbyshire Voluntary Action, who have come together to create a brand new social prescribing service for young people in Chesterfield.

Connect to… @ The HUB harnesses Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s experience in running social prescribing services for older adults for the last eight years, with Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s expertise, experience and facilities in supporting health and wellbeing in the community.

Summing up her role, Mollie says: “My job is to provide a person-centred support service for young people, working with them to highlight their interests and strengths, address their challenges, and to help them make the connections they don’t feel able to make by themselves.

“The connections could be to a community-based advice or counselling service, or to something sporty, arty, creative or social. Alternatively, it could be to volunteering, or literacy support, or a combination of several of those things – all of which will give them a strong foundation, positive wellbeing, basic skills and reliable relationships.”

Her new role represents a homecoming for Mollie, who was born in Bolsover and went to Heritage School in Clowne and the sixth form at Brookfield School before gaining a degree in psychology and working in London.

She worked in mental health services during her time in the capital, helping people in supported housing following discharge from hospital.

“For complete independent living, the people I supported needed help with community reintegration and engaging in community activities because often they had complex mental health needs like psychosis, schizophrenia and personality disorders,” Mollie explains.

“My clients were people who had been very withdrawn from society and had had long stays in hospital, some lasting five to ten years.

“My experience in London transfers into this role because you’re talking person-centred care and that’s what this role is about, it’s working with a person holistically, so not just the things that are holding them back, but also the positives.”

Mollie is delighted to have been given the opportunity to take on this new challenge, saying: “I’m really honoured because it is such an exciting thing to be part of what feels like a grassroots project. We really are building this new service from the ground up.

“I’m excited to get started – to have some young people come through the door and be able to work with them and follow their stories.”

Mollie can be contacted by emailing mollie@dva.org.uk or on 07522 023571.

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Extra funding for Derbyshire community groups

An extra £50,000 is being allocated to groups in Derbyshire which are supporting local communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Derbyshire County Council is making the money available to local community groups via the Public Health Covid-19 fund which was set up in June 2020.From helping a Chesterfield cancer support group to hold online sessions and enabling a Ripley running group to lead Covid-secure runs, a total of 34 community groups are set to benefit from the latest round of grants which were agreed by the county’s cabinet member for health and communities Councillor Carol Hart on June 3.

Councillor Hart said: “The response to the pandemic has seen many organisations across Derbyshire working tirelessly to ensure the basic needs of the most vulnerable residents are met.

“The Covid-19 fund was set up to ensure that community and voluntary organisations had enough resource to carry on with their vital work.”

So far, £185,657 has been awarded to a diverse range of Derbyshire organisations including parents’ associations, ethnic minority groups, older people’s charities and churches.

Councillor Hart added: “This additional funding will enable more groups to carry out work within their local communities.

“We’ve already seen some amazing work being carried out including food parcels for vulnerable people, a community café being set up and support for students.”

The Public Health Covid-19 Fund was set up to support voluntary and community sector organisations to help manage and reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local communities. It also aims to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

Funding of up to a maximum value of £2,000 is available for constituted groups and £250 for non-constituted groups.

Applications must be linked to an existing Public Health programme, for example to support mental health and emotional wellbeing or to tackle social isolation. Find out more about the fund and how to apply on the Council’s website.

 

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Ashgate Hospicecare launches Forget-Me-Not Appeal

Ashgate Hospicecare has launched a new way for supporters to celebrate, mourn and remember their loved ones with its Forget-Me-Not Appeal.

As part of the appeal, which is sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, people can make a suggested donation of £25 for a custom made, beautifully crafted forget-me-not flower, to pay a lasting tribute to friends and family.

The striking purple flowers, each measuring 45cm in length, have been made by the Oswestry-based British Ironwork Centre.

The limited-edition flowers will form a display from 8th to 30th June, within the picturesque grounds of Chatsworth.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “The last year has been a difficult time for everyone. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of COVID is how it has kept people apart, particularly at times when people needed each other more than ever.

“It took away the opportunity for people to say their final goodbyes, to be by their bedside and to share in those sacred last moments. This is extremely difficult for those left behind, as they look for a way to process their experiences and navigate this new world of grief.

“That is why we are proud to be able to offer our community a meaningful way to remember their loved ones and to provide them with the time to reflect.

“A forget-me-not flower can be dedicated to anyone; they don’t need to have accessed the support and services of Ashgate Hospicecare.”

“The hospice allowed Julie to spend her final moments in peace.”

Steve Griffiths, 67, from Winster in the Peak District, will be dedicating a forget-me-not in memory of his wife, Julie, who experienced ‘exceptional’ care at Ashgate Hospicecare’s inpatient unit after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer.

Steve said: “The hospice allowed Julie to spend her final moments in peace. The last thing I’d want was for her to have an unpleasant death; she’d suffered enough already. Ashgate gave her a very calming and peaceful end to her life and I’m enormously grateful for this.

“That’s the marvellous thing about Ashgate – it takes the stress away so you can focus on creating those final memories together. The team are always there and make everything as easy as possible for you. Whatever we needed was there, whenever we needed it.

“In tribute to Julie, I’ve chosen to support Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal and dedicate a keepsake flower in memory of her. I know Julie would have loved to have walked through the stunning grounds at Chatsworth to see the meadow of flowers glistening in the sun.”

Visit the forget-me-not display at Chatsworth

Thousands of forget-me-nots will form a display at Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

The Duke of Devonshire and President of Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We are delighted to welcome the local community to Chatsworth to pause in a moment of reflection together.

“Undoubtedly, this has been an extremely challenging year, which makes this display ever more poignant, while raising much needed funds for our much-loved local hospice.

“Money raised from appeals such as this one, ensures the continuation of the exceptional care and services that Ashgate delivers to thousands of families across North Derbyshire.”

The suggested donation for a forget-me-not is £25 and money raised will be used to fund the hospice’s round-the-clock specialist end-of-life care.

To dedicate a flower, visit https://www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/forget-me-not/ or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Supporters will be able to collect their flower, or have them posted to them in July, once the public display is removed.

Ashgate Hospicecare and Chatsworth support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Date announced for Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk

Ashgate Hospicecare has announced that its much-loved Sparkle Night Walk will return later this year – in a safe, socially distanced way that will retain the fun and atmosphere the event is known for.

The popular fundraiser, which sees family and friends come together to help fund the hospice’s vital care by walking 10km through the streets of Chesterfield, set to take place on 25th September.

Previously, the event, sponsored by Vertu Toyota, has taken place in July, but the charity has pushed back the date this year in light of the ongoing roadmap out of lockdown.

Ashgate hopes the new September date will allow the hospice to hold a socially distanced event while ensuring the safety of its supporters, volunteers and the local community.

Staggered start times from Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium will help ensure participants enjoy the fun and vibrant atmosphere of the event in a safe way. Walkers will be waved off from the start line every 15 minutes from 8pm.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open registrations for the return of our annual Sparkle Night Walk in September.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time. It’s been a long time since we have all been together and that is why this event will feel even more special.

“While we are hopeful that the event will take place, we will of course closely monitor the COVID situation over the coming months.

“It is our priority to keep our wonderful walkers safe whilst ensuring there is the very best chance of the event going ahead.

“Our fundraising team will be sure to keep everyone updated should there be any further changes to our plans.

“We hope to welcome you all back for the much-anticipated return of our Sparkle Night Walk in September!”

Like last year, a virtual option will also be offered, for those who would prefer to choose their own route and complete it separately.

Ashgate is encouraging their local community to sign-up to the Sparkle Night Walk and help raise much needed money to fund the specialist end-of-life care they provide.

To date, the charity is reporting losses of more than £3 million from its usual income streams during the pandemic, due to the cancellation of fundraising events and repeated closure of its shops. The hospice is grateful to its generous supporters who have rallied together to fundraise and support its recent crisis appeal campaigns in an effort to overcome the losses.

This year’s event has been kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota. Participants are encouraged to sign up before June 14th and get early bird entry for just £10.

To find out more about Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register, click here.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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