Spring Forward With St Barnabas Hospice

The weather might not yet feel like it, but spring will soon be here, and there’s no stopping the St Barnabas Hospice fundraising team, which has a range of exciting activities planned for supporters of all ages!

The Hospice invites supporters to ‘Spring Forward’ with them to help raise money for vital patient care around the county, with activities ranging from sporting events and daredevil challenges to coffee mornings, pub quizzes and a not-to-be-missed concert at Lincoln Cathedral.

Sports and activities

St Barnabas encourages supporters to lace up their running shoes and participate in the City of Lincoln 10k on 16th April. With a route that goes past Lincoln’s most beautiful landmarks and huge crowds to cheer you on, it’s a must-do for any running enthusiast. If cycling is more your speed, the famous Castle 2 Coast 2 Castle (C2C2C) charity cycle ride will be back on 29th June. The route offers spectacular views of Lincolnshire’s countryside as you make your way through a 100-mile or 200-km route in support of St Barnabas. This untimed challenge is open to all, with participants choosing whether to ride all of it or take part in the relay.

Or if a set activity doesn’t suit you, the fundraising team would be delighted to help you choose your own challenge in support of the Hospice.

In the summer of 2020, Sarah Poucher took on the charity’s On Yer Bike cycling challenge with her three children, Mollie, Thomas and Bethan, to raise money for the Hospice which had given end-of-life care for her father, Colin. At the time, Mollie was ten years old, Thomas eight years old, and Bethan four years old – the latter sat on the back of her mum’s bike and enjoyed the sights.

Sarah said: “We set a goal of 100 kilometres, which seemed like a massive target, but we broke it down into six cycle rides. I’m not a big fan of cycling or exercise, so those who know me knew it would be a challenge!

“The children thought it was fantastic, and I really enjoyed spending time together as a family. We wanted to raise £250, and actually raised £620; we were really pleased with that. It was great being active and exploring the countryside in the sunshine.

“If you’re considering taking on a challenge this spring, you should definitely do it. You’ll feel great afterwards, and the difference it can make to someone in need of St Barnabas Hospice’s support is phenomenal, as well as the comfort it gives that person’s family.”

Calling all daredevils

If you are a thrill seeker, how does walking over red-hot embers sound to you? The Hospice’s latest Fire Walk will be held on 18th March in Grantham, with a brand new LEGO Walk also available on the same day for supporters from the age of 5.

Both events are a great way to challenge yourself and raise money for the Hospice, and they also make for a fantastic teambuilding exercise for your workplace or school.

Other ways to support the Hospice

Not everyone is a daredevil or sporting enthusiast, and St Barnabas has plenty of great fundraising ideas for those who prefer to take it easy.

The charity’s 25 shops around Lincolnshire are always fully stocked with high-quality items, including clothing, shoes, homeware, books, and much more. By shopping, you can support the Hospice while picking up fantastic bargains. And if you’re feeling lucky, scratch cards with prizes up to £1,000 can be purchased in-store or online as well. On 4th March, the world-famous Morriston Orpheus Choir will return to Lincoln Cathedral for the fourth time in support of the Hospice. This concert is not to be missed by music lovers, as the outstanding 80-strong Welsh male voice choir performs in the historical setting. St Barnabas expects this to be a sell-out as per the previous Choir concerts, so make sure to purchase tickets quickly by visiting https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/morriston-choir/.

Two popular St Barnabas fundraisers launched last year – Care for a Cuppa and Pub Quiz. These were more for those who love socialising over a drink – whether that’s a cup of coffee, tea, or something a bit stronger! When you sign up for either of these fundraisers, you receive a pack in the post that helps you host the best possible coffee morning or pub quiz. You can host these flexible and fun events on a day and time of your choosing in your own home, workplace, community centre, club or, of course, down your local.

Gardening enthusiasts can open their gardens, however small or large, to family, friends, or the local community for everyone to enjoy and get out in the fresh air, relax and take in the beauty around them.

Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery, said: “We support over 12,000 Lincolnshire people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness annually, and we need to raise over £6.5 million each year to continue providing this care. It’s a big target, and every pound raised really makes a difference.

“We appreciate everyone’s donations, whether that be through an event or fundraiser, by shopping with us, playing our lottery, purchasing scratch cards or volunteering your time. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the local community, and we thank everyone who will ‘Spring Forward’ with us.”