Live music raises charity cash

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Fundraiser Kirsty Moore, 26 from Weston-super-Mare, will host – a live music event – on Saturday 23rd May to raise funds for Weston Hospicecare.

Kirsty has first hand experience of the charity as her mum, Lisa Osborne, 48, is currently a patient at the Uphill-based charity. Lisa attends their Day Hospice sessions each week as part of the free care the Hospice provides to her and the family.

Kirsty said of her mother’s illness: “Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2006. After having a mastectomy and chemo treatment we were given the all clear, but in May 2014 we received the shocking news that mum’s cancer had returned. This time it had spread to her lung and bones which meant it had become terminal. We want to make every moment count with mum as we are unsure of how long we have left with her.”

With such close links, Kirsty knows how vital it is that people make donations to the local charity and is putting on the concert so she can support the organisation that has been caring for her family since 2014.

“We have been so grateful for the Hospice; the nurses there and the support they have given to us. It’s an incredibly difficult time and to have such a calm and reassuring influence in your life at a time like that is invaluable. Of course, it does cost money to provide the free care so we wanted to put our experience and musical links to good use and put on a concert to raise cash.”

The event will be held at Hornets Rugby Club, where Kirsty’s brother Jack Osborne plays for the youth COLTS team, from 6pm till late on 23rd May.

Local band The Six Machine will headline with support from Des Henly’s Singers & Strummers. Gig goers will also be able to win top prizes in the raffle and bid for exclusive items in an auction to raise even more funds for Hospicecare. Refreshments will be available all night as well.

“We have had fantastic interest already. Our Facebook page has notched up 100 likes in just a week so we’re really positive that the evening will be a huge success. For many it’s an added bonus that they will be supporting such a worthwhile cause whilst having a great night out.”

Tickets are now on sale at the Hornets Rugby club, Weston Hospicecare in Uphill and by emailing

Anthony is Mendip fundraising hero

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A Somerset man has raised over £6,000 in 6 years for Weston Hospicecare by taking part in the Mendip Challenge.

 

Anthony Kenney-Herbert, 62, of Hewish, first signed up to the Hospice event in 2009.

 

“The first walk that I did was very much for me,” explains Anthony. “I was looking for a personal challenge, and it wasn’t until afterwards that I sat down and really read about Weston Hospicecare and the great service that they deliver to local people. It was then that I decided I’d definitely be returning to the Mendips the following year.”

 

Each year Anthony has taken part his attitude to fundraising and asking for sponsorship has changed. “It can be quite hard asking your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you, so I started changing my tactics slightly. One year I decided to ask more people for smaller amounts, and in 2010 I even took on the whole 30 miles of the Mendip Challenge wearing a colander on my head. A lot of people doubled their sponsorship to make sure I did this!”

 

The Mendip Challenge – which is available to walk in three different routes – is marshalled by Hospice staff and volunteers. “They are all so smiley,” praises Anthony. “Everybody is just so happy, and I find it inspiring how the organisers have improved the professionalism of the event each year – yet managed to keep the special, friendly Hospice touch.”

 

The walk is accessible to everyone, and people of all ages and abilities are encouraged to sign up. “It’s great fun challenging myself, but I love watching other families join in. It’s a very informal walk – there are more children, more families, more dogs, it’s fabulous!”

 

In the years that Anthony has not been able to participate in the Mendip Challenge, he has made a personal donation to the charity. His total amount raised of £6,000 could fund the entire In-patient Unit for two days.

 

Anthony commented: “Weston Hospice care is a truly brilliant local organisation. I feel very strongly about people being able to die with dignity, and this is just one of the gifts that Weston Hospicecare offers.”

 

If you would like to take part in the Mendip Challenge on Sunday 31st May 2015, and help raise vital funds for local people living with life-limiting illnesses, contact the team today on or register online at www.mendipchallenge.org.uk