Supporters get messy at Hospice’s most colourful event!

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The atmosphere was electric on Sunday 19th April as Weston Colour Run returned to the sands for its second year in a bid to raise £55,000 for the local Hospice.

 

Children and adults arrived in bright whites ready to be covered from top to toe by volunteer paint throwers. The event – which began at 2pm sharp – saw participants swarm Uphill Beach on a 5k route which lead them down to the pier and back again.

 

Entertainment was provided at the starting line where runners were persuaded by an MC to warm up as they listened to music. A mass paint throw marked the beginning of the run which saw everyone engulfed in magnificent rainbow clouds.

 

The party vibes carried on all the way down the course as the plucky participants were greeted by the Heart Angels – a cheering squad provided by Heart FM – at the half way point.

 

Face painting and merchandise stalls were available to make sure that everyone looked as colourful as possible. Many runners turned up in whacky fancy dress including Nicki Farry, 28, and friends who impressed the crowds by running the full 5k in wedding dresses.

 

Event organiser Claire Dibben commented on the success of Weston Colour Run 2015: “We’re so pleased with how the day went. These events are so important to Weston Hospicecare – not only does it bring our loyal supporters together for a huge party but the amount of fundraising and sponsorship that takes place is astonishing.

 

The price of ticket entry only covers event costs and so it’s really important to us that everybody gets their friends and family to sponsor their awesome efforts in the run. We’re so proud of everybody who takes part and we can’t wait to see you all again next year!”

 

Supporters of Weston Hospicecare came from far and wide to take part in the sunny event. Locals travelled from their doorsteps whilst others made the journey from further south.

 

Dawn Smith, 62,came from Newbury in Berkshire to be a part of the action: “When I found out that my son and his friends would be taking part I jumped at the chance get involved. Today has been brilliant and I’ll definitely be doing it again– who knows maybe I’ll be the one challenging my son next year!”

 

Weston Hospicecare is still gratefully accepting donations for Weston Colour Run. If you’d like to donate simply text WHCR15 £5 to 70070, or visit the website to find out other ways of fundraising for your local Hospice.

 

“Brilliant volunteering experience” for Sidcot student

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When Jordan Chave, 16, of Blagdon, began his six months of volunteering to gain his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award he “feared a tedious experience” but found himself pleasantly surprised.

 

The Sidcot School student chose to volunteer at his local Weston Hospicecare shop, which is located on Woodborough Rd in Winscombe.

 

Jordan comments: “I needed somewhere reasonably close by and the ladies in the shop were kind and welcoming to my request for volunteering work.”

 

Jordan is no stranger to charity work as his grandfather has been an active fundraiser for the last 25 years, working hard to raise money for Hospices in the local area.

 

Retail volunteering roles are varied at Weston Hospicecare. Volunteers can choose their pick of daily tasks which include window or display dressing on the shop floor, sorting donations in the back office and working on the till which offers a more customer-facing experience.

 

It seems that Jordan may follow in his family’s footsteps: “Volunteering made me feel I was contributing and helping people, especially those I don’t know. I would definitely consider volunteering in the future after my exams are over.

 

“I enjoyed working with the people at the shop and gained much experience which I know will be a great addition to my CV. I would be pleased to return to Weston Hospicecare, perhaps next year when I’ll be working towards my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award!”

 

If you are interested in volunteering for Weston Hospicecare, visit our website or call the team today on .

New approach to improving end of life care and bereavement support

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Weston and the surrounding area have been selected by the National Council for Palliative Care and Public Health England as one of eight Pathfinders across England to pioneer a public health approach to end of life care.

 

The Compassionate Community Charter was launched at Weston Hospicecare on Tuesday 31st March 2015.

 

The charter aims to help the local community to work together to improve their response to people who are dying and those who have been bereaved.

 

The event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Weston-super-Mare and opened by John Penrose, who all expressed their support for the Compassionate Community Charter and public health approaches to end of life care.

 

The launch also featured presentations by Dr Julian Abel, Medical Director at the Hospice, and Andrew Grey from the National Council for Palliative Care.

 

At the Charter launch several local organisations have committed to working together, including North Somerset Council, North Somerset Community Partnership, Alliance, Crossroads Care and the Multicultural Friendship Association.

 

The Charter also recognises the importance of involving local communities in improving end of life care, stating: “Care for one another at times of crisis and loss is not simply a task for health and social care services but is everybody’s responsibility.”

 

The launch of the Compassionate Community Charter presents an exciting opportunity to build on successful projects and to explore new initiatives to help improve end of life care and bereavement support.

 

John Bailey, Director of Patient Services at Weston Hospicecare said: “The Compassionate Community Charter provides a real opportunity to ensure that death and dying are no longer seen as simply medical events that need professional services, but as life events that happen to all of us.”

 

“The launching of the Charter demonstrates commitment from local organisations and the whole community to provide support that dying people and their loved ones need at one of the most significant stages of life.”

Local artist to raise money for Hospice

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A former member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen will be hosting an art exhibition in Blagdon, to celebrate her 90th birthday.

 

Local artist Betty Silburn of Blagdon has decided to celebrate her upcoming birthday by holding an exhibition and sale of her popular screen-prints and etchings. As well as raising her profile in the local area, Betty will also be donating all of the proceeds to Weston Hospicecare.

 

Widowed at the age of 42, and with two children to look after, Betty trained as an art teacher and quickly earned a reputation for the quality of her work as she took part in exhibitions across the country.

 

For 25 years Betty focused on screen-printing and etching at the West of England Art College in Bristol. Betty is a former member of both the Bath and Bristol Societies of Artists and of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.

 

Betty quipped: “I do hope people will support this venture, not only to raise money for such a worthy cause but to help me in my quest to get my affairs in good order!”

 

The exhibition and sale will take place at St. Andrew’s Church, Blagdon, from May 23rd – 25th at 10.30am 5.30pm. Prices will range from £10 – £25 with all proceeds going to Weston Hospicecare.