2011 has been a year of celebration at Princess Alice Hospice, as the year comes to an end so does the 25th anniversary celebrations that have included a special service at Guildford Cathedral, a celebrity golf day and a party for 950 guests that have raised over £50,000 and most importantly has seen the recognition of those that make all the work of the Hospice possible.
2011 has seen the nomination for and selection of the Hospice’s CHAMPIONS, this exclusive group is made up of volunteers and fundraisers who have been recognized and nominated by their peers for going above and beyond the norm.
Some have given several decades of service to the Hospice, others have been involved for only a short period of time, but as an individual has generated over £16,000, and some have jumped into an important role at short notice due to the passing away of supporters and activity leaders. The Champions are from all aspects of the Hospice from care services - such as the Day Hospice or bereavement support- to events support, fundraising and retail.
They have all helped in different ways; however, they all have in common their desire to support their local Hospice and to help make a difference to the lives of patients and their loved ones. Perhaps 2012 will be the year you become a Princess Alice Hospice Champion, so why not make your 2011 New Tear’s resolution and support an important local cause. Every one of the 1,400 people who volunteer for the Hospice are greatly appreciated and valued, so why not join the team and make a difference.
The inaugural group of Princess Alice Champions are:
Andrew Coni, Fetcham has been involved for over 10 years as a member of the chaplaincy and bereavement teams and has worked as a reception volunteer for the same period.
Jane Mitchell, Epsom has been a vital and important volunteer at the Day Hospice for 20 years and for the same period of time has been a committed Bereavement service team member.
Vivianne Pallister, New Malden, has been involved with her local charity shop for three and a half years and is a dedicated volunteer. Her original duties of two afternoons a week quickly become three full days as she took a lead on selling lottery tickets, signing supporters up to Gift Aid.
Karen Bone and Mark Holland, West Molesey, volunteered at over 90% of Hospice events this year. Acting as team leaders, they encouraged family and friends to support the cause. Karen and Mark were instrumental in the Midnight Walk Working Group, helping to secure key components of the event and also raised over £1,000.
Chelsea Parsons, Bournemouth formally Staines, is a champion fundraiser for 2011 and by enlisting family and friends has generated over £16,000 in memory of her mother. Chelsea played an important role in the promotion of the charity to a younger demographic of supporters that saw her host a successful music festival.
Susan Taylor, Whiteley, has been a reliable and valued hospitality volunteer in Day Hospice for a number of years, and is always willing to cover more than her regular duties, often at short notice. Susan is a bereavement counsellor for Princess Alice Hospice and she also keeps in touch with 5 ex Day Hospice patients by writing them a weekly letter which is most appreciated by them. For those people living alone, it brings a little joy into their lives.
Linda Park, Thames Ditton, gives reliable and valued support to the Day Hospice. Linda was part of the team that decided to run a Day Hospice stall for the summer fete. This activity not only created funds for the hospice but engaged the patients in the event. The other significant contribution that Linda has made this year is in relation to her musical talents. When a highly valued supporter and former trustee realised that she would no longer be able to continue with the valuable work of organising concerts for the Day Hospice patients, without hesitation, Linda responded to the request for someone to take on this role.
Jean Deane, Cobham, Previously worked at Hospice for over 25 years as the longest serving member of staff, upon retirement she became a valued Friend of the Hospice and for several years has been a valued member of the Epsom committee. Her nomination follows her excellent management of five important music concerts at short notice due to the passing away of the former organizer.
Bridget Chawner, Epsom has been involved with the charity for 26 years, as a past chair of the Friends Committees she has had a huge impact on raising funds and also the profile of the charity throughout the community.
