‘Orange Week’ takes place from 7th to 14th July and hospice staff are urging everyone in the community to get involved, have fun and help spread the word about the care they offer.

From cake sales and car washes to information stands across the community, staff and volunteers will be going orange to help raise awareness and funds.

Emma Hodges, Chief Executive Officer at St Giles Hospice, said: “Thanks to our amazing supporters we’ve come an incredibly long way since 1983 and we want to use Orange Week to say a big thank you to everyone who’s been a part of that.

“We’re now one year into our new brand and five-year strategy which aims to build on our successes and help people better understand hospice care.

“We want to show our community that we’re much more than just a building. Eighty per cent of our care is delivered out in the community but many people are still unaware of this.”

St Giles supports over 7,000 people each year who are facing the challenge of a potentially terminal illness in Lichfield, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall, Burton and surrounding areas. But the hospice believes there are more than 1,000 extra people in the local community who could benefit from St Giles support.

“People can hold hospices at arm’s length and we hear comments like ‘I’m not ready for a hospice yet,’ but early support, even if it is just after diagnosis, can make a big difference,” added Emma.

“Orange Week is a great opportunity to get people talking about the work we do and help us reach those who need us. We know that it takes a community to make a hospice and this is a fantastic way for our local community to get involved, raise awareness and help us raise the funds we need to continue our care.

“We have a range of orange fundraising ideas that people can adapt and we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to get involved.”

Orange Week will end with a 35th birthday celebration at the St Giles Summer Fairs being held at the Whittington and Walsall Hospices on Saturday 14th July.

For more information or to register for your free Orange Week fundraising pack visit: www.stgileshospice.com/orangeweek or call 01543 432538.