The first great news for the specialist palliative care provider came from Anne Smedley, who lives just down the road from the hospice. A regular fundraiser, the 79-year-old was delighted to present £5,000 to the charity.
The money, all raised through car boot sales, brings Anne's total contributions to more than £65,000 in the last decade. With banner printing perhaps in order for her efforts, Anne is not looking at giving up her efforts anytime soon.
Talking to local press, the 'Car Boot Queen' said:
“I will be 80-years-old on January 22 and I always joke that I will retire when I’ve raised £100,000 for the hospice.”
Other cash received by the charity came from Brampton Brewery. Completing a charity bike ride from the Chesterfield FC's Proact Stadium to Carrow Road in Norwich, its staff raised an impressive £3,000.
A further £2,000 was also presented to the hospice by Barnsley Building Society (BBS), part of the Yorkshire Building Society, which put on a number of raffles and sales. The manager of BBS, Carole Clark explained:
“Ashgate Hospice is a cause close to many of our colleagues and members’ hearts so we’ve put a lot of effort in as a branch to raise money for new equipment.”
The hospice provides essential care for adults and families from its premises and across north Derbyshire.