After almost two years of fundraising by thousands of supporters, the appeal to build a new adult hospice for south east Essex has reached its target.
The ‘Fair Havens for Life’ campaign launched in May 2018 to raise the remaining £2.5 million of the £17.2 million project, creating a modern, purpose-built hospice in Prittlewell, overlooking Priory Park.
Following a flurry of gifts over Christmas and some larger donations from trusts and grants, marathon runners and fundraising groups, the charity has hit its target, just weeks ahead of moving into the new hospice.
Over the past 20 months, thousands of local people have either donated directly to the appeal or arranged fundraising events of their own including skydives, treks, concerts, collections, balls, toy sales and parties – with each one making their own contribution towards ‘Making every day count’ at their new adult hospice.
Havens Hospices Community Fundraiser Sally Bridger has supported many of these people with their fundraising activity, attending talks and presentations to spread the word about the importance of the new Fair Havens for the local area. She says, “On behalf of everyone at the charity, we’ve been bowled over by the support that so many local people have shown us since we launched our appeal.
“Whether they donated £1 as part of our ‘Power of a Pound’ appeal or gave us hundreds of pounds through a fundraising event they organised, every single penny has helped us to create a new adult hospice will which care for thousands of patients and families for years to come.”
The focus now moves onto building following this swell of support, ensuring the new hospice has the funds and resources it needs to continue caring for years to come.
In March, the charity is holding two weeks of tours to show supporters their new local hospice.
The tours, which will last around 30 minutes, are taking place between 2nd-15th March and must be booked in advance. This can be done by clicking here or calling 01702 220 305
Attendees will have the opportunity to look around the extended Day Hospice, In Patient Unit and therapy rooms including physiotherapy gym and complementary therapy areas. They can also talk with members of our fundraising, care and volunteer teams.
Sally continues, “Five years after securing planning permission, we are so proud to be opening our new hospice to the local community. Many of us will have known or will know someone who could benefit from hospice care at some point in our lives, so Fair Havens is an important asset to Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.
“The opportunities to fully look around the hospice will be limited once we are inspected by the Care Quality Commission and start admitting patients to the In Patient Unit, so this is a really unique occasion to be one of the first people to take a tour around the building.”
There will be the chance to find out more about the numerous volunteering vacancies available at the new hospice, within the care floor, gardening, catering and administration.
The charity is also launching its limited-edition ‘keepsake flower’ garden ornament. Only 1,000 are being made by British Steelworks at a cost of £20 each, with all proceeds going towards the costs of the new hospice. There are more details on these by clicking here.
The new Fair Havens will be able to care for twice as many patients in a bright, modern hospice caring for adults at every stage of their illness. Positioned opposite Priory Park, patients and their families will be cared for in a relaxing, friendly and welcoming environment.
The care of Fair Havens Hospice will continue to be free for patients and families – but this can only happen with the continued support of local supporters.
To find out more about the tours, please click here or call 01702 220 305.
For information on volunteering roles please click here.
