Havens Hospices has launched its ‘30 in 30’ campaign which will run until 31st August 2020. It’s challenging people to walk, run or cycle 30 miles across 30 days during this time. The charity has chosen 30 miles because that’s the average distance one of its Hospice at Home nurses will travel in a day to care for patients and families in the community.
Joining the virtual campaign is free, but the charity is asking participants to fundraise as much as possible so Havens Hospices can continue ‘Making every day count’ for everyone they care for. If challengers raise £30 they will receive a medal, plus a t-shirt if they raise £150 or more.
This is a challenge for everyone to take part in and doesn’t have to be physical. It can be any challenge based around the number 30 or even the number 3.
Oliver Spicer, 12, from Leigh is taking part in his own challenge, running 3K every day in May in aid of Little Havens Hospice.
Oliver has so far completed his first few days of running his ‘3K a day in May’ challenge and has raised nearly £500 – way over his original target of £150.
His mother Katie said, “We are extremely proud of Oliver – his challenge is going so well, and he has been overwhelmed by the amount he has raised so far. He was inspired by the money Captain Tom Moore raised for the NHS recently and wanted to raise money for a local charity. The challenge will end on the last day of May and we are hoping to set up a little finish line for him in the street and get some neighbours cheer him on from their doors.
“We have received messages from friends who have donated to say that Oliver’s challenge has inspired them to go out and run 3K, so that’s great!”
Oliver said, “I wanted to do something to help charities that may have missed out on funds due to other events being cancelled at this time such as the London Marathon. I’m really pleased with the money I have raised so far as my original target was only £150.”
Emma Hamilton, Voluntary Income Area Team Leader and event organiser said, “Havens Hospices’ income has taken a major hit after having to postpone and cancel the majority of our fundraising events so we’ve had to come up with other fun ways to raise vital funds for our essential hospice care.
“While a lot of people may feel their lives have been put on hold, palliative nursing and hospice care has not stopped and we must continue to be there for those at the end of their lives.
“We feel that ‘30 in 30’ is a great campaign to bring our fantastic community together – without them our essential hospice care would not exist.
“Everyone who signs up can get creative and take part in whatever way they want. There is no challenge too great or small so whatever you do just remember to have fun, stay safe by following social distancing guidelines, and share your experience with the online community – we may be apart from each other but we are still together continuing ‘Making every day count’ for adults, children and families across Essex in our care.”
The demand for the charity’s care is growing, just as their income is decreasing. Fair Havens and Little Havens remain open, having adapted how they operate in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Fair Havens has made all 16 beds within its hospice available – despite only opening at the beginning of March – to help alleviate pressure within the local NHS. Little Havens is caring for children with complex medical or social needs being discharged from hospital and providing end of life care.
If you have decided what challenge you would like to complete for this campaign, sign up
- Visit 30in30.havenshospices.org.uk
- Personalise your JustGiving fundraising page
- If you have Strava, connect your account to your JustGiving page to show your progress
- Share your JustGiving page with your family and friends asking them to sponsor you
If you would like to support Oliver’s fundraising efforts with a donation, visit his JustGiving page here.
