Countryside, the developer of Beaulieu in Chelmsford is taking part in Havens Hospices’ ‘30 in 30’ campaign which challenges people to walk, run or cycle 30 miles across 30 days until 31st August 2020. The charity has chosen 30 miles because that is the average distance one of its Fair Havens Hospice at Home nurses will travel in a day to care for patients and families in the community.

With June just around the corner, why not challenge work colleagues to take part in the virtual event over the 30 days in June?

Havens Hospices, which provides specialist palliative nursing and supportive care to adults, and children across Essex, hopes that businesses will embrace the benefits of taking part in its virtual event which can help keep their employees fit and socially active during the current pandemic, whilst also raising vital funds for a good cause.

Andrew Carrington, Managing Director, Strategic Land, Countryside, said, “Countryside together with L&Q, have sponsored Pedal for The J’s for the last six years. Our staff together with Beaulieu residents have always enjoyed taking part in the event and whilst disappointed it couldn’t take place this year, we are delighted to have the ‘30 in 30 Challenge’ in its place.

“Now more than ever it is important for us to try and incorporate exercise into our daily lives if we can, to help keep us both physically and mentally fit. I am encouraged by how many of our staff have signed up to take part in this event to help raise much needed funds for The J’s Hospice and Havens Hospices charity.

“I would encourage other companies and their staff to get involved.  Havens Hospices need our support more than ever to enable them to continue with the vital care and services they provide to our community”.

Emma Hamilton, Voluntary Income Area Team Leader says, “Thank you so much to everyone who has joined the campaign so far to help raise vital funds for the charity.

“Havens Hospices’ income has taken a major hit after having to postpone and cancel the majority of our fundraising events so ‘30 in 30’ is a great way to raise vital funds for the charity either within the comfort of your home or when you are out exercising.

“We feel that ‘30 in 30’ is a great campaign to bring our fantastic business community together – without them our essential hospice care would not exist.”

“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.

“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.”

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.

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

Havens Hospices care remains free thanks to kind donations from supporters and an interim grant from the government via Hospice UK.