Highview Group’s relationship with Havens Hospices began around eight years ago at the Countywide Business Awards, where the company met one of the charity’s Corporate Fundraisers. After hearing first-hand about the care Little Havens provides to children, young people and their families across the local community, Highview’s Chairman, Terry Lake, made an immediate donation of £10,000 – the start of a partnership that has flourished ever since. 

The company has stood by the charity through difficult economic times. At Havens Hospices’ Gala Ball in summer 2022, Highview heard how the pandemic and rising energy costs were affecting the charity’s finances and responded straight away with a donation of £15,000. The following year, at the May 2023 Gala Ball, the company stepped up again, offering £10,000 towards funding a nurse and pledging a regular monthly donation of £1,000. 

Terry Lake, Chairman of Highview Group, said: “We wanted to make a donation that we know would have an impact on helping the hospice to ease the ever-increasing utility bills. With the cost of living rising and the need for so many facilities that Havens Hospices provides, which rely on the use of electricity, it was clear to us that contributing this way would be extremely helpful at this time.” 

Highview’s support goes far beyond financial gifts. Each year the company holds workplace fundraisers and attends the charity’s annual Gala Ball, where it has been headline sponsor for the past three years. Staff regularly donate prizes for Havens Hospices events and take part in – and have sponsored – the charity’s corporate golf days. In 2022, the company also helped replace the roof of the summer house in the gardens at Little Havens, a favourite spot for families using the hospice. 

Mr Lake added: “Havens Hospices has become incredibly close to our hearts over the years, and just seeing how they support those that really need it at all ages just blows us away. It’s clear there is a huge emphasis on ensuring all those that need the facilities have the ability to still enjoy all of the ‘normal’ things in life. Being at the hospice doesn’t take away dignity, fun or independence – it provides an environment that gives it back. How could we not fall in love with such a great charity?” 

Highview also threw its support behind Havens Hospices’ Waddle-on-Sea art trail in 2025, getting staff involved and hosting an end-of-trail celebration at a local restaurant near where the company’s sponsored sculpture, Storms Pass, was displayed. Highview went on to purchase the penguin, which now stands proudly in the company’s office as a lasting reminder of its involvement in the trail. 

From that first £10,000 gift to £179,100 raised and counting, Highview Group has become part of the Havens Hospices family. 

Wendy Hogarth, Philanthropy Manager at Havens Hospices, said: “Highview’s support over the past eight years has been truly remarkable. From helping us through the cost of living crisis to funding nursing care, and getting stuck into everything from our golf days to the Waddle-on-Sea art trail, they have become so much more than a corporate supporter – they are part of the Havens Hospices family. Their generosity makes a real and lasting difference to the children, adults and families in our care, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do.” 

To find out more about Havens Hospices and how more companies can support the charity, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/corporate