Isabel Hospice’s Together at Christmas campaign has raised an incredible £258,000 to support vital palliative care services across eastern Hertfordshire.
Over the festive period, the local community came together in a remarkable show of generosity, supporting 12 events and initiatives that made this achievement possible. These included the return of the Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling Service, Christmas at the Manor, Carols in the Chapel, Lights of Love, Rudolph Run, 12 Days of Christmas Care, Move Donate Nominate, the Winter Wishes Raffle, Corporate Stars, Gifts for Good appeal, The Big Give and Christmas Jumper Day.
The Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling Service alone raised more than £26,000. Over 70 volunteers helped distribute leaflets and collect and recycle more than 1,200 trees across eastern Hertfordshire.
Isabel Hospice President, Barbara Doherty MBE and her Special Events Committee hosted both Christmas at the Manor and Carols in the Chapel, welcoming more than 150 attendees to each event and raising much-needed funds for the hospice.
Lights of Love services were held in Buntingford, Bishop’s Stortford, Cheshunt, Sawbridgeworth and Welwyn Garden City. These heartfelt ceremonies gave people the opportunity to remember loved ones, with more than 750 messages shared in the Lights of Love Book of Dedications.
The popular Rudolph Run returned, giving local schools the chance to take part in a festive-themed fun run. In addition, a new initiative invited the community to raise £8,064, the equivalent of “12 Days of Christmas Care.” Supporters went above and beyond, raising more than £23,000. Cheryl Cusack, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Thank you to everyone who fundraised for Isabel Hospice this Christmas. Your generosity helps us continue providing specialist care, comfort and support to patients and families when it matters most.”
Local businesses also got involved by becoming Corporate Stars, displaying Isabel Hospice Christmas decorations and taking part in Christmas Jumper Day in exchange for donations.
The Gifts for Good appeal, combined with The Big Give, raised more than £63,000 to help fund the vital care patients and families received over the Christmas period.
Katy O’Sullivan, Head of Fundraising, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful community and dedicated volunteers who, as always, came together so generously during the festive season. Thanks to their support, we’re delighted to have raised an incredible £258,000! A truly significant contribution that will make a lasting difference in helping the hospice care for local people and their families facing life-limiting illnesses.”
