A heartwarming festive market in Farnham has generated a significant boost for local hospice care, raising an impressive £9,501.74 for the charity Phyllis Tuckwell.
Festive Cheer for a Vital Cause
The successful event was held at St Thomas on the Bourne Church in Farnham, transforming the venue into a hub of seasonal generosity. Organisers presented the substantial cheque to Sam West, the Community Fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell. The market was a classic festive affair, featuring a delightful array of stalls where visitors could browse and buy homemade delicacies, boutique clothes, handbags, festive decorations, and delightful crafts.
Boosting the Total Through Games and Auctions
Beyond the stalls, the fundraising total was given a considerable lift by a popular tombola, raffle, and a silent auction. The event also supported the church itself, with a portion of the proceeds going towards its stained-glass window fund. This dual-purpose approach highlights the community spirit at the heart of the occasion.
Sam West expressed profound gratitude for the donation, stating: "We would like to thank the organisers of this wonderful Christmas market for this very generous donation. It was so kind of them to choose to support Phyllis Tuckwell through this festive event, and help us to continue providing our specialist care for those in our community who really need our help."
Why This Donation Matters So Much
Contributions like this are absolutely vital to the hospice's operation. Phyllis Tuckwell provides palliative and end-of-life care for patients and families in the community facing advanced or terminal illnesses, such as cancer. Every single day, the charity supports more than 250 patients, relatives, and carers.
This support encompasses a wide range of services including:
- Medical and nursing care
- Therapies and counselling
- Social work advice
- Practical support for families
However, the scale of the challenge is immense. With the NHS and Government funding covering only around 25% of its costs, Phyllis Tuckwell faces the daunting task of raising over £25,000 every single day to maintain its crucial services. This makes community-led fundraising events, like the Farnham Christmas market, indispensable to its survival.
For those inspired by this story and wishing to support Phyllis Tuckwell's work, further information on fundraising and upcoming events can be found on the charity's official website.
