A Newark hospice has celebrated a remarkable fundraising success, collecting more than £13,500 in just one week during a special Christmas campaign where all gifts were doubled.
Matched Funding Drives Christmas Campaign Success
Beaumond House Hospice Care launched its 'Give the Gift of Hospice Care This Christmas' appeal as part of The Big Give's Christmas Challenge. For seven days, from Tuesday, December 2, to Tuesday, December 9, every donation made to the charity was matched pound for pound.
The hospice set an ambitious target of £12,300 but the generosity of its supporters, amplified by five local businesses providing match funding, saw the final total reach an impressive £13,588.
The vital match funding was provided by: Norwood Park Golf Club, Abbott & Co, Southwell & District Lions, Field Dog Fairs, and The Reed Foundation. The campaign also received support from Alasdair Morrison & Mundys.
Funds to Support Specialist End-of-Life Care
The money raised will directly fund the specialist palliative and end-of-life care provided by Beaumond House to patients and their families across the Newark and Sherwood area. This care is not fully funded by the NHS, making community fundraising essential.
Andrea Ward, Individual Giving Fundraising Manager at Beaumond House, expressed profound gratitude. "Our supporters never fail to amaze us with their generosity," she said. "We are so grateful for their donations during the Christmas Challenge, which have allowed us to exceed our target."
She highlighted the critical need for such funds, explaining: "It costs us £2.8m a year to run our service, and £2.2m of this has to be raised through donations, our shops and support from local businesses. It's because of this that we're able to continue making a real difference to our patients when every moment matters."
A Family's Story: The Human Impact of Hospice Care
The fundraising effort underscores the tangible difference the hospice makes. One patient who recently received its care was Sue, a former care assistant at Beaumond House, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2024.
Sue chose to receive in-patient care at the hospice, where she enjoyed massages, personal care, meditation, and music until she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
In a heartfelt tribute, her family shared: "Sue was caring, loving and always willing to help those closest to her. From the minute she arrived at the hospice, everything felt peaceful and welcoming... She was more at peace and happy from the minute she arrived until her final breaths were taken."
They added, "The support of Beaumond House made Sue's passing so much easier for her and for us, as the care she received was amazing. We can't express how grateful we are."
This story exemplifies why fundraising campaigns like the Christmas Challenge are so vital, ensuring the hospice can continue to offer compassionate, professional care during life's most difficult moments.
