Author Jo Cotterill and Illustrator Korky Paul Back Sobell House Hospice's 50th Anniversary Fundraiser
Jo Cotterill and Korky Paul Support Sobell House Hospice Fundraiser

Children's Author Jo Cotterill and Illustrator Korky Paul Champion Sobell House Hospice's 50th Anniversary Fundraiser

Well-known children's author Jo Cotterill and award-winning illustrator Korky Paul are lending their support to a special fundraising campaign that celebrates five decades of compassionate care at Sobell House Hospice in Oxford. The popular creatives are backing Pot of Gold Day, a vibrant new initiative that will also see them visit two local schools as part of the campaign.

Schools Across Oxfordshire Invited to Join the Fun

Sobell House is inviting schools throughout Oxfordshire to participate in a fun non-uniform day while raising crucial funds for the hospice. Schools can select any weekday between September and December 2026 to host their own Pot of Gold Day. One school already involved is St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Headington.

A spokesperson at the school said: "At St Joseph's Catholic Primary, we are proud to support Sobell House Hospice Charity's 'Pot of Gold' day, especially as it is part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. It's a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy a fun non-school uniform day, and raise money for a cause that means so much to us."

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How Pot of Gold Day Works

Pupils are encouraged to attend school in non-uniform, bright colours, rainbow outfits, or fancy dress. Families are invited to donate £1 or £2 to support the hospice's vital work in caring for local patients and families. This initiative forms a key part of Sobell House's 50th anniversary celebrations, marking five decades of providing end-of-life care to people across Oxfordshire.

Organisers hope schools across the county will join the celebration and help "paint a rainbow across Oxfordshire" in support of hospice care. For 50 years, Sobell House has supported thousands of local families with specialist palliative care, offering comfort and compassion when it matters most. Today, the hospice cares for approximately 680 people at any one time through its inpatient unit, local hospitals, and Living Well service.

Getting Involved in the Campaign

Schools interested in hosting a Pot of Gold Day can sign up by:

  • Calling 01865 857007
  • Emailing fundraising@sobellhospice.org
  • Visiting the Sobell House website for more details

This campaign not only raises essential funds but also fosters community spirit and awareness about the important services provided by Sobell House Hospice.

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