Local hospice to open first furniture shop

A local charity is delighted to unveil a brand new and exciting retail adventure as they open their very first furniture shop close to Carlisle City Centre.

Over the coming weeks Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice will open the shop in the former Ponden Home unit on Charlotte Street, Carlisle. The shop will stock a range of good quality, usable furniture.

Anne Hall, Retail Manager, said “Opening a furniture shop is something we have always aspired to do as it will be a great addition to our current retail set up. Over the last 18 months we have been looking for a suitable location and we have found a prime retail outlet perfect for the new shop. It will offer people another way to support the work of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw as well as being a huge benefit to the local community.

“The furniture shop will bring a range of new volunteering roles. We are looking for people to welcome and assist customers, help move furniture in the shop and possibly up-cycle and restore furniture.”

From a few hours to a couple of days a week, people can help make a big difference by donating time at the shop. Volunteering in the Eden Valley Hospice shop will also provide people with the opportunity to learn new skills and share their experiences.

The money raised from the sale of furniture in the shop will help the local charity provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ family, friends and carers.

Full details about the opening of the shop, including opening days and times, will be announced over the coming weeks. For more information about the furniture shop please contact the Retail Team on 01228 817615 or if you would like to volunteer your time and skills at the shop please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658.

Picture:

Anne Hall, Eden Valley Hospice Retail Manager, and Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, with the keys to the shop.

Building Society to help create colour at fundraising event

The Cumberland Building Society will be helping to bring a rainbow of colour to a local hospice’s fundraising event at Carlisle Racecourse this May.

The local building society will be sponsoring the powdered paint stations at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice’s fundraising Colour Run events. The sponsorship package will allow staff from the Cumberland Building Society to shower the fundraisers in paint at one of the paint stations around the 5km route as well as entering a team into the Colour Run event.

Katrina Sander, Community and Events Fundraising Manager, said, “We would like to thank the Cumberland Building Society for their amazing kindness and generosity in sponsoring one of the paint stations at our upcoming Colour Run event.

“By supporting our Colour Run event the Cumberland Building Society are help the Hospice to cover some of the event costs to ensure that more money can be used to help care for and support local adults and children with life limiting illnesses.”

Phillip Ward, Marketing Manager at the Cumberland, said “We have worked with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw for a number of years, and are delighted to continue supporting their vital work. We would urge anyone looking for a fun way to raise money for the Hospice to book their place in the Colour Run.”

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw’s very first Colour Run event will take place at Carlisle Racecourse on Sunday 10 May. The family friendly event will see fundraisers walk, run, skip or possibly conga around the route whilst being showered in vibrantly coloured powdered paint at different stations around the route. The powdered paint is made from corn starch and fully tested cosmetic dyes.

There are still some opportunities for local businesses to get involved and help to create a rainbow of colour at the local charity’s fundraising event, please contact the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 for more information.

School football teams support local hospice

Pupils from the Richard Rose Central Academy have raised money to support the care and activities provided to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses.

The year 9 and 10 football teams raised £200 for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice at a fundraising bag pack held at the ASDA superstore on London Road, Carlisle. The pupils were also raising money towards their Easter football tour in Europe.

Richard Rose teacher David Hewson explains, “We chose to hold the back pack as we are running our first international football tour to Holland in the Easter Holidays for our Year 9 and 10 football teams. The cost of the trip was expected quite high, along with the purchase of kit and tracksuits in order to make the experience as memorable as possible.

“We wanted to raise some money to contribute towards the purchase of kit and at the same time raise some money for a good cause. When we spoke to the students about contributing to a charity we asked them which one they had heard of in the local area. The vast majority mentioned ‘Eden Valley Hospice’ and when we told them a little more about all that you do, they were adamant that it was the right choice.”

Picture: Members of the football team presenting (Eden Valley Hospice mascot) with the money raised from their bag pack.

Annual charity cycling event returns for 2015

An annual charity cycling event will return this summer, with hundreds of cyclists set to enjoy the Solway Coast as they help the care, support and activities provided at a local hospice.

On Sunday 12 July, hundreds of cyclists will take to the picturesque roads of North Cumbria for the fifth annual Cycle the Solway in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. For the first time, this year’s event will include a family friendly 10km route as well as the 100km and 50km routes.

Event organisers, Scott Self Storage, are hoping to build on the success of the previous events and attract more cyclists, fundraisers and families along to the event. Since 2011, the annual cycle ride has raised over £35,000 to support local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. The local hospice extends this care to all of the patients’ family, friends and carers.

Event organiser Stephen Scott, Scott Self Storage, said “This year we are introducing a shorter family ride with a difference. The ride will be 10km, and will be fully marshalled, with a feed station and hopefully some children’s entertainment en route.

“There will also be the 100km and 50km rides for those requiring more of a challenge. We have tweaked these routes following feedback from last year’s participants. I am assured that the sun will be shining, the wind will be a slight South Westerly, and the tide will be present. We therefore anticipate ideal conditions for a pleasant and scenic ride.”

Cycle the Solway is a fun ride open to cyclists of all abilities, from the experienced cyclists to families on a leisurely Sunday afternoon ride. All three routes will start and finish at the Border Reiver Inn, Carlisle, will be fully marshalled and include feeds stations on the route.

The very first 10km route, which will take fundraisers from Carlisle to Great Orton and back, is perfect for people of all ages looking for an enjoyable, flat and quiet cycle ride. Whilst the 50km and 100km routes will provide fundraisers with a challenge as they cycle along the Solway Coast, which will form part of this year’s Tour of Britain route.

Registration for Cycle the Solway is now open and all entry fees include insurance for the event as well as raising money for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. Entry prices for this year’s event are £28 for the 50km and 100km routes, £15 adult, £7.50 children (aged 10 to 16 years old), £40 Family (2 adults and 2 children) for the 10km route. The organisers have also included a fantastic fundraisers and club entry price of £75 and £100 respectively.

For more information about Cycle the Solway in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please visit www.cyclethesolway.co.uk or call Scott Self Storage on 01228 524411.

Friends, family and a rainbow of colour at Hospice fundraiser

Vibrant colours are set to brighten up Carlisle this May as friends, family and fundraisers come together and shower themselves in a rainbow of paint in aid of a local hospice.

On Sunday 10 May, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice will transform Carlisle Racecourse into a kaleidoscope of colour at their very first Colour Run. The local charity is now encouraging people to join the vibrant fundraising event.

One of the first fundraisers to join the Colour Run is Natalie Bingham, from Carlisle, and she will be bringing a group of friends along on the day.

Natalie explained, “The reason I have chosen to support Eden Valley Hospice is that my mum sadly passed away there 4 years ago now. I spent a great deal of time at the Hospice with her in her final moments and I was completely bowled over by the support, strength and care of the nurses and all the staff who work there. We couldn’t thank them enough.

“Ever since then I’ve vowed to try and do one charity event a year to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice. A ‘Welly Walk’, a sponsored ‘Mokython’, a ‘Pyjama Party’ walk and I’ve even walked on hot coals too! I’m always looking for new ways to try and raise money for such a fantastic cause that’s so close to my heart.”

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw’s very first Colour Run is the perfect event for all of the family as it is not about setting the fastest time, it is all about having fun. Whether you run, walk, dance or even conga around the route, you can help the Hospice to make a difference in your local community.

During the event fundraisers will be transformed from a blank canvas in a white t-shirt into a rainbow of colour as they pass through different powder paint stations, where fundraisers will be showered in coloured powder paint. The paint is made from cornstarch and fully tested cosmetic dyes.

Another fundraiser who will be celebrating with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw at the Colour Run is Zoe Roberts-Koren, from Carlisle, who will be fundraising with her family at the event.

Zoe explains, “I have seen many colour run events taking place all over the country and they look like great fun. So when I seen it advertised, we jumped at the opportunity to get splattered in paint. My whole family will be taking part.

“Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice are the most amazing people who really do make a difference in people’s lives, so to be part of anything they do gives me great satisfaction.”

The money raised by all of the colourful fundraisers will allow Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice to provide care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. The Hospice extends this care and compassion to the patients families, friends and carers.

The kaleidoscopic day of fundraising will not end at the finish line as the local charity hosts a bright and vibrant after party. This will provide all of the fundraisers with the chance to dance the afternoon away enjoying the live entertainment and showering everybody in even more paint.

Natalie continued, “The Colour Run looked like a new, fun way to raise money. Plus it is something I’ve never done before. I imagine it to be a great day, with a brilliant atmosphere and the colour side of things were a massive bonus too. I imagine it will look really stunning. Getting a few friends on board too will make it a fab day out.

“It was definitely the colour aspect that attracted me to this event. Having watched a few videos online of other similar events in other cities, it just looks amazing and something I would definitely love to be part of.”

Registration for Cumbria’s Colour Run is £15 Adult, £7.50 Children (Under 16), £35 Family (two adults and two children), £45 Group (four adults). Entry to the event will include a pristine white t-shirt and a pair of funky sun glasses. To register today or for more information please call the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit http://cumbriacolourrun.evhospice.org.uk/

Special memories to light up Hospice grounds #LightupaLife

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice are warmly inviting the local community to remember a loved one during the festive period at a special gathering and light switch on in the Hospice grounds.

On Sunday 23 November, thousands of lights will illuminate the trees in the Hospice grounds as the local community remember and celebrate the life of loved ones and friends who are not with us this Christmas.

Everybody is welcome to attend the service which will begin at 4.30pm at Eden Valley Hospice on Durdar Road, Carlisle. The service will include a performance by the Zing Choir and the switch on of the lights in the Hospice trees.

The local charity was delighted by last year’s generous donations during Light Up a Life. Over £60,000 was raised as people remembered a loved one, friend or special person who will always be close to their hearts. All of the money raised will allow Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice to care for and support local adults and children with life limiting illnesses.

One of the highlights of this year’s Light Up a Life services will be the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Carol Service at Carlisle Cathedral on Friday 12 December at 7.30pm. For many the “big sing” in a spectacular building can be very uplifting and therapeutic event before the Christmas period.

A loved one does not need to have been cared for at Eden Valley Hospice or Jigsaw to be remembered during the Light Up a Life campaign. If you would like to celebrate the life of a loved one and support the Hospice this Christmas please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/lual to make a donation.

Volunteers brighten up Hospice gardens

Over two days in August 13 volunteers from the Cumberland Building Society carried out a range of maintenance tasks in a local hospice’s gardens.

 

On Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August members of staff undertook a variety of duties in the gardens at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. The group of volunteers enjoyed the wonderful sunshine as they sanded down, painted and stained 17 benches situated around the Hospice.

 

Kate Finnerty, Senior Personal and Training Assistant at the Cumberland Building Society said “The Cumberland actively promotes its staff taking part in charity work. Each member of staff is allowed one paid day per year to volunteer their time and we have a history of working with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw we were keen to help in any way we could.

 

“It was hard work but very rewarding to see the finished result at the end of the two days. It’s a great way to support a local charity as well as team building for us. We really loved it and the Hospice made us feel so welcome.”

 

During the year a host of people, community groups and businesses from throughout Cumbria donate their time to help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice in a variety of different ways. From helping the volunteers and staff to maintain the gardens to collecting donations for the local community, people are able to help make a huge difference to the lives of adults and children with life limiting illnesses.

 

Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, said “Corporate and community volunteering projects just like this are a fantastic way for groups and business to come into the Hospice and make a real difference. As well as being a great team building exercise these projects enable us to work alongside other organisations and raise awareness about the Hospice in a different kind of way.

 

“We always welcome people getting in touch and offer a variety of different activities that you can do, such as helping in our charity shops, fundraising and helping in and around the grounds in the Hospice.”

 

If you or your businesses would like to make a huge difference to Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by volunteering your time, skills and experiences by volunteering please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/volunteering

 

Pictures: Please find attached two pictures of the Cumberland Building Society staff volunteering at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

 

Exciting, new Hospice shop set to open

During the first week in August a local hospice will open an exciting, new shop in Carlisle City Centre.

 

On Saturday 9 August, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice will officially open its new retail venture on Fisher Street, Carlisle. Unlike the Hospice’s traditional charity shops, the new outlet will stock a range of vintage and retro clothing and collectables as well as craft items produced by the Hospice volunteer craft group, ‘A Touch of Craft.’

 

Anne Hall, Hospice Retail Manager, said “Everybody at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw is very much looking forward to the official opening of our new shop in Carlisle City Centre. The shop will be opened by two of the Hospice’s long standing volunteers who has donated their time, skills and enthusiasm to support the hospice for 27 years each.”

 

Every year the kindness and generosity of the customers at the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw shops help to raise over £160,000 to support the care and activities provided to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses.

 

The Hospice’s new shop will provide the local community with a range of fantastic new opportunities to support the local hospice. From visiting the shop and purchasing some of the items available to volunteering your time and helping in the new and exciting shop, everybody can make a difference.

 

The new Hospice shop, which currently stocks a wide range of vintage female clothing, shoes and hand made products, will open to the public on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August with the official opening taking place on the Saturday. The local hospice is now encouraging everybody to come along on the day to join in the celebrations and to look at the exciting new shop.

 

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice are also encouraging the local community to search through their cupboards for any unwanted vintage or retro clothing, shoes, accessories or collectables which they would like to donate to the shop and help to make a difference.

 

If you have any items which you would like to donate to the shop please contact Anne Hall, Hospice Retail Manager, on 01228 817615. Or if you would like to volunteer your time and skills in the exciting new shop please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658.

 

Light Up a Life and remember at Hospice carol service

Eden Valley Hospice is warmly inviting the local community to remember a loved one this Christmas at a special carol service in Carlisle.

On Thursday 5 December, the local hospice will be holding a Light Up a Life carol service at St Cuthbert’s Church, allowing members of the local community to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one who will not be with them this Christmas.

At the service, which begins at 6.00pm, local people will be able to place a special Light Up a Life candle on one of the Hospice’s Christmas trees.

Last year the Light Up a Life campaign raised an incredible £60,000 for Eden Valley Hospice as people remembered a loved one close to their hearts. All of the money raised will allow the Hospice’s dedicated team of nurses and specialist doctors to care for local adults and children with life limiting illnesses when they need it most.

A loved one does not need to have been cared for at Eden Valley Hospice to be remembered in the Light Up a Life campaign. If you would like to celebrate the life of a loved one this Christmas please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit www.evhospcie.org.uk/lual

Light Up a Life and remember this Christmas

Eden Valley Hospice has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the local community for this year’s Light Up a Life campaign.

The Hospice is inviting members of the local community to celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones who will not be with them this Christmas. Over £15,000 has been raised from this year’s campaign so far and the donations will help and support the work of the Hospice.

Katrina Sander, Community and Events Fundraising Manger, said “Eden Valley Hospice would like to thank everybody who has supported this year’s Light Up a Life campaign. If you have not already donated to the campaign there is still time for you to send in your donation and light up a life and remember a loved one this Christmas.”

The warmth and generosity shown by members of the community in lighting up the lives of a loved one will help Eden Valley Hospice’s dedicated team of nurses and specialist doctors care for and support patients, families and their friends for years to come.

During December, the local hospice will be warmly inviting the local community to five special Light Up a Life carol services in Aspatria, Brampton, Carlisle and Gretna. At each service people will be able to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one who will not be with them this Christmas.

A loved one does not need to have been cared for at Eden Valley Hospice to be remembered through the Light Up a Life campaign.

If you would like to remember a loved one this Christmas and support the Light Up a Life campaign or for more information about the special carol services please contact the Hospice Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visitwww.evhospice.org.uk/lual.