Connecting with families important for local children’s hospice

During October Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice will be celebrating Hospice Care Week by promoting the range of ways the children’s hospice connects with families and the local community.

From Monday 5 to Sunday 11 October the Cumbrian charity will be joining hospices around the UK during the annual awareness-raising week to raise the profile of hospice care.  Caring for a loved one can be one of the most satisfying and special things people do, but without support, caring can have an overwhelming effect on people’s lives.

The nurses and activity coordinators at Jigsaw recognise this and extend the care, support and activities to all of the parents, siblings and carers at the children’s hospice. From the colourful and action packed annual Family Fun Day to the Family and Sibling Support Days, the local charity extends its care in a variety of different ways.

Janet McGreevy, Jigsaw Clinical Sister, explains “Throughout the year we provide families with the opportunity to meet up with other families and carers in similar situations. Each session is different, however we provide people with the opportunity to share experiences and take part in different activities during the day.

“The Siblings Days are busy, our recent outing had 20 children who enjoyed a day of activities at Happy Hooves. The event was sponsored by DRS, who paid for the activities and provided the children with goody bags. Their generosity over the years has provided a great deal of enjoyment for children and families as they sponsor both our Christmas festive and summer outing for siblings.”

Earlier this year warm smiles, laughter and music filled the Jigsaw gardens as families, volunteers and staff enjoyed the good weather and a variety of wonderful entertainment at the annual Family Fun Day. The action packed day included a variety of staff and entertainment, including a ‘Flash Mob’ performance by the children’s hospice nurses.

Janet added, “Families, staff and volunteers had such a good day. We were well supported by local businesses from Cumbria who donated raffle and tombola prizes. A grand total of £813.54 was raised during the day. Thank you everyone who helped to make the day so successful.”

Jigsaw provides the highest standards of care, support and activities to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. Every year the kindness and generosity of the local community helps the charity to provide these services by raising over £800,000.

To find out more about Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice during Hospice Care Week 2015 please visitwww.jigsawhospice.org.uk

Notes to editor:

Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, formerly Eden House Children’s Hospice, was developed following the Jigsaw Appeal, an initiative of Eden Valley Hospice to develop the children’s day care unit at the Hospice into a four bedded residential unit.

Jigsaw provides care for children and young people with life limiting or life threatening conditions.

Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, also offers day care allowing up to six children and/or young people to attend on a daily basis.

All services are provided by highly qualified staff and a large team of committed volunteers.  We recognise that it is only through the generosity of local people that we are able to continue to provide the highest standard of care, free of charge to our patients and their families.

For further information on Hospice services visit our website www.jigsawhospice.org.uk

140 mile cycling challenge in aid of Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice @jigsawhospice

This June, seven local fundraisers will embark on a 140 mile cycling challenge in memory of Matthew Heywood to help the care, support and activities provided at Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

On Friday 26 June, Stephen Heywood, Bob Allison, Gary Norman, Gary Tomlinson, Tony Hughes, Paul Messenger and Dave Messenger will begin their Coast to Coast cycle ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth. Over the course of three days the ‘Half Rice, Half Chips Bicycle Club’ will pass through Penrith, Lazonby, Stanhope, as well as crossing the Pennines.

Stephen, from Workington, explained “Matthew was a remarkable boy who was born with severe disabilities that meant he relied on his family and friends. Jigsaw provided help and support to Matthew and his family and friends when they needed it most.

“So while it is true we are attempting to complete the Coast to Coast challenge as a result of a drunken conversation in a pub one night, we are also doing it in celebration of Matthew’s life and to raise money to support Jigsaw to say thank you for the valuable work they do.”

The money raised by the group of fundraising cyclists will help Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the children’s family, friends and carers.

The three day cycling challenge will provide the group of friends will memories which will last a life time, as well as offering a number of challenges. “I am most looking forward to spending time with some good friends and raising money for the Children’s Hospice. However, I am not looking forward to the many hills on route and the longs days on the bike.” Continued Stephen.

If you would like to support Stephen, Bob, Gary, Gary, Tony, Paul and Dave as they undertake their 140 mile challenge in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please visit www.justgiving.com/Coast-to-coast2015/

The local charity is currently encouraging people to get on their bikes and sign up for this year’s Cycle the Solway, organised by Scott Self Storage. The annual fundraising event in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw is the perfect event for cyclists of all abilities with three routes on the quiet and flat roads of the Solway Coast.

For more information or to register for Cycle the Solway please visit www.cyclethesolway.co.uk or call the Jigsaw Fundraising Team on 01228 817613.

Swimming challenge for Children’s Hospice fundraiser

In early June a local fundraiser will brave the chilly water of Lake Windermere to support the care provided at Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by completing the Great North Swim.

Nicola Parker, from Milnthorpe, will be undertaking the 1 mile challenge over the weekend of Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June to support Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

Nicola explained, “I have recently had my second little girl and wanted to get back into shape. I have never taken part in a sponsored event before, I am usually the one sponsoring other people. But I decided I would like to challenge myself and raise money for charity at the same time. Both me and my friend read about different events we could take part in before we decided on the Great North Swim.

“There are different distances, so we decided to do the 1 mile swim. As a child I loved to swim. I have however, not swam properly since I was probably in primary school. I have also never swam in open water, so this really is a challenge for us.”

The money raised by Nicola will help the Cumbrian charity provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ family, friends and carers.

Nicola continued, “You can just pay for your entry fee and swim, however I thought I would like to raise money for a good cause. My friend is raising money for Alzheimers, due to it being a charity close to her heart. I didn’t have a charity in mind and considered other large charities, however I know they receive a lot of support as I have sponsored people raising money for such charities over the years. I wanted to raise money for a smaller charity, one that is less known, and a charity for children, something more local where a small amount can make a big difference.

“I looked through the internet for Cumbrian charities and came across the Children’s Hospice. Just reading the information on the website brought a tear to my eye. I have two beautiful little girls who are my absolute world. I feel it is a great charity where the money would be well spent, no matter how little I raised.”

Everybody taking part in an event over the Great North Swim weekend will have their own reason, purpose and memory for undertaking one of the swimming challenges. Whether they are completing a personal challenge or fundraising in aid of a local charity they will all create a memory which will last a life time.

Nicola added, “I am really looking forward to challenging myself. My friend and I meet several times a week when the children are in bed to train in our local pool. We started only swimming lengths and have built up over time. I have never done anything like this before.

“I would say I am least looking forward to the lake. I have never swam in open water before, I won’t even swim in the sea. I am hoping to do a bit of a practice swim in a few weeks though to get the feel for it.”

The kindness, support and generosity of Nicola’s friends, family and work colleagues has already helped her raise money towards her fundraising target in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. If you would like to sponsor Nicola as she undertakes the 1 mile Great North Swim please visit www.justgiving.com/Nicola-Parker9/

Notes to editor:

Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, formerly Eden House Children’s Hospice, was developed following the Jigsaw Appeal, an initiative of Eden Valley Hospice to develop the children’s day care unit at the Hospice into a four bedded residential unit.

Jigsaw provides care for children and young people with life limiting or life threatening conditions.

Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, also offers day care allowing up to six children and/or young people to attend on a daily basis.

All services are provided by highly qualified staff and a large team of committed volunteers.  We recognise that it is only through the generosity of local people that we are able to continue to provide the highest standard of care, free of charge to our patients and their families.

For further information on Hospice services visit our website www.jigsawhospice.org.uk

Two challenges and over 380 miles of cycling in aid of Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice @jigsawhospice

Inspired and motivated by his son, a local man will undertake two epic cycling challenges to help the care, support and activities provided at Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

On Saturday 30 May, Harvey Tye will begin his first challenge as he hopes to reach the height of Mount Everest by cycling up and down Hartside 23 times in one day. During the 24 hour challenge Harvey will complete a distance of 218 miles as he reaches the 1,904ft summit 23 times.

Harvey, who is originally from Sunderland but has lived in Carlisle for 18 years, explained, “My son, Harvey, has attended Jigsaw since he was 6 or 7 years old. He loves it there; he always has a smile on his face when we know that he is going go the Children’s Hospice. The staff are brilliant and we trust them all, they treat all of the children like they are their own.

“Jigsaw supports all of the family and by undertaking this fundraising challenge we are giving a little bit of support back. It is a local charity we know exactly where the money will go and we know the other families who the children’s hospice supports.”

Harvey will be using the Hartside challenge as a training exercise before he travels to the South of France for his second challenge on Monday 24 August. The second challenge will see Harvey cycle almost 170 miles with over 29,154ft of climbing as he cycles up and down Mont Ventoux six times in 24 hours using three different routes.

Harvey continued, “The Hartside challenge, which is known as Everesting, will be a training ride before the Mont Ventoux challenge. Everseting is known as ‘Hells 500’ and will be an intense 24 hours of cycling.

“Mont Ventoux is a Mecca for cyclists and I first became interested in the challenge after reading Tommy Simpson’s book. Tommy was the first Brit to wear the yellow jersey and he died attempting to reach the summit; after reading the book I thought that I would like to do that. I looked at organised rides on the internet and found a gentleman through Strava who has completed the 6 assents methods.”

At the time of undertaking the challenge only 79 British people had completed the 6 assents challenge and Harvey, who has cycled for a lot of years, is hoping to join the list of cyclists in his 50^th year.

“I am looking forward to getting the first challenge out of the way and making sure that all of the training, preparation and support team work correctly. I am also looking forward to getting to the South of France and getting onto Mont Ventoux, it will be great to achieve my target. I have enjoyed the training and getting out on the bike, I have been completing about 200 miles, 10,000 feet of climbing and 10 hours on the bike a week.” Explained Harvey.

The money raised by Harvey will help Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice provide care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the children and young adults’ family, friends and carers.

Both challenges will provide Harvey with the opportunity to test his cycling ability whilst raising money to support the local charity. Although the challenge will provide Harvey with lots of memories it will provided him with a wide range of challenges.

“I am least looking forward to the weather, you can plan for everything apart from the weather. If the wind is blowing in the wrong direction in the UK it can make it a hard day cycling and it can be too hot in France. Plus the weather conditions on the top of Mont Ventoux can be extreme as well. I am also not looking forward to having any mechanical problems, especially in France. In the UK I can have a spare bike and wheels but this will not be possible in France.” Continued Harvey.

Along with the support and motivation from his family and friends Harvey will be supported by Chris Brown who will be driving over 2,000 to provide support during the Mont Ventoux challenge.

Harvey concluded, “This will also be a major challenge for Chris, who volunteered to help me, as he suffered a life changing back injury while he was a passenger in a car involved in a collision. The vehicle he is driving is hand operated and the distance he will have to drive is over 2,000 miles. It is an open topped car which will offer him no protection from the elements.”

If you would like to sponsor Harvey as he raises money in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by undertaking the two cycling challenges please visit www.justgiving.com/Harvey-tye/.

If you would like to undertake your very own cycling challenge a little bit closer to home Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice and Eden Valley Hospice are encouraging fundraisers to sign up for Cycle the Solway. The fundraising event, which included three routes 100km, 50km, and the Family Friendly 10km, is organised by Scott Self Storage and fundraisers can sign up today www.cyclethesolway.co.uk

Local man set to run for Hospice in #EdinburghMarathon

A local man will be racing around the streets of Edinburgh on Sunday 31 May at the annual Edinburgh Marathon.

This year’s Edinburgh Marathon will be special for Paul Reay as he will be running in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. The iconic 26 mile route will pass many of Edinburgh’s sights including Arthurs Seat, Porty Prom and Musselburgh Racecourse.

Paul, from Carlisle, explains “I have chosen Eden Valley Hospice as I have heard so much about the great work that they do and I also wanted to keep my money raising local. I work for Nestle who have also helped raise money for the Hospice so I wanted to do my bit.

“I have always wanted to compete in a marathon but have never actually got round to it, but this year I thought I would start training and give it a go whilst also raising money for a good cause.”

Paul will be joined at the start line by thousands of other runners each with their own reason, memory and personal challenge for undertaking the 26 mile event.

Paul continued, “I have heard so much about the great feeling that you get when you cross the finish line and the fantastic sense of occasion you feel when taking part and this really appealed to me whilst getting support from the Edinburgh people on the way round the run which is needed from 20 miles onward I would imagine”

The money raised by Paul will allow the local charity’s team of nurses and doctors to 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 patient’s family, friends and carers.

If you have been inspired by Dave to take up your own running challenge in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, the local charity are encouraging fundraisers to sign up for the Great North Run or the Great Cumbrian Run. If you would like to take on either of the half marathon events please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613.

650 kilometres in one year in aid of good causes

This year a local man will embark on 650 kilometres of sporting endeavour in aid of a host of charities, including Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

Over the coming 12 months John Peatfield, from Bowston, will be undertaking six different sports as he hopes to reach the 650km target. His partner, Karen; youngest brother, Rob; training partner, Dave; and some friends will join in selected events.

John explains, “I will do 650 kilometres of sporting endeavour, joined by family and friends, for one year, which began on 7 February at the Dobbiaco-Cortina Fondo ski marathons.

“This challenge is to celebrate my 65^th birthday year and will, hopefully, involve rowing 12 lakes (around 160km), a 42km solo sail, completing many Lakeland trail races, 4 half marathons, the Ultimate 55km train, 105km biking in Grizedale, roller and cross country ski events. We also hope to do a number of ridge and horseshoe walks to touch 65 Wainwright’s.

“Our main charities will be Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, with some funds being directed to Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) and PDSA. We may also feature some new charities later in the year. We are not asking for on-going sponsorship, but hope people will give to their chosen charity and tell them that it was inspired by the 650 kilometre challenge.”

John has already achieved 68km toward his 650km total after completing 33km at the ski marathon, 18km at the recent Cartmel and 17km at Hawkshead Lakeland Trails. John’s next challenge will see him taking part in the Kentmere Trails on Saturday 9 May. The lakes rowing will take place between August and October.

John concluded “My big goal is to finish off totalling 650km by competing in the World Masters cross-country ski championships in Finland in February 2016.”

If you have been inspired by John’s 650km challenge and would like to support Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit www.jigsawhospice.org.uk/Donate.aspx

Picture: Please find attached a picture of John Peatfield taking part in the Hawkshead Lakeland Trails, please attribute the picture to James Kirby

Children’s Charity helps make a difference to local children’s hospice

Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice has been able to improve and develop the building with the support of a trust fund donation from the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity.

Over the last 12 months, Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice has been developing the building to improve access and the facilities available at the children’s hospice. The improvements have been made possible due to a donation of over £23,000 from the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity.

The Cumbrian charity has been able to install an external canopy to provide cover and shade during the summer months, replace windows, create a new Consultation Room to hold one to one meetings with children, families and staff and to upgrade the inner entrance doors.

Janet McGreevy, Jigsaw Clinical Sister, said “The staff at Jigsaw feel that the improvements are already making a big difference to the children and young adults who visit and stay at Jigsaw, as well as their families.

“The canopy was well used at the end of last summer in the lovely weather. Likewise the new windows provided better ventilation in the summer and were more draught proof in the winter. Families have also commented on how much easier it is to get into Jigsaw with the new doors. While the meeting space has just been completed; already staff and families are appreciating the benefits of this new, private space.”

Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice provides care, support and activities to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all the children and young adults’ family, friends and carers.

If you would like to find out how you can help to make a difference to Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please visitwww.jigsawhospice.org.uk/Support-Us or contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613.

Pictures: Please find attached a picture of the external canopy at the Children’s Hospice

Marathon challenge for Children’s Hospice fundraiser

This April a local man will be taking part in an iconic marathon as he raises money to help the care, support and activities provided at Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

On Sunday 26 April, Colin Farndon will join thousands of runners on the start line at the Virgin London Marathon, The race, which finishes on The Mall, will be special for Colin as he runs in aid of the local children’s charity.

Colin, who is originally from Birmingham but now lives in the Eden Valley, said “Jigsaw was chosen for me by my son Charlie who, after smashing the family TV in an ill-advised ball game, was challenged to find a charity to which he could donate his pocket money and which would prove to him how lucky he was in life.

“I have taken part in a few Cumbrian Marathons before but really wanted to do one of the landmark events. I was offered a place in the London Marathon if I represented a local charity, which is where my son and Jigsaw came in.”

Colin will be joined at the start line by thousands of other runners each with their own reason, memory and personal challenge for undertaking the 26 mile event.

Colin continued, “I know London pretty well but of course have never really done the tourist thing or travelled much ‘overground’ so I am really looking forward to enjoying the sights. I have heard about the famous crowds and having spent most of my training on the lonely country roads around where I live, I am looking forward to the people and the atmosphere – hopefully it will help carry me to the finish!

“I am least looking forward to miles 22 to 26.”

The money raised by Colin will allow Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice’s team of nurses, doctors and activity coordinators to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the patient’s families, friends and carers.

Colin, who is the Spa Director at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa, said “The whole Spa Team and the members at Armathwaite Hall have joined in with the fundraising effort with donations and events. We hope to form a long lasting relationship with a very worthwhile charity.”

If you would like to sponsor Colin as he supports Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by pounding the streets of London at the London Marathon please visit www.justgiving.com/COLIN-FARNDON.

If you have been inspired by Colin to take up your own running challenge in aid of Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, the local charity are encouraging fundraisers to sign up for the Great North Run or the Great Cumbrian Run. If you would like to on either of the half marathon events please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613.

Marathon challenge for Hospice fundraiser

This April a local man will be taking part in an iconic marathon as he raises money to help the care, support and activities provided at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

On Sunday 26 April, Dave Murray will join thousands of runners on the start lines at the Virgin London Marathon. The race, which finishes on The Mall, will be special for Dave as he runs in aid of the local charity.

Dave, who is originally from Carlisle but now lives in Manchester, said “My granddad was cared for at Eden Valley Hospice in November 2013, they made him and my family comfortable at what was a difficult time. I just wanted to give something back and say thank you for the care which my granddad the family received.

“I only started running in December 2013 and I then joined my local running club, who I was lucky enough to secure my place in the London Marathon through. I never wanted to run a marathon, but if I did I wanted it to be one big one like London or Paris. This will be my only marathon as I can’t see myself wanting do it again.”

Dave will be joined at the start lines by thousands of other runners each with their own reason, memory and personal challenge for undertaking the 26 mile event.

Dave continued, “I am looking forward to just finishing as it will be the hardest thing that I have done and all of the training will have paid off. I fell into running by accident and by completing a marathon after only running for a year will be a great achievement. I have been training four or five days a week since January which has been a lot of effort and I will be glad to get it out of the way.

“I am not looking forward to the pain, as it will be sore. It will also be tough going being on my feet for 4 hours, but the crowds in London cheering you along the route and giving out sweets will keep me going.”

The money raised by Dave will allow the local charity’s team of nurses and doctors to 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 patient’s family, friends and carers.

If you would like to sponsor Dave as he supports Eden Valley Hospice by pounding the streets of London at the London Marathon please visit www.justgiving.com/DaveMurrayVLM/. Dave’s sponsorship money will also be matched by his employers, Barclays, up to £1,000. This means that anything that people donate will be instantly doubled.

If you have been inspired by Dave to take up your own running challenge in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, the local charity are encouraging fundraisers to sign up for the Great North Run or the Great Cumbrian Run. If you would like to take on either of the half marathon events please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613.

Picture: Please find attached a picture of Dave Murray

High adrenaline challenge for Children’s Hospice fundraiser @jigsawhospice

A local girl is taking park in a high adrenaline skydive fundraising event this Easter to support the care provided to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses.

Amelia Southern, from Penny Bridge, will be flying through the skies at 15,000ft on Saturday 4 April in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. The high octane and exhilarating tandem skydive will provide Amelia with a fundraising challenge that she will never forget.

Amelia explained, “I have chosen to support Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice because I think that it is a fantastic organisation which supports and looks after sick children. I hope to follow a career which will involve caring for children within the medical profession therefore supporting this charity seemed the perfect choice.

“I decided to do a skydive as I wanted to do something that would put me out of my comfort zone and challenge me, something these children face daily.”

The money raised by Amelia will help the Cumbrian charity to provide care, support and activities to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the children’s families, friends and carers.

Amelia continued, “I am most looking forward to the feeling of free fall whilst taking in the surroundings on hopefully a clear day.

“I think that the part of the jump I am least looking forward to is the jump from the place itself as looking down at the ground 15,000ft below me will be scary.”

To date the kindness and generosity of Amelia’s family and friends has helped to raise over £1,100 towards her £1,200 fundraising target. If you would like to sponsor Amelia as she flies through the sky please visit http://www.gofundme.com/n27mvc

Jigsaw is also encouraging daredevil fundraisers to take part in the every own fundraising skydive to support the Children’s Hospice. On Saturday 29 August the Cumbrian charity will be hosting its annual fundraising skydive event at the North West Parachute Centre, Grange-over-Sands. If you would like to release your inner superhero and fly through the skies please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 for more information.