St Barnabas Hospice has been given a huge boost to start 2022 as the charity raised £92,000 thanks to three separate fundraising campaigns over the Christmas period.
The hospice’s Light Up A Life campaign, along with its Tree-cycle initiative and Rudy’s Run events, took place at the back end of 2021 to raise money for the essential charity, which provides end of life care and support for people with terminal illness, as well as their families.
The 21st Light Up A Life Torchlight Procession took place on November 23, 2021. | Photo: Stuart Wilde
Around 1,465 people were remembered at the event with a light dedicated in their name, and it raised £53,351.30 including income and Gift Aid.
Rudy’s Run was a chance for schools and nurseries to send off for festive activity packs, to take part in sponsored physical activity in the Christmas build-up.
Some of the children that took part in Rudy’s Run for charity. | Photo: St Barnabas Hospice
This event raised a fantastic £13,434.55 including Gift Aid, as hundreds did their bit for St Barnabas.
Finally there was the Tree-cycle scheme put on by the charity, which saw volunteers offer to drive across Lincolnshire and collect and recycle people’s Christmas trees.
St Barnabas’ Tree-cycle scheme, collecting used Christmas trees in January 2022 for a charity donation. | Photo: St Barnabas
Dedicated teams would head out to those who booked a slot at a suggested donation price of £14.58, and the trees were chipped and recycled, allowing for environmental benefits as well as a good deed for charity.
Almost 1,500 trees were booked in and a total of £25,414.98 was raised for St Barnabas Hospice during a phenomenal effort from the volunteers.
Veronica McBain, head of fundraising and lottery at St Barnabas Hospice. | Photo: St Barnabas Hospice
Head of Fundraising and Lottery at the Hospice, Veronica McBain, said: “We are so pleased to see such a huge amount being raised since November. After a difficult few years for charities, particularly one like ours that relies on donations to continue our work, it’s really heartening to see we have passionate supporters who are willing to keep donating to us.
“This also comes at a poignant time for the Hospice, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year, so it’s a great way to kick that off. More will be revealed regarding our plans for celebrating, but supporters and those involved in the Hospice will be excited.
“During 2021, an incredible 2,831 supporters donated to St Barnabas Hospice for the first time. We’re so glad to be reaching new people that want to help. We have a lot of longstanding support that we are incredibly grateful for, but to know we are attracting new supporters is always fantastic news too.”
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Two men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property after being stopped by our roads crime team on the A180 yesterday (Tuesday 24 May).
A suspect vehicle was spotted on the eastbound M180 and was brought safely to a stop on the A180 near Croxton.
It is reported that a large amount of cash, cigarettes and tobacco was uncovered.
Both men remain in our custody at this time whilst our investigations continue.
An independent county councillor in Boston has been named as the new chairman of Lincolnshire County Council.
Councillor Alison Austin was elected into the role at the annual general meeting of the full council on Friday, May 20, along with new vice chairman Councillor Robert Reid.
Councillor Austin has served as an independent county ward member for Boston South since May 2013, winning re-election on May 6, 2021.
She will be supported in her role throughout the term by her husband and chairman’s consort, Richard Austin.
Councillor Austin said: “I feel immensely honoured and privileged to be elected as chairman of the county council. I’ve always held a strong sense of community service, and I will continue promoting positive change across Lincolnshire as chairman.
“Amongst my first duties, will be participating in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This will be a great opportunity to not only recognise the achievements of our longstanding monarch, but also to give communities the opportunity to come together and mark a return to normality after a difficult couple of years.
“As part of moving on from COVID, I want to focus on the future during my time in office. I look forward to supporting the training and development of residents county-wide. We need to ensure we have a highly skilled workforce so that we can attract and retain businesses in Lincolnshire.”
As part of her duties, Councillor Austin has selected homeless and vulnerable people charity Centrepoint Outreach as one of her chosen organisations to support during her time in office.
She has been a volunteer at Centrepoint Outreach for several years and will continue to support the organisation in this new role.