WE HAVE DONE IT (From Essex County Standard)

St Helena Hospice campaign

9:10am Friday 10th August 2012 in News

THERE can be nothing more tragic for a child than losing a parent or loved one.
Sadly, this happens every year to youngsters in our area.
St Helena Hospice’s STARS Programme helps them deal with their loss.
Participants spend three days at a residential retreat and then have follow-up counselling sessions.
For many years the programme was funded by a legacy, but this cash has now run out.
Earlier this year, the County Standard launched the STARS appeal to raise £10,000 in cash and services so it could take place next year.
Now, thanks to an astounding £5,000 donation from Playgolf Colchester, we have met the target.
Individuals and businesses from across North Essex have dug deep to offer their services for nothing and to donate cash.
We cannot thank you enough.
The £5,000 was raised at the club’s recent’s Corporate Charity Golf Day,  which was sponsored by American Golf and our sister paper, the Daily Gazette.
Businesses from across the area took part, led by Ryder Cup winner Paul Way, and the money has now been given to our appeal.
Playgolf’s Julie Saleh said: “We are delighted to have been able to help such a worthy charity appeal.
“Every year we raise money for local organisations and this year, our Captain Bruce Critchley’s nominated charity is St Helena Hospice, so to support the County Standard’s appeal made perfect sense.
“We know the money will be well spent and will benefit children who have gone through a traumatic time.
“Playgolf Colchester and our partners, American Golf, are proud to be part of the town’s community, and proud to be able to help this and other causes.”
County Standard editor James Wills said: “This is a superbly generous gesture and we cannot thank Playgolf Colchester enough.
“It is difficult fundraising in these troubled economic times and the club’s generosity means children who have suffered a terrible loss will be helped to cope.
“We must also give our thanks to the many local businesses who have agreed to help with our appeal, with everything from donations of games and transport to hard cash.
“These businesses have shown their generosity and heart and we would urge all our readers to support them, as they have shown how much they are willing to support the local community.
“We must also thank the many people and organisations  who donated cash.
“Whether it was £5 or £500 it represents a generosity of spirit and a financial sacrifice, the type of which helps bind our community together.
“Thank you to everyone who has given money and helped our appeal.
“Their generosity will help the children on the course for years to come.
“We simply cannot thank-you enough for helping improve devastated  lives.”
andrea.collitt@nqe.com

 

 

 

THE hospice has expressed its delight at the fundraising target being met.
Cherie Smith, deputy director of Community Services, said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support of those businesses, schools and individuals that have worked so hard for the campaign. The generosity which people have shown during difficult economic times has reinforced how much St Helena Hospice means to its local community.  To be able to run STARS again in 2013 means we will be making such a difference to many young lives; that difference is priceless, so thank you.”
Phyllis Howell, bereavement co-ordinator, said: “We’d also like to say a huge thank you to the Essex County Standard for taking on the appeal and working tirelessly to reach the target. Next year’s STARS programme has been reliant on the appeal, so their support has been invaluable.”