AFTER a challenging time during the pandemic, Willowbrook Hospice are looking forward to a summer full of fundraising events without coronavirus restrictions.
A charity that has touched many across St Helens, Willowbrook desperately rely on fundraising and support from the community to continue their end-of-life palliative care.
However, at a steep running cost of £5 million per year, these revenue streams have been severely impacted during the pandemic due to lockdown and social distancing regulations.
Yet as the threat of widespread restrictions and cancellations seems unlikely, the team at Willowbrook are excited for a schedule of wild and wonderful events to raise money and awareness of the hospice.
From skydiving to antique buying, and physical challenges to Rock'n'Roll Bingo, Willowbrook's fundraising diary is quickly filling up until the end of the year - which is in addition to the host of incredibly demanding challenges that individuals set themselves in the name of the hospice.
Anticipating a time when life resumes without restrictions, the Willowbrook Living Well hub on Borough Road, Eccleston, has also had a recent makeover of their community cafe, outside decking and charity shop, which is hoped to become a "destination centre" for people to relax and socialise.
Bev Neilson, Fundraising Events Coordinator at Willowbrook, said: "People in St Helens are incredibly loyal to their town and community, and they show this with their loyalty to Willowbrook too.
"We have cared for over 10,000 patients in the 25 years we have been here, and we have always provided patients and their families with a five-star experience and wrap-around support.
"I think this support is shown through people's fundraising and giving back to us, because they know this all gets funneled back into helping more people across St Helens and Knowsley."
Bev encourages any potential fundraisers to get in contact with Willowbrook about raising money for the hospice, as well as those who are looking to volunteer and connect with the community.
To find out more about Willowbrook's fundraising events, visit this link
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