Birthday Fundraiser Generates Over £1,900 for Hospice
More than £1,900 has been raised for St Elizabeth Hospice by Chris Reeve, his friends and family, to mark his 50th birthday and to remember his Mum, Frances, who received support from the independent Suffolk charity before her death.
The funds were raised by a birthday ‘bring a picnic’ celebration hosted by Chris at Helmingham Hall Gardens, where Chris works as Deputy Head Gardener.
Held on Sunday 24th September, the day saw Chris gather with friends and family to enjoy their own picnics in the stunning gardens of Helmingham Hall, while listening to a range of musical entertainment courtesy of Debenham High School Orchestera, singer Rob Lewis from the band Game On and Chris’ youngest son, Jared, who played a selection of Contemporary Christian Club anthems on his DJ decks.
Chris, who lives in Framsden, said “It was a truly wonderful day, complete with warm, sunny weather.
“A huge thanks to Edward and Sophie Tollemache for donating their gardens, Simon and Chrissy Pyett and Garry Howes for assisting with marquees and clearing up, and St. Elizabeth Hospice, especially Kelly Nekrews, for support and encouragement.
“I am so pleased we have been able to raise this money for St Elizabeth Hospice, who showed Mum and our whole family such care and kindness before her passing.
“These, doctors, nurses, support staff and volunteers are exceptional people, unafraid of drawing close and becoming friends despite the prognosis.”
All funds raised will go towards St Elizabeth Hospice, which every year delivers specialist palliative care to more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, at a cost of around £12 million annually.
Kelly Nekrews, Community Fundraising Assistant at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “A big thank you and well done to Chris and his friends and family for raising such a fantastic sum for the hospice.
“It really was a lovely day to be a part of and every penny raised will make such a difference to the hospice as we continue to evolve and expand our services to support more patients and their loved ones throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.”
