A community-spirited daughter is throwing a church birthday party in aid of the hospice which cared for her mum.
Anne Eyre, from St John’s, Worcester, has organised the free party at the Bromwich Road Mission Free Church as part of the Big Get Together – a national campaign raising money for local hospice care.
The family event, in aid of St Richard’s Hospice, will be held between 1pm and 3pm on Monday, 23rd October in celebration of the church’s 85th anniversary.
“I thought it would be good to celebrate the years the church has served the community by having a birthday party in support of another organisation which serves the community,” explained Mrs Eyre, aged 42.
Mrs Eyre’s mum Gillian Pat Barlow – who was known as Pat – was admitted to St Richard’s in June 2015, after being diagnosed with cancer.
Mrs Barlow was cared for at the hospice’s In-patient Unit and died aged 68 after celebrating her last birthday at St Richard’s.
“For me, the support I have received from St Richard’s has taught me at least as much about living well as it has about dying well,” said Mrs Eyre.
“My mum’s death was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me and was a life-changing experience but with the support of St Richard’s, I have been able to find ways to make my life more fulfilling too.
“Mum dying will never be a positive thing but being at St Richard’s enabled her to have a good death which still gives me enormous comfort – and the support I received helped me to shape a new life for myself without her in it.”
Following Mrs Eyre’s event, another Big Get Together will be held in aid of St Richard’s at Bredon Village Hall on Sunday, 12th November between 2pm and 4.30pm.
At the event, titled ‘A Day to Remember’ there will be tea, cake, a tombola and raffle boasting plenty of fantastic prizes. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Anyone can hold a Big Get Together – from organising a coffee morning, curry night, or your usual Friday evening at the pub, the campaign is a simple way to help raise money for hospice care.
Get involved by calling the Fundraising team on 01905 763963, emailing Fundraiser Alice Brunt on or visiting www.thebiggettogether.org.uk/hospice/strch