A loving daughter-in-law is to take on a Christmas charity challenge in memory of a much-loved Worcestershire man who died nine years ago.
Kate Lambourne, from Worcester, is taking part in the St Richard’s Hospice Reindeer Run this festive season, her third fundraising event for the charity this year.
Mrs Lambourne is raising funds for the Worcestershire hospice which cared for father-in-law, Michael ‘Mick’ Lambourne, before he died of pancreatic cancer in November 2011.
“When Mick was taken to St Richard’s Hospice it was an instant blessing”, explained Mrs Lambourne. “He was happy and comfortable and the care, privacy and dignity we were provided with was outstanding. We were able to all gather together with Mick in his own personal room. We were able to talk, laugh and enjoy our time together.
“It’s all the little touches that makes St Richard’s so special for all of us. Even the layout of the room was designed so well. The window is at bed height so patients can still see outside. There is a private patio for each room and double patio doors so patients can be wheeled out in their bed if they would like. There is no request too big, too small or too random. Nothing is too much trouble.
“After Mick died very peacefully, the hospice’s care didn’t stop there. They were on hand to chat to us all as a family or individually. Their passion for people doesn’t end with the patient; they also care a lot about the family. And it’s with this in mind that I’m taking on my third challenge for St Richard’s this year; hopefully reaching my 2020 fundraising target of £1000 and enabling them to help other families in the same way they’ve helped ours.”
St Richard’s Reindeer Run is taking place as a virtual event this year meaning that supporters can enjoy a run, jog or walk, along a route of their choice, at any point during the festive period. The charity is posting reindeer antlers and noses to those who sign-up for the fundraising challenge.
Ria Simons, hospice fundraiser, said: “We are so inspired by Kate’s fundraising efforts over the course of the year, particularly when it’s been such a challenging time for everyone.
“2020 has seen most of our fundraising events cancelled or changed to a virtual format to allow for social distancing. We didn’t know if people would still join events where they couldn’t all take part all together; yet here’s Kate taking on her third virtual event of the year. She’s just incredible.”
“With around three quarters of our funding coming from our wonderful community and supporters; we really couldn’t continue to provide free care and support without amazing people like Kate. So, we’d love others to join her this Christmas, get your festive bubbles together and don some antlers and a red nose for our care.”
To support Kate and donate towards her fundraising challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katie-lambourne3
To take part in the St Richard’s Hospice Reindeer Run over the Christmas period, register for free before Friday, 18th December at: www.strichards.org.uk/event/reindeer-run/ and the charity will send you your festive antlers and noses. The hospice would like each person taking part to raise sponsorship of or donate at least £10.
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,300 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with 22% funded by the NHS.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk