During 2010 St Catherine's Hospice celebrated its 25th Anniversary. John Gibson, Volunteer Sports Fundraiser for the Hospice initialled and implemented a Sports Programme with the aim of raising the awareness of the Hospice and its work, especially to a younger generation within the local community.
The programme of events was sponsored by GB Energy Group based in Fulwood, Preston. Not only did the programme stimulate much interest in the local community; 49 events in 20 different sports, but it also greatly assisted us in raising the profile of the Hospice to a younger generation.
Thanks to many Schools, Colleges, Clubs and Organisations a "Legacy Project" has developed from it, which is fantastic news.
John said: "It's important that children prior to leaving High School have a basic understanding of their local charity. Everybody who was involved in last years programme should be very proud of the commitment and contribution provided. It enabled us to have lots of FUN and engage a much younger generation of volunteers at events. They have grown in confidence and importantly, they now have a better understanding of what the Hospice is all about".
On Friday 28th January John held a Celebration Dinner at the Banqueting and Conference Suite at South Ribble Borough Council Civic Centre for 135 people. The dinner was sponsored by Countrywide Legal Services Ltd. Guest speakers were Bill Beaumont the former England Rugby Football Union star, and John Owen who was the President of the England Rugby Football Union in 2009. Other sporting icons included Mark Halsey one of England's top Football Referee's, and Paul Wood from Warrington Wolves.
Also at the dinner were the Mayor and Mayoress of Preston, Chorley and South Ribble. Each Mayor had as an attendant a pupil from Lostock Hall High School and Archbishop Temple High School. Other youngsters who assisted John during the evening included pupils from Penwortham Girls High School and All Hallows High School.
The evening's Auction raised £1,065 and the Raffle another £810! This meant that we managed to pass the £25,000 mark at the dinner, a great tribute to everybody who was involved in the sports programme last year.
John Gibson
Volunteer Sports Events Fundraiser, St Catherine's Hospice
Mobile: 07970067703
Email: john@squashcoach.fslife.co.uk