Springhill Hospice fundraising – winter update

Springhill Hospice Country Fete

The last six months have been packed full of fundraising events, from fashion shows to fairs and walks to awards. Here are just a few of the many annual events that help to raise money for Springhill Hospice.

This year’s Dog Show and Traditional Country Fete in June had hundreds of wagging tails and panting puppies enjoying the sunshine at Rochdale’s Riding Club. Families were entertained with Punch & Judy, a fairground, donkey rides, birds of prey, farm animals, crafts and stalls.

In July the Moonlit Sprint or Stroll once again saw supporters donning Springy the Frog onesies to hop, skip or jump the 10km route starting from Rochdale Rugby Union Club. The efforts of this green brigade of invertebrates totalled £6,000.

On a balmy evening in July the Hospice grounds were transformed to host the annual Summer Serenade. Picnickers and patients alike were entertained by host Dudley Doolittle, local choirs, bands and soloists, all doing their bit, free of charge, to raise £2,000.

The beautiful, award winning, Hospice grounds came into their own in August for the Open Garden Day. Demonstrations, displays, homemade cakes, preserves and plant sales all helped to swell the coffers, along with gardener Nick Dent’s new initiative Springhill Pizza – wood burning oven-baked, fresh in the garden.

What’s in store for the next few months? How can you get involved?

There is something for everyone starting with the Hospice’s now legendary Christmas Fair.

Sunday 20 November sees the Broad Lane hospice transformed into a winter wonderland. Between 10am and 3pm the festive family fun will include over 60 stalls of seasonal treats, gifts, food, games, raffles and tombolas. Especially for those younger supporters, Father Christmas will be in his grotto. With free ‘Park & Ride’ from Gordon Rigg Garden Centre, Kingsway and free entry, it is one not to be missed.

On Friday 25 November a fond farewell is bid to the current Man of Rochdale, Andrew Nutter, as he passes his title on to Rochdale’s next man of the year. Join the Hospice to celebrate Andrew’s year with a four course meal and beer reception and guest speaker, comedian Terri Cotta. The Great Hall at Rochdale’s beautiful Town Hall is the most amazing setting for this award lunch. You can now register online at

https://springhill.org.uk/manofrochdale-2016

Put your best festive fundraising foot forward by putting on a Santa suit and taking part in this year’s Santa Dash or Dawdle on Sunday 11 December. Join hundreds of Santas, young and old, two legged or four, for what has become an amazing spectacle around Hollingworth Lake.

This will be the 11th Santa Dash or Dawdle for Springhill Hospice and hospice staff are asking everyone to help them make this year another special event. Last year saw 616 Santa’s donning red and white - join in this year to be one of them, it's a fantastic experience not to be missed.

Registration for the Santa Dash costs £12 per adult, and £8 per child for which you'll receive your own Santa suit, a commemorative mug to use all year round, a specially designed medal, a bottle of water, disposable rain mac (if needed), a banana and a sponsor form:

https://springhill.org.uk/santadash-2016

Last year this event raised a staggering £18,500 for Springhill Hospice. With your help, that can be beaten this year, helping Springhill Hospice serve the communities of Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood.