Celebratory VE Day bunting raises over £500 for Springhill Hospice

Julie Gregory, Christine Horrocks and Kelly O’Connor with the bunting

A sterling effort by a Rochdale woman has raised over £500 for Springhill Hospice by making some special bunting for VE Day.

Christine Horrocks created some bunting for the 75th anniversary of the day that Winston Churchill announced that World War Two had ended, after a request from her sister, Julie Gregory. Requests for bunting poured in from her neighbours, friends and family, so Christine set about making more bunting, and decided to donate the money to Springhill Hospice.

Christine raised an impressive £528.40 for the local palliative care provider, even creating more on the morning of VE Day itself (Friday 8 May), totalling around 1,000 metres of red, white and blue bunting.

Her friend, Kelly O’Connor, arranged for people to collect the handmade bunting from her home whilst social distancing, so Christine could continue her thoughtful hard work, whilst Kelly’s partner Noel joining in when supplies were low.

Kelly said: “We all worked well as a team, but Christine has done all the hard work. She has made so many people so happy with their bunting.”

Christine, Julie and Kelly presented Springhill Hospice with the proceeds on Tuesday (12 May).

Barbara Lloyd, community support fundraiser at the hospice, said: “What a great idea and wonderful achievement from these lovely ladies for whom the hospice means so much.

“In this very difficult time, they have not only provided vital help for our patients from the money donated, but also been able to support their local community, adding a special touch of colour to their VE Day commemorations.

“Thank you and congratulations for a fantastic team effort.”