Welcome to the latest blog post, bringing you up to date with news from the Mac Unit. We hope you are keeping well, all had a fabulous, chocolatey Easter break and are managing to enjoy some of the sunshine!
It is incredible to think that it was over a year ago now that Boris Johnson made that first public announcement asking us to stay at home. It seemed almost surreal in those early days of lockdown but after twelve months, so much has happened and a lot has changed. On 23rd March, the nation came together to remember those we have lost over the last year. The Macmillan Unit was represented at a service held at Christchurch Hospital, our Trust Secretary, Neal, read a very moving poem and staff came forward with ribbons to tie on a tree in memory of loved ones. It has been such a difficult year for so many and our hearts go out to everyone who has or is still struggling to come to terms with how events have affected them.
As many of you know, we sadly had to close our Grove Hotel in September but Brenden Howard, the hotel’s General Manager, made such a difference to those who stayed at The Grove and we are super proud for him to be recognised for his work with an award from the Queen! To present the award, Brenden received a personal visit from the High Sheriff and official representative of the monarch in Dorset who said of Brenden, “I would say he is quite an exceptional person to be so caring and dedicated to helping those suffering and less fortunate than himself.” We couldn’t agree more.
It’s been another month of fabulous fundraising from our splendid supporters! Mudeford Cricket Club visited every UK championship county cricket ground they were unable to visit last year, running or walking over 2,000 miles and raising £2,195, half of which will be donated to MCL; Rhys Lugg raised £1,500 by running 4 miles every four hours for 48 hours carrying 20kg weight; you have all raised an amazing £24,743 since the start of our ‘Lace Up’ challenge; Steve Middleton did a 7 hour Vinylthon on his online radio ‘Midtone Music’ and raised £2,650 and Pelhams Bowls Club have chosen us as charity of the year again. Thank you to all who took part in our 50/50 Art auction, either by submitting a piece or bidding. We are delighted to say that the auction raised over £1,800 for MCL! Thank you so much, all your fundraising is really appreciated!
If you want to get involved with the “Captain Tom 100 Challenge” at the end of April, check out our Facebook page for more details – it’s a fun one where you can choose to do 100 of anything you want! After the success of our virtual quiz nights, we are hoping to run a real quiz night soon and we are also hoping to hold a real ‘Lace Up’ event at Moors Valley. Watch this space!
Now the weather is warmer, the days longer and another step has been taken in our country’s mission to return to normality, we hope that you all stay well and happy. We are so proud of you and grateful for all that you do for our hospice, the team and our patients and we are very much looking forward to catching up with you again soon. Take care!
Until next time….
Anyone that wishes to make a donation can do so on our website at www.macmillanlocal.org/make-a-donation and if you haven’t already signed up to our newsletter, you can do so at www.macmillanlocal.org/subscribe. You can also read our appeal for support through the Coronavirus at www.macmillanlocal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Covid-appeal-260320.pdf
