SPECIAL guests put on their black ties to celebrate Barnsley Hospice’s 30th anniversary in style.
Last Saturday people gathered at Wortley Hall for the event which celebrated the last three decades of exceptional palliative and end-of-life care the hospice has provided to the people of Barnsley.
Guests included hospice patrons Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE and MP for Barnsley North Dan Jarvis, as well as Mayor and Mayoress John and Doreen Clarke.
Those in attendance were treated to an exclusive preview of a specially-commissioned cover song as part of the charity’s Hospice Care Week campaign - the accompanying video, which includes staff and real beneficiaries of the hospice, is set to be released on October 7.
However, the night also served an important fundraising purpose for the hospice - which needs to raise £3.5m a year to keep running - as they hosted a high-end tombola and auction.
Prizes included a three-night trip to New York, a signed and framed Barnsley FC shirt, the chance to name a character in award-winning author Milly Johnson’s latest book and a signed drawing of cricket legend Dickie.
Martine Tune, chief executive officer and chief nurse at the hospice said: “We’re so grateful to everybody who joined us last weekend and helped make our 30th anniversary ball possible.
“It was wonderful to see many new faces supporting the hospice, along with individuals who have been instrumental in shaping what Barnsley Hospice is today.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to our patrons, Dame Hilary and Dan, for their help with the event and their ongoing support and dedication to Barnsley Hospice.
“As well as being a great opportunity to celebrate the hospice’s history, it was a chance to shine a spotlight on our impact on the community that we serve.
“We remain heavily reliant on the generosity of local individuals, companies, groups and trusts to enable us to continue delivering our services and this ongoing support has never been more important.
“We ask that you please help make a difference to the hospice, however you are able to.
“This does not have to be in the form of monetary donations, and could include supporting our retail hub with donations, taking part in an event or helping to spread awareness of the hospice and its services this Hospice Care Week.”
