Almost there - can you help Harrogate's wonderful Saint Michael's Hospice reach its target?

HarrogateAdvertiserLeapYearAppeal">DONATE TO THE LEAP YEAR APPEAL HERE

He told the Harrogate Advertiser: “It is truly wonderful to have the chance to receive the support of the Harrogate Advertiser and the district community as part of this special Leap Year Appeal, which seeks to raise the extra £15,500 we need by December to provide an extra day of care and support this Leap Year.

“We are delighted to be able to share that, in just a few weeks, with all your help, we are just £3,000 away from our goal, which is just incredible.

“And as we reach this important milestone, I wanted to say 12,000 and more personal and heartfelt thank yous to all the wonderful people who have supported the campaign so far and who support us on a day-to-day basis. Where would we be without you?”

Tony has also thanked the volunteers and regular supporters of the charity for helping it to thrive over the years.

He added: “Hospice care in our community has come a long way since the visionary work of a small group of residents and volunteers who founded Saint Michael’s back in the 80s. They were determined to make sure people had access to compassionate care when needed.

“Fast forward more than three decades and this bond has only deepened to make Saint Michael’s part of the very fabric of our community.

“Because of the strength, passion and loyalty of supporters Saint Michael’s has had the privilege of caring for thousands of local people over these years, whilst continuing to develop services to respond to the ever-changing needs of our community.

DONATE TO THE LEAP YEAR APPEAL HERE

“As a result local hospice care today is now much more than a building, it is happening right now in people’s homes, and in our community.

“Today we would expect to see nearly 100 people using the services that have been featured in the Advertiser over the past few weeks.

“These include newer services, such as the neurological wellbeing support group, the work we are doing to help people with advanced dementia, and the vital crisis response help we are now offering following a sudden death within a school community.

“All this is in addition to the inpatient and outpatient care services for people living with terminal illness. I know from the correspondence I receive each week how much these services mean to so many, something that has been only reiterated by this campaign. I have been stopped in the street by numerous people who have kindly shared their experiences with me.

“I have also read the many heartfelt comments from people on social media about the positive impact Saint Michael’s has made during a very difficult time.”

As the appeal now needs just over £3,000 to reach its target, Tony says the charity has been overwhelmed by the support shown by people across the Harrogate district.

He said: “Saint Michael’s can only make this difference because of the communities we serve, who cheer us on, motivate us, support us and act as critical friends when we need them. It truly does take a community to run a hospice and this begins with our supporters, who are our foundation stones, and give so very generously so this care can happen.”

The largest donation to the appeal so far has been an extremely generous £2,000 gift from Rudding Park.

Director Simon Mackaness explained his delight at being able to support the hospice: “Rudding Park is delighted to support this initiative.

This is a commendable project which will help so many people.”

HOW TO DONATE:

- Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/HarrogateAdvertiserLeapYearAppeal - Call Saint Michael’s Hospice on 01423 878 628.