YMCA Students to Walk for Charity

18-year-old student Elise Phillips from Erith, Kent is walking from Greenwich Park to Bexleyheath Shopping Centre on Wednesday 17 March to raise money for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

Elise, who is on a 10-week work-based learning course at The Howbury Centre, Erith is learning all about the work place and as one of her projects she is required to fundraise for a fun day out.

Elise said: "We thought a good way of raising money for our day out was to do a sponsored walk. We chose to support Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice because it's a local charity that's close to our hearts."

Elise will be walking with 18-year-old Kerri Morss from Erith and 17-year-old Kirstie Oake from Erith to raise money for charity, with 50% of the funds raised going to Greenwich & Bexley Hospice and the rest going to a fun day out for the young people of the Greenwich YMCA group.

The students hope to raise at least £100.

To sponsor them, please contact Jodyne Earle at the YMCA based in Greenwich on email: Jodyne.Earle@ymcathamesgateway.org.uk .

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Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice promotes
Dying Matters Awareness Week

Today Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice joins the just under 7,000 members of the Dying Matters Coalition for a week of action (15-21 March) to encourage people to talk about their wishes towards the end of their lives, including where they want to die and their funeral plans with friends, family and loved ones.

Chief Executive, Kate Heaps, Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice said: "As part of our ongoing commitment to public awareness raising and education, we are pleased to be supporting Dying Matters Awareness Week. Our events include a fantastic project with Crown Woods School, Eltham working with young people to talk about death and dying and demystify hospice care; visits to the Hospice from both Greenwich and Bexley Mayors; our local MPs joining some service users for lunch at Stepping Stones (our twice monthly drop in service for patients, carers and the bereaved); and the showing of a short film at Charlton Athletic Football Club during half time on Saturday. This initiative is so important, by raising public awareness we can really make a difference to those who are affected by death and dying, making it easier for people to talk about the things that really matter to them at this difficult time, with their loved ones as well as the professionals caring for them."

For further information on the Dying Matters Coalition, please call freephone 08000 21 44 66 or at email info@dyingmatters.org .

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New Chief Executive at Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice

Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice has appointed Kate Heaps as its new Chief Executive.

The Abbey Wood-based Hospice provides high quality specialist palliative care to local people suffering with life-limiting illnesses

With more than 3 years in her last position as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Care Services at the Hospice, Kate brings with her a wealth of experience from both the voluntary and statutory sectors in Trusts, Hospice and Health Authority settings.

She said: "I'm thrilled at my appointment. I'm looking forward to leading our fantastic team of hospice staff and volunteers; not only in maintaining the excellent care we already provide, but also with exciting developments planned for the future. We really want to reach out to the communities of
Greenwich and Bexley to ensure that the Hospice provides choice for people at the end of life, wherever they wish to be cared for; be it at home, in hospital or a care home, as well as offering the option of care in the Hospice itself."

Dr David Robson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Hospice, said: "I know I speak for all the Trustees in warmly welcoming Kate as our new Chief Executive. We are confident that her experience, vision and commitment make her the right person to lead the Hospice into the next stages of development and we wish her well."

Kate takes over from Jim Bennett, who recently stepped down after 4 years in the post.

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Dinner & Dance event raises £1,770 for Hospice

A black tie Dinner & Dance event was held on Saturday 13 February to raise funds for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

The event was held at The Westwood Masonic Centre in Welling and raised £1,770 for the Hospice.

95 supporters enjoyed the event which included a four course meal and live entertainment from ABBA tribute duo ABBA Factor. There was also a raffle and silent auction.

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Chief Executive to step down from Greenwich & Bexley
Cottage Hospice in February 2010

Jim Bennett, Chief Executive at Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice since 2006, is to step down from his position in February 2010.

After 16 years of dedicated service and commitment, the last 4 years as Chief Executive, Jim Bennett has decided to step down to pursue new opportunities and challenges.

Jim joined the Hospice team in 1993 as Fundraising Coordinator and progressed through the organisation as Appeals Director, Joint Chief Executive and as Chief Executive since June 2006.

Jim said: "It has been an incredible experience working for the Hospice and to lead its development over the years. I have enjoyed my work immensely and I am grateful to everyone who has made this possible. I will of course continue to support the Hospice in different ways in the future. Also I look forward with great enthusiasm to new opportunities and challenges."

Following Jim's announcement, Hospice Chairman David Robson said: "Jim will be a very hard act to follow and he will be sorely missed by the management, staff, volunteers, friends and supporters of the Hospice. Nevertheless, I am confident that the Hospice will continue to improve and grow its specialist end of life care services to the communities of Greenwich and Bexley."

"We thank Jim for his many years of dedicated service and wish him well. Thanks to Jim and his hard working team, Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice is extremely well-placed to continue to provide the outstanding services that it offers its local community. We look forward to continuing our work in what will be a new phase in our development," concluded David.

During the coming days and weeks, the Trustee's of the Hospice will be working closely with Jim and the Senior Management Team to ensure a smooth handover of his responsibilities, both for the interim period and for the longer term.

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The Freemasons' Grand Charity award Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice £3,341 grant

The Freemasons' Grand Charity has donated £3,341 to Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice. The grant was presented to the Hospice by The Masonic  Province of West Kent in recognition of the good work the charity carries out in the communities of the London Boroughs of Greenwich & Bexley.

The donation was awarded by The Freemasons' Grand Charity (a grant-making charity, which is funded by Freemasons and their families) in December 2009 to help towards the operating costs of the Hospice. This donation is in addition to funds already granted by Masons to other Hospices in the Province.

Roger Friend, Provincial Almoner at The Masonic Province of West Kent,  said: "We recognise the wonderful work that Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice provides in the community. We were proud to present the award to Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice and to assist in its vital work."

Jim Bennett Chief Executive at the Hospice said: "'We are very grateful  for the loyal and continued support offered to us by the Masonic Province of West Kent.  The support is invaluable to us and will help us to provide our special care during the coming weeks."

Over the last 25 years over £8 million has been donated to hospice services across England and Wales by Freemasons via the Grand Charity.

To find out how you can help support the work of Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice call the fundraising team on 020 8319 9230.

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Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery launches single ticket sales

Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery has today announced the launch of Lottery single ticket sales from Hospice reception (185 Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood) and through six of its Hospice shops.  Tickets will be available from the remaining seven Hospice shops from Wednesday 3 February. The Lottery tickets can be purchased for a chance to enter into the Hospice Lottery weekly draw and to share in the 40 cash prizes that are won each week.

The Hospice Lottery was set up to support the annual running costs of the Hospice.

Stacey Booth, Lottery Manager at Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice said: "Single tickets are a great way to have a little flutter and give yourself the chance to win the £1000 weekly jackpot. They will also boost the revenue for the Hospice and enable us to continue the very special work that we do.''

Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery tickets cost £2 per entry per week and can be purchased in any of the six Hospice shops in Northumberland Heath, Sidcup, Pickford Lane (Bexleyheath), Greenwich High Road, Blackheath Standard and Eltham.

Tickets will be available to purchase from the remaining seven Hospice shops in Welling (Bellegrove Parade and Bellegrove Road), Belvedere Village, Bexleyheath (Broadway and The Mall), Greenwich (Trafalgar Road) and New Eltham from 3 February.

Each week 40 lucky winners share in the £1500 prize fund which has a top prize of £1000.  Since it started on 31 July 2009 Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery has had over 920 lucky winners sharing in £34,500 worth of cash prizes.

Stacey hopes that the single ticket sales are popular, saying: "It's a great way to help your local Hospice whilst giving yourself the opportunity to win the £1000 top prize.''

For more information or to sign up to the Lottery, visit cottagehospicelottery.org.uk, email lottery@gbch.org.uk or call the Lottery hotline on 0870 085 3779.

Players must be over the age of 16 to take part.

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Sheila’s in the money

Sheila Money, a hospice volunteer from Bexleyheath has scooped top prize in the Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice lottery. Sheila (74) won £1000 in the weekly draw.

Sheila, who has worked as a volunteer fundraiser for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice for the past nine years, said: “My friend Pat who I work on reception with encouraged me to take part as she had won a small prize.”

Within two weeks of play, Sheila received a phone call from the Lottery Manager Stacey Booth telling her that she had won the top weekly prize of £1000. The icing on the cake for Sheila was that the win came just days before her 74th Birthday.

“I couldn’t believe my luck,” said Sheila. “I was flabbergasted! The phone call came out of the blue; I really didn’t expect to win.”

Sheila said that if she can win, anyone can. She has banked the cheque and plans to spend her winnings in the new year on a couple of new sofas for the lounge.

A retired Civil Servant, Sheila now spends her free time volunteering at the hospice reception, at one of the hospice charity shop and helps out at all the major seasonal Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice fundraising events such as Santas on Broadway, Carolthon and Christmas Fairs and events. Next year she has the Easter Fair and Summer Funday to look forward to.            

Sheila, a mother of two, says that she has made many new friends at the hospice since starting out in 2000 and wants to encourage others to volunteer their time and support the hospice by playing the weekly lottery:

“The work the hospice does is wonderful, nothing is too much trouble and the nurses are great. They deserve our support.”

Playing the hospice lottery is easy, simply sign up online at cottagehospicelottery.org.uk, email lottery@gbch.org.uk or call the Lottery hotline on: 0870 085 3779. Anyone over the age of 16 can sign up to the weekly draw at just £2 per week and each week £1500 in prizes are awarded.

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Looking for a unique gift? Make someone a winner and buy a lottery gift voucher this Christmas

The Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice weekly lottery started just four months ago and already over 800 people have joined in. In the first four months there have been 680 winners. Anyone over the age of 16 can play and each week £1500 in prizes are awarded.

The gift of giving - Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery Gift Vouchers make an ideal Christmas present and are easy to buy and to use. They are available for a 5 week (£10), 10 week (£20), 13 week (£26), 26week (£52) or 52 week (£104) period.

"Purchasing a Lottery Gift Voucher is easy," says Lottery Manager Stacey Booth. "You can either purchase your Voucher online www.lottery@gbch.org.uk or download the application form and return it to the hospice. Once we receive the form and your payment a Gift Voucher will be sent to you in the post. You will then have the perfect present to give to your friend or family member - and your gift could be the winning ticket!"

To activate the Gift Voucher the bearer will need to call the Lottery Hotline on: 0870 085 3779 with the Voucher Number and their details.

The Hospice Lottery gives people the chance of winning its weekly jackpot of £1000 as well as 40 other cash prizes. Anyone over the age of 16 can sign up and each week £1500 in prizes are awarded.

Visit the lottery website www.cottagehospicelottery.org.uk, email lottery@gbch.org.uk or call the lottery hotline on 0870 085 3779.

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Santa Parade arrives at Broadway

Despite the wind and rain, Santas on Broadway Christmas Spectacular was deemed a huge success. The event, now in its second year, was held on Sunday 29 November at Broadway, Bexleyheath.

The Christmas Spectacular was to raise funds for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

The event highlight was a sensational Santa Parade and the switching on of Bexleyheath Town Centre's Christmas lights.

Community Fundraiser, Susan Adams, said: "We had no idea how many Santas would turn out to support this festive event but, an hour before the parade was due to start, hundreds of Santas appeared from all directions filling the area - everyone was happy and it was a great atmosphere."

Hospice Chief Executive Jim Bennett thanked everyone for making the event such a huge success, particularly The Mall, Bexleyheath Shopping Centre, Metropolitan Police, Hospice Staff and Volunteers, Nigel Barrett Photography and the hundreds of Santas who turned out on the day.

The event was attended by the Mayor & Mayoress of Bexley and the Mayor of Greenwich Cllr Allan MacCarthy who visited the many Christmas market stalls and supporters before walking down to join the Santa Parade start point at Christ Church, Bexleyheath. The Mayor of Bexley Cllr Bernard Clewes MBE then invited everyone to join him in a countdown for the Christmas Lights Switch-on and the 'Happy Medium Party Band' took to the stage to get the
party going.

The all-day event which ran from 11am to 5pm featured live bands, entertainment and a Christmas Market.

Susan Adams said: "We have raised much-needed funds and raised awareness of the work of the Hospice. Thanks to everyone who came along and took part. Events like this bring the community together and provide us with an opportunity to raise the necessary funds to help continue our specialist care for the people of Bexley and Greenwich.

Santas on Broadway was supported by the London Borough of Bexley, The Mall Bexleyheath, Marriott Bexleyheath, ASDA, The Scout Association and Nigel Barrett Photography.

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Asda Bexleyheath supports Hospice and Santas on Broadway

Asda Bexleyheath welcomed community fundraiser Susan Adams from Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice on Tuesday (10 November), as she popped in to celebrate Asda's support for this month's charity fundraising event, Santas on Broadway, which takes place on Sunday 29 November.

The event aims to raise money for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice and will feature a sensational Santa Parade at 4pm and the switching on of Bexleyheath Town Centre's Christmas lights at 5pm.

Last year it attracted an impressive 1,019 Santas to join the parade and is hoping to double that figure for this year's event.

Asda is providing refreshments for the estimated 2,000 people attending on the day and is also contributing towards the cost of the marquees for the event.

General Store manager, Joe Lock, was on hand to lend his support to Susan and to encourage customers to join in the charity fundraising event (pictured).

Joe said: "Asda Bexleyheath is proud to support Santas on Broadway. Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice does some incredible work for many of our customers and their families and we're glad that we can do our bit for the local community."

Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice is a registered charity offering high quality specialist palliative care and support services for people with life limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

The Hospice needs approximately £6million every year to provide its specialist services. With just a third of this funded by the NHS, it relies heavily on the support of the local community to continue its work.

Santa Parade registration forms are available for download from the website www.cottagehospice.org.uk or register in person at The Mall, Bexleyheath Broadway Shopping Centre 'Ask Me' point (cash & cheques only) or Hospice Fundraising Office, 12-15 Bellegrove Parade,Welling DA17 2RE (credit & debit cards accepted).

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Tea at 3 raises cash for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice

135 people attended a Tea at 3 Afternoon Tea event with author Fiona Castle (October 29) at the Marriott Hotel in Bexleyheath to raise money for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

Fiona has been a great supporter of Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice during 2009, having attended the Lottery Launch event www.cottagehospicelottery.org.uk in May, and as afternoon speaker at the popular Tea at 3 event.

"Everyone enjoyed Fiona's talk," said community fundraiser Susan Adams. "And afternoon tea was delicious! We hope to have raised between £1,800 and £2,000 for the Hospice."

The money raised from the event will go directly towards providing the Hospice's specialist care and support services. All patients, whether they are at home, in the Hospice, or in hospital, receive their care at no cost to themselves or their families.

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60’s charity dance night raises £800

A fun packed evening of 60’s music and 60’s dress was held on 23 October at Sidcup & Footscray United Services Club,Sidcup to raise money for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

Community fundraiser, Julie Lawrie-Raison said: “The night was brilliant. Everyone danced the night away to the sounds of The Happy Medium Party Band.  We raised over £800 for the Hospice. Thanks to everyone who came along and joined in the fun.”

The evening’s entertainment included a hot supper, some fancy footwork and a raffle - with a top prize of a pair of front row seats to see the Jersey Boys at The Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End.

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Everyone's a Winner
Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery

31 LOTTERY WINNERS gathered at Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice in Abbey Wood this month (16 October) to mark the first 12 weeks of the Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery.

Lottery Manager Stacey Booth invited the lottery winners to tea and cake at the Hospice and documented the day with a photo shoot.

The winners, who ranged from £5 to £1000 jackpot winners, represented people from all walks of life.

Chief Executive Jim Bennett thanked everyone for their support and talked about how the lottery was set up to provide a fun way to donate to the Hospice. By paying just £2 a week members can raise £104 a year, and be in with a chance of winning some great cash prizes.

The Hospice Lottery gives people, currently 820, the chance of winning its weekly jackpot of £1000 as well as 40 other cash prizes. Anyone over the age of 16 can sign up to the weekly draw at just £2 per week and each week £1500 in prizes are awarded.

Sheila Foden from New Eltham said: "I was pleased to hear all about the new lottery; it supports such a good cause. A close friend's partner was diagnosed with cancer in 1994. I came to visit him at the Hospice and was overwhelmed by the care and attention the staff gave to him. I'm delighted to be a part of it."

By playing the Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery people can help to provide the Hospice with a regular income - which in turn benefits those who are suffering with a life-limiting illness. It also provides an excellent opportunity to win a guaranteed top prize of £1000 every week!

The Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery launched on 8 May, and the first draw took place on 31 July, 2009.

For more information or to sign up to the lottery, visit http//www.cottagehospicelottery.org.uk
or email lottery@gbch.org.uk
or call the lottery hotline on 0870 085 3779.

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Santas on Broadway - Join the Santa Parade!

On Sunday 29 November Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice in conjunction with the Mall Bexleyheath will host a Christmas Spectacular to raise funds for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice at an all day event featuring live bands, entertainment and a huge Christmas Market.

The event highlight will be a sensational Santa Parade at 4pm and the switching on of Bexleyheath Town Centre's Christmas lights at 5pm.

Community Fundraiser, Susan Adams, said: “We want to see 2,000 Santas parading along the Broadway this year - double the Santas, double the fun and double the funds!"

The Santa parade will commence at 4pm at a leisurely pace from Bexleyheath Town Park, alongside Christ Church and left onto Broadway towards the Clock Tower.

Registration costs £10 for 16 and over and £5 for children aged 5-15. The registration fee includes a free Santa suit. The Santa suit packs will be ready for collection from the Mall, Bexleyheath Ask Me Point, which can be found at Central Square near Barretts and Costa Coffee.

The Christmas lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Bernard Clewes MBE.

Santas on Broadway is supported by the London Borough of Bexley, The Mall Bexleyheath, Marriott Bexleyheath, The Scout Association and Nigel Barrett Photography.

Download the registration form or sign up online at
http://www.cottagehospice.org.uk/santa/

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Chief Executive goes the extra mile

Jim Bennett, Chief Executive at Greenwich & BexleyCottage Hospice, will be embarking on a500-kilometre cycle challenge over an eight day period through Vietnam and Cambodia this month (October 22) to raise money for the Hospice.

Jim, who has personally financed all the costs associated with the challenge himself, has alreadyraised £6,575.00 through his online sponsorship page www.justgiving.com/Jim-Bennett . His target is £10,000.

Every penny Jim receives in sponsorship will directlysupport the very special care that the Hospice provides to Greenwich and Bexley residents.

He says: “My cycle challenge will be an experience of a lifetime. It has given me a good excuse to get fit, and I have been training for weeks. I know it won't be a stroll in the park!” 

Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice provides specialist palliative care to local people suffering with life-threatening illnesses.

All of its services to patients and their families are provided free of charge, but this care doesn't go without cost as it takes approximately £6million to run the Hospice each year.

To sponsor Jim and make a difference to the lives of others go to his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Jim-Bennett

Send your donation to Jim Bennett at the Hospice, 185 Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood, London SE2 0GB. Cheques should be made payable to Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

Or make a pledge that you will honour upon his return from the challenge.

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Hospice Chief Executive urges people to get on their bike:
15th Anniversary Sponsored Cycle

A sponsored cycle ride is to take place in aid of Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice. The cycle, which attracted 750 riders last year, is hoping for an even bigger turnout for this year’s event.

The event takes place on Sunday October 4 and riders have the choice of 3 start points and 6 routes along the Thames Cycle Path, and they can choose from either a 12 or 24 mile run.

The 3 start and finish points are the Morrisons store in Erith, CuttySark Gardens in Greenwich and Woolwich Arsenal.

Jim Bennett, Chief Executive at the Hospice, will cycle the 24-mile route starting at Erithin preparation for his 500 kilometre sponsored cycle across Vietnam and Cambodia raising money for Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice.

Jim says: “We are hoping to attract at least 1,200 cyclists to our sponsored cycle this year. Our annual cycle is a safe, fun and healthy way to raise funds for your local Hospice but this one’s rather special, as it marks the Hospice’s 15th Anniversary. It’s also a good opportunity for me to put in some practice miles in preparation for my Vietnam and Cambodia bike challenge on October 24!”

A mobile workshop will be on hand to help out cyclists with mechanical problems and carry out a safety check beforehand. All children taking part must wear a cycle helmet.

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Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Bed Push

On September 19, Green Watch firefighters from Woolwich Fire Station and nurses from Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice will take to the streets in a charity bed push to raise funds for the Hospice.

Firefighters dressed as nurses and nurses dressed as firefighters will push a bed through the streets of Greenwich and Bexley as part of their fundraising efforts. The team will start at the Hospice’s main entrance at 11am. They will head along Bostall Hill, through Welling and finish at Broadway, Bexleyheath at approximately 3pm where they will be greeted by Hospice supporters and well-wishers at a Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice-themed stand.

Community fundraiser, Julie Lawrie-Raison, said: “We thought of doing something a little bit different this year, something with a twist. We wanted to catch people’s eye and cheer them up. Our bed push promises to be a fun day, bringing together the local people, Woolwich Fire Brigade and the Hospice to help raise vital funds. We appreciate the support of local people regardless of how much they can afford to give, whether it is 10p or £10.”

Local people are being asked to come and support the team en-route, make a donation or even sponsor a firefighter or a nurse.

Firefighter Robert Colvin said: “The money raised from the day will be pumped straight back to the Hospice to ensure that local people benefit from the great work they do year on year. I hope to see many faces out on the streets supporting us in our efforts, enjoying the event and helping a great cause.”

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Charlton resident scoops £1000 in Hospice Lottery

A Charlton resident has scooped top prize in the first Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery draw.

Christina Grantham, 78, won £1000 in the first draw, which was held on July 31.

She said: "This is the first time I have ever won anything of this size. It was a surprise when Stacey from the Hospice rang. I like a gamble but I'm not normally lucky. I still can't quite believe my good fortune! I feel my luck is changing."

Christina, whose sister was cared for by Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice in 2003, is planning to treat her family with the winnings.

Stacey Booth, Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice's lottery manager, said:"We are delighted for Christina. She really is a lovely lady and such a worthy first draw winner. She is typical of the fantastic supporters we have in the community who want to give something back.

The Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Lottery is the lottery that makes everyone a winner. It provides a great way for people to donate to the Hospice - and, at the same time, have the chance of winning a top prize of£1000 every week."

For more information or to sign up to the lottery, visit http//www.cottagehospicelottery.org.uk
or email lottery@gbch.org.uk
or call the lottery hotline on 0870 085 3779.