Surprise boost for Northwood hospice charity appeal

A bumper £30,000 donation from Hillingdon Council’s textile recycling service has kick-started this year’s Mayor’s charity appeal for Michael Sobell Hospice. Cllr Catherine Dann, Mayor of Hillingdon for 2014-15, has chosen to fundraise for the hospice, based at Mount Vernon Hospital on Rickmansworth Road in Northwood, to buy a variety of items that would make a difference to the patients. The surprise announcement about the council’s £30,000 donation was made by Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of Hillingdon Council, at the launch event for the Mayor’s charity appeal on Wednesday 6 August at the Civic Centre. The money was raised from the first five months’ proceed of the council’s new weekly household textile collection service, which started last October. Launching her charity appeal on Wednesday August 6 at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge alongside Mayoress Rita Kilroy, the Mayor praised the wonderful care given by Michael Sobell Hospice. She said: “Both the Mayoress and I have personal experience of the services Michael Sobell Hospice offers, and the comfort, help and support they provide for patients and their families.  It is vital that they remain at the heart of our local community for many years to come. Ensuring they have the best equipment and facilities possible will help them to continue their important work. “Combining Hillingdon Council’s £30,000 donation with the fantastic fundraising efforts that I will be supporting throughout my year as Mayor, this year’s charity appeal will hopefully make a huge difference to the hospice for many years to come.” At the launch event, the Mayor called on community groups, local businesses, schools and individuals to play their part in raising money for her appeal.  She also presented Michael Sobell Hospice with a £629 cheque, taken from the money she had raised thanks to people’s generous donations, to be used to buy a lawnmower and sundial requested by the hospice’s team of volunteer gardeners. Representatives from Michael Sobell Hospice also attended the launch event, speaking about the work that they do and explaining how the new equipment would be used. Melanie Burfitt, Director of Income Generation at Michael Sobell Hospice said: “We are really excited that the Mayor has chosen to support our charity this year.  It will not only raise our profile further within the wider community in the borough but will also raise much needed funds for patient care at MSH. We look forward to working with the Mayor in this exciting year ahead.” Barclays, which supports the Mayor’s Charity Appeal and will match-fund money raised at various events throughout Cllr Dann’s term as Mayor, also attended the launch. Please send your donations to the Mayor’s Parlour, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1UW. Cheques to be made payable to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2014/15. Are you raising money for charity? Email tim@mynewsmag.co.uk