Runners from Barnsley Harriers have been turning miles into money to raise over £2,000 for the hospice.
The funds were generated through the running club’s four Silkstone Shuffle trail races in 2018, with profit from entry fees and income from bake sales at the events going towards the total. A sponsored ‘beer mile’, which saw fundraisers drink a beer after every lap, brought in even more.
Barnsley Harriers club members chose the hospice as their nominated charity for 2018. Chair Ian Meade, 69, of Church Street in Darton said: “My mum Vera Meade was cared for at the hospice in 2016 and had such fantastic care while she was there, so I was delighted the hospice was chosen when we decided which charity to support through the races. The enthusiasm and effort that members put into the fundraising last year was just brilliant, and it’s something we see time and again at the club.”
The total of £2,386 has been put towards the in-patient unit refurbishment. Work is currently taking place to transform the ten bedrooms, en-suites, and main bathroom. A designated overnight stay facility will be available for family members to use as and when needed.
“Although the care that my mum received was fantastic, I did think the rooms looked a bit dated and tired,” said Ian, who visited the hospice with club members to present the cheque. “This was a good opportunity to put some money towards the campaign to freshen them up. I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help.”
Work to transform patient bedrooms began in October and will be fully completed by the spring, with work taking place over four phases to allow in-patient unit services to continue.
Janet O’Hara, grants, trusts and legacies fundraiser at Barnsley Hospice, added: “We’re really grateful to the Barnsley Harriers for their dedication to raising money throughout last year and we’re looking forward to welcoming them back to see the finished rooms.”
Photo shows from right to left: Amie Ledger, Richard Spooner, Ian Meade, Rachel Nothard and Janine Brown, all of the Barnsley Harriers running club.
