Thanks to Erika for sharing this latest news from the Hospice. Ed
Once again the Hospice was left impressed, amazed and grateful for the range of activities undertaken by supporters and well-wishers during the Go Yellow period.
A variety of fundraising activities
From a mass abseil off Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower, special appearances by the Hospice’s own ‘Minions’ and the creation of the Hospice’s own Go Yellow sweet, to numerous individual and team efforts including Cowes Primary School children on bagging duty at the local Co-op store, it seemed like everyone was prepared to join in the fun – and all for the good cause of ensuring the Hospice is able to provide end-of-life services to Island residents.
In addition companies and individuals as well as the Hospice’s own shops – and patients and visitors – all went yellow.
A major event took place at The Needles Park at Alum Bay on Saturday when, with the Minions also in attendance, various Go Yellow events took place including the production of a special Go Yellow sweet.
45 abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower
On Sunday in Portsmouth 45 brave people abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower – none in more dramatic fashion that Paul Magee who dressed up as Spiderman before revealing he may be scared of heights and then making the drop over the precipice in any case…
For those not intending to scare themselves, Barton Manor offered a peaceful Sunday and fun day out for the family in glorious weather. More than 400 people enjoyed a variety of events, including a falconry display and tours lead by Osborne House staff which for the first time included the Japanese Garden.
Children were kept happy
In addition children enjoyed entertainment from Dazzle and Fizz, the VIP Minions danced while the café run by Hospice Head Chef Gary Barton made sure cakes and tea were flowing as visitors enjoyed a host of activities and stalls including a Kissy Puppy tombola.
The day concluded with an hour’s medley of famous musical songs performed after a Les Miserables workshop led by Catherine Francoise of the London-based Vocal Performance Academy. Local amateur singers joined in with academy performers – who had been brought to the event courtesy of Red Funnel – in what was a tear-jerking finale.
Hospice chief executive Jo Blackburn said:
“Forty volunteers gave their time and we’d like to thank everyone for making this such a special day.
“It was a lovely end to a week of varied events that demonstrated once again just how supportive the Isle of Wight community is to the Hospice. All across the Island people once again pulled out all the stops to raise money for us. We are privileged to have so many people willing to demonstrate their support for us.
“We are still totting up how much money was raised but it will add up to a very significant amount.”
