Local baby hospice, Zoë’s Place has a range of upcoming fundraising events to help fund its vital work in providing palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants aged from birth to five years.
Amongst the challenge events are It’s a Knockout, The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, The Ali Brownlee Riverside 5k and 2k fun run, the Great North Run and Zoë’s Place’s very own Tour De branch bike ride challenge.
From September to Christmas Zoë’s Place have their corporate golf day, the annual Christmas Lights Switch On, the Boundary 500 Santa Ride and a Christmas shopping trip to Meadowhall, Sheffield.
Funds raised from all the events will go towards the £1.5 million needed to help keep the hospice’s six cots open 365 days a year. This way they have the funds available to provide much needed respite and palliative care for the 32 babies that access the services, whilst giving their families the necessary support they deserve.
Babies who are cared for at the Middlesbrough-based baby hospice live with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses, with many requiring 24 hour support and care on a one-to-one basis.
In March, the hospice made a desperate plea for support after announcing that it was at risk of having to close for one or two nights per week due to cuts after a change in funding for respite care.
Mark Guidery, General Manager at Zoë’s Place, has commented that the host of events have been organised to help keep the funds topped up throughout the year, and to help keep the cots open.
He commented: “It is our policy to never turn a child away, whether they are from the local area, the North East region or from further afield.
“Whilst that is a policy we firmly stand by here at Zoë’s Place, we need to ensure funding continues coming into our hospice on a regular basis.
“These forthcoming events are the lifeblood of our fundraising work and is an excellent way to involve the local community and corporate supporters which is why we have purposely organised events that includes something for everyone.
“Whether you have a keen adventurous side, or prefer something closer to home, our events give everyone of any ability the opportunity to do their bit to raise vital funds to support our babies.
“Or of course you can take part in a whole host of other events in aid of Zoë’s Place such as our Smartie Tube Appeal or Paws for thought; details of which you can find on our website and social media.”
“ensuring we can keep our doors open to these deserving babies and their families is crucial, so our fundraising team are always available to offer advice and support on how to maximise fundraising opportunities for anyone who wants to help our cause”
Anyone who would like to get in touch with the hospice can do so on 01642 457985 or email info@zoes-place.org.uk . For more information on the services that Zoë’s Place offers please visit our website www.zoes-place.org.uk/middlesbrough
The events are as follows:
22nd June – It’s a Knockout at TIBS Football Club – team places are sold out but please come along to spectate and support our hospice with our many stalls and fundraising activities.
30th June – Ali Brownlee Riverside 5k and 2k Fun Run
27th July – Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
6th September – Golf Day – Romanby Golf Club
8th September – Great North Run – no charity places left but we can provide a fundraising pack for anyone with their own place from the general ballot.
17th November – Christmas Lights Switch On at Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice
22nd November – Christmas Shopping Trip to Meadowhall
Ready Teddy Go! ‘Tour De Branch’ Bike Challenge – anytime, anywhere! For more information visit www.readyteddygo.online.