FUNDRAISING is about to take off in style as a North RAF base lends air support to a charitable cause.
Staff at RAF Leeming are aiming to sell at least 1,000 tickets in an anniversary draw for a car to raise much-needed funds for St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington.
The competition, for a Vauxhall Viva sourced by family car dealership Sherwoods, is part of a major fundraising drive to equip and run a new 10-bed in-patient unit and celebrate 30 years of the hospice serving Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
Officer commanding Base Support Wing Wg Cdr Rich Neasom said: “Any opportunity for us to help such an amazing cause is good for the hospice, good for the base and good for the RAF.”
St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw added: “RAF Leeming has supported us for many years with many personnel taking the time out to visit us and learn more about the wide range of services we provide the region.
“In celebration of 30 years of St Teresa’s Hospice, for the next 30 days we will all be trying to sell as many tickets as possible with the aim of raising £20,000.”
Sherwoods’ managing director and hospice president Alasdair MacConachie added: “St Teresa’s does an absolutely fantastic job with the unstinting support of the community. The new in-patient unit is incredible and will provide immeasurable relief to patients and their families.”
The public will have the chance to win a Vauxhall Viva and 29 other major prizes, including a robotic lawnmower and bikes. The draw will take place on June 30 at 2pm in Sainsbury’s, Darlington.
Designed by Darlington-based Niven Architects, the £1.2m unit was built by Walter Thompson. The single storey, purpose-built facility offers five-star service with all ten private rooms opening out into the hospice gardens or with their own private woodland balcony.
They are equipped with an en-suite wet room, energy-efficient under-floor heating, modern ventilation, television and controllable mood lighting.
Medical equipment, including a piped oxygen supply and built-in hoists that fold out of sight, will allow patients with mobility issues the chance to transfer easily from bed to en-suite and a separate assisted bathroom, with adjustable bath seating and wall-mounted television, is available for patients who prefer a long therapeutic soak.
Fundraising will raise the money needed to fully furnish and equip each room and cover the £2.2m annual running costs of the hospice and its services.
Prize draw tickets are available from the hospice, and its nine shops in Northallerton, Richmond, Leyburn, Darlington, Barnard Castle and Shildon or visit www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk or facebook.com/stteresashospice.