VISITORS to a local hospice will get the best seat in the house after a charity event raised hundreds of pounds which has been used to buy new garden furniture.
St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington, took delivery of two new luxury patio table and chair sets after a donation of £1,760 from the annual Darlington and Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club charity night.
Hospice volunteer Nancy Spencer, who has organised the fundraising event for the past 13 years, said: “A couple of my friends passed away from cancer so I decided to try and raise some money to help fund awareness of the disease.
“The first charity night was such a success that it gave me the incentive to do even more to help local causes and the St Teresa’s Hospice charity night became an annual event.”
To date they have raised in excess of £25,000, over the past 13 years, which has been used to help fund the day to day running costs of the hospice.
“I am pleased that the money has been used to buy some new garden furniture for the patients,” she said.
Purchased from Elm Ridge Garden Centre, Darlington, the new furniture sets were delivered by manager John Blake.
“When I told John that the patio furniture was for St Teresa’s he agreed to give us quite a substantial discount and deliver them for free,” said Nancy.
“Now I’ve seen it in place, I’m really happy that day patients visiting the hospice will be able to sit outside in the summer and enjoy the beautiful gardens here at St Teresa’s.”
A hospice volunteer for over 20 years, Nancy also holds a bi-annual fundraising ball at the Kings Head Hotel, Darlington, and is organising an Irish night in aid of the hospice at the Darlington and Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club on March 9.
“We have had great support from local businesses, pubs, clubs and individuals who have all supplied prizes for our bingo, raffles and tombola’s for the night,” added Nancy.
“We will be having a traditional ceilidh band and serving up Irish stew and crusty buns to guests.
“I’ve always been a passionate advocate for St Teresa’s and love being able to help support the people who come to the hospice for their care. I hope that everyone will come along on the night and to help raise as much as we can.”
St Teresa’s chief Executive Jane Bradshaw added: “Nancy is a wonderful hospice supporter and two years ago was awarded the accolade of honorary life member for all her hard work in volunteering and fundraising. I am thrilled with the new furniture which will make a real difference to our patients and visitors.”
Tickets for the Irish night in aid of the hospice, at Darlington and Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club on March 9, are available from St Teresa’s Hospice, (01325) 254321.