NETWORK Rail workers rolled into town to help a hospice spruce up its grounds in time for winter.
Ten volunteers, from as far away as Doncaster, Leeds and York, were happy to take part in an autumn clean up in the grounds of St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington, pruning bushes, trimming trees and collecting leaves.
Organiser Sarah Garbutt appealed to her colleagues for help because she wanted to do something in memory of her stepfather who had been looked after by the hospice’s pioneering Rapid Response Team.
“My stepfather Norman Bainbridge was born just down the road from St Teresa’s in Cockerton and had worked in the building, before it became a hospice, when he was a quantity surveyor,” said Sarah, of Darlington.
“He was such a dignified man and the Rapid Response Team were absolutely incredible, looking after him in his own home after he was discharged from hospital.
“They told us to contact them for anything and they literally meant anything, their response was amazing and they showed Norman such respect.
“It was so nice to be able to give the hospice something back. We all tend to work in offices so it was nice working in the fresh air.”
St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Sarah’s stepdad Norman was a good friend and mentor of mine through Darlington Rotary Club. I remember him with great fondness. We are always thrilled when people volunteer to help us and we were delighted to welcome Network Rail into our grounds so they could also see close at hand the services we offer the people of Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire. This personal connection to Sarah makes their support even more poignant.
“We rely not only on the generosity of this community to help raise the £3m a year needed to continue our work but on the generosity of spirit of those, like our friends at Network Rail, who offer their labour free of charge.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer their time for St Teresa’s Hospice, sponsor or donate should visit https://www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk/volunteer/ or call (01325) 254321 for more information.