One week left to help with the Overgate Leap Day campaign
OVERGATE HOSPICE has been a beacon of hope forn the Calderdale community for nearly 40 years.
But each day of care at the Elland hospice costs a staggering £11,600.
With 2020 being a leap year, the hospice needs to fund an additional day’s care on February 29.
The Halifax Courier has been working with hospice to help spread the word.
We caught up with Rachel Lumb, Overgate’s Challenge and Event Fundraiser.
As well as organising countless fundraisers and events,
‘We need to ensure that Overgate is here to care for our community for years to come.’
Rachel has been leading by example. In September last year she decided to take on not one, but two huge leaps to support Overgate. She did a sponsored sky dive, jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet in the sky. She also braved a 160 feet bungee jump in the hospice grounds.
“I wouldn’t expect anyone to do anything for Overgate that I wouldn’t do myself.
“They were both incredible experiences and I’d encourage anyone to give it a go,” she added.
A few years ago Rachel lost two loved ones at Overgate. After they passed away, her family decided to rally together and managed to fundraise an incredible £17,000 for the hospice.
“I think many people think the hospice is a place of sadness. Whilst there are many sad moments, it is a place filled with laughter and life. It really is about making each moment count. I know how much difference the specialist care provided can make to patients and their families.
“This is our local hospice and it can’t continue to care for local people without our support. We need to ensure that Overgate is here to care for our community for years to come.”
Rachel believes that Overgate’s events have allowed her to remember the happy and special times with her loved ones.
“Grief is different for everyone. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about what you’ve lost, but we try to help people to remember loved ones for the happy times and what they gave them in life. I think our events really help people to do that.
“A fun event like the colour run helps you remember the daft, funny moments but then someting like the midnight walk helps people reflect and appreciate loved ones. Lots of people want to give something back to the hospice when a loved one passes away and are able turn something sad into something amazing.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK
What makes Overgate special? Send in your thoughts and stories of the hospice. Contact us via EMAIL/ONLINE/TWITTER