Stockport Express

‘We only exist thanks to your kind support’

- BY EAMONN O’NEAL Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice

CHARITIES have been in the news a lot in recent weeks and months – and not always for the right reasons.

As chief executive of a local charity – St Ann’s Hospice – I know of the importance of organisati­ons across the third sector never losing sight of their core purpose and values; of always putting their benefactor­s first; of remaining thankful to the people who generously fund their work.

Charities should be humble enough to recognise that they can only exist thanks to the kind support of their donors. But, they should also be confident enough to raise their heads up to shout about their cause and bang the drum when needed. of the excellent work they do, especially when there’s so much public discussion taking place around the value and role of our sector.

I’m pleased to say that as an organisati­on with a history of almost half a century of care, we are proud to have a loyal army of supporters who have always enabled us to care for our patients and their families with their generosity.

We never, ever take those supporters for granted.

I never cease to be amazed at the ways in which people pull out all the stops in aid of our patients.

With only around a third of our funding coming from the NHS, we simply couldn’t provide care without those kind donations.

Whether people support our appeals such as Light up a Life or Forget Me Nots, take part in events such as our Manchester Midnight Walk or take time out to hold a fundraisin­g quiz or tea party with friends or colleagues, the energy of the local people that make up the St Ann’s community never ends.

On behalf of our patients and their families, we can’t thank you all enough. »»Could you help St Ann’s by holding an event for your friends or taking part in a fundraisin­g activity? For more informatio­n, or to chat to a member of the St Ann’s team about your fundraisin­g idea, please call 0161 498 3631 or email supporter@sah. org.uk.

 ??  ?? Eamonn O’Neal, chief executive of St Ann’s Hospice
Eamonn O’Neal, chief executive of St Ann’s Hospice

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