Make a date with Dame Judi
National treasure Dame Judi Dench is helping raise funds for Oban Hospice with a home video.
The actress, who is the charity’s patron, recorded a special festive message to boost sales of the hospice’s 2022 calendar.
Oban Hospice’s David Evans reached out to the actress’s PA in an email and said he ‘hit the jackpot’ when he got a reply.
‘I just had a stab at it. I Googled a contact for her and within about three emails back and forwards, Dame Judi had made the video for us. It’s a lovely contribution from her as our patron. It’s an absolute privilege to have her support,’ he said.
David is now planning on sharing the video link to all of Dame Judi’s fan pages.
‘There are so many people who admire her work and love her that we’re hoping they might also be encouraged to buy our calendar,’ he added.
In her video message, Dame Judi says: ‘Anyone who loves Scotland and I’m certainly one of them, if not top of the list, will absolutely love this calendar. I’m patron of Oban Hospice and Peter [Darling] who runs the [hospice’s] Dove Centre has brought out this calendar. It makes the most glorious gift for Christmas and, of course, goes on throughout the whole year.
‘If you love Scotland and want to support the hospice, please will you buy one. It costs £9.99 and is worth every penny. Have a very happy Christmas.’
Copies of the calendar have already been winging their way all over the UK from as far north as Shetland and as south as London since its launch back in August.
You can pick up a copy from The Dove Centre in Stevenson Street and from sponsors’ counters at Button Nose Gift Boutique in Airds Crescent, Roxy’s Coffee & Tea House in Argyll Square, Amore Hairdressing in George Street and D&A Munn in Breadalbane Street.
The calendar is now available at Benderloch Shop, Connel Village Shop, Grant’s
Butcher – Taynuilt, Dunollie Stores, Argyll Wellbeing Hub, Craigard Decor, Hannah’s Newsagents, Orsay, Cloud Nine, Bid4Oban, The Sports Shop and Balvicar Stores.
Up to two calendars can also be posted second class within the UK for P&P of £2.75. Email fundraising@obanhospice.org.uk or message Oban Hospice Ltd Facebook page.
Other sponsors are Fred Spreadbury Welding, Highland Fasteners Ltd, Howdens Oban, Morham & Brotchie, Stevenson Kennedy, Alan May Electrical, Forteith Refrigeration & Heat Pump
Solutions, and D K Lafferty & Co Ltd. Funds raised will benefit The Dove Centre, which provides a safe and comfortable space for therapies, group sessions and one-to-one support for anyone affected by an illness, including family members and carers. Proceeds also support Càirdeas, an outreach community service providing social and emotional support to people at home who are living with cancer or life-limiting conditions.
Watch Dame Judi’s video message at Oban Hospice Ltd Facebook page at ww.facebook.com/obanhospice