Teenager inspires charity’s call for jubilee jollies

A CHARITY that helps people and their families with end-oflife care is hoping people will remember them during the platinum jubilee weekend.

Sue Ryder, which runs Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst is asking local communities to organise a celebration and raise funds for its work.

This includes ideas such as a Jubilee Jolly being organsied by 13-year-old Sophie and her mother Lee-Ann, which will see her whole street will be coming together to celebrate, connect, and donate to Sue Ryder on Sunday, June 5.

Sophie’s mother Lee-Ann said: “Sophie is doing her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and needs to volunteer, but at 13 it’s difficult to find a charity where she can do this.

“Her school said she could organise a charity event instead, and straight away she said she had to do something for Sue Ryder as they cared for her Nanny.

“Our neighbours, friends and family are all really supportive – when we are raising money for Sue Ryder they always help, and we are really grateful. The Platinum Jubilee barbecue will be a chance to have a good time with our neighbours.

“We’re all so busy in our lives and don’t often get to see each other.”

Lee-Ann adds that they have received astonishing levels of support from Sue Ryder and wanted to give back.

“The hospice is amazing. They cared for my mum. Sue Ryder’s carers are angels in disguise,” she explained.

Georgia Thornton, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said the charity was grateful to people like Sophie and Lee-Ann for their initiative, and hoped others would follow suit.

“The funds raised will help to ensure we can continue to offer care and support to local residents and their families.

“We’d love for others to come together and organise their own ‘Jubilee jollies’ to raise muchneeded funds for our hospice,” she said.

■ For more details, or to offer office, call the fundraising team on: 0118 9550 433, or email: dokh.fundraising@sueryder.org