Nifty at fifty Michelle smashes fundraising target

Earlier this week we invited the fabulous Michelle Grainger to a celebration lunch here at the Hospice, to say a huge thank you for her fundraising efforts across her ‘nifty at fifty’ fundraising year. We also welcomed Michelle as a Patron of the Hospice in recognition of her incredible fundraising. 

Hospice staff, and members of the Hospice’s Board of Trustees came along to congratulate Michelle on her achievement of raising an incredible £43,433 to support patient care.

Michelle embarked on her year of fundraising last February following her 50^thbirthday. Her aim was to complete 50 challenges in her 50^thyear to raise £30,000 for the Hospice. 

Some of Michelle’s highlights from her campaign include taking on the world’s longest zip wire, shaving her head, a five-aside football tournament and hosting a battle of the bands.

Michelle said: “The best moments in the year have been seeing the kids in the community putting money in star jars. They’ve raised £5000 between them and they make me so proud.

I’m overwhelmed by how many people in the area have come together to help - anything else we raise is a bonus.”

The whole community has really gotten behind Michelle during her year of fundraising, and she reached her £30,000 target back in October after completing just 30 of her 50 challenges. This inspired Michelle to continue with her challenges and raise even more money for the Hospice.

Michelle first began fundraising for us back in 2011, when her father was taken ill and was admitted to our Incare ward. Michelle said;

‘I first wanted to support the Hospice because of our experience, and the help we received caring for my Dad. We wanted to give something back. I wanted to help everyone else to see it how we see it; a place for everyone and their families, who need support with terminal illness. Somewhere that is dignified, peaceful and friendly.
Michelle has six challenges left, with a community party set to be her final challenge.

Michelle said: “We’re hosting the party to say a big thank you to everyone in the community who’s backed both me and the Hospice in my 50 challenges.

“The party will be held at The Ambience on Saturday February 8 and on the night I’ll reveal the grand total of money we’ve raised.

“Working with the Hospice has been amazing, I’ve got to know a lot of the people there and they’ve become an extended family.

“I’ll definitely carry on fundraising for them, my shop has become a community hub for people to drop off donations and come for a chat.”

From everyone here at the Hospice, Michelle, you are incredible and we can not thank you enough for your dedication and support of our work.