CHARITY
Honour – Lorna Jones, trustee and daughter of founder Alice Bendle, receiving one of two trophies the hospice won at the 2024 Hartlepool Business Awards.
Party time – volunteer business ambassador Simon Corbett, right, with the hospice’ s Greg Hildreth and Julie Hildreth at an Alice House event at Wynyard Hall.
After a festive donation from Simon and his family at Christmas 2016, he was invited back to the hospice for a tour and a coffee. Motivated by what he saw and briefed on the charity’ s funding challenges, Simon made it his personal mission to help Alice House in any way he could.
Nearly a decade on, Simon has hosted, sponsored, compered and co-organised numerous sellout fundraising events, as well as providing free training to hospice staff and introductions to new supporters. He holds the unique title of volunteer business ambassador at Alice House.
“ I didn’ t go to the hospice wanting appreciation, but it came. The hospice just makes you feel valued, however you are helping through volunteering. The relationship I have with the hospice has just become stronger and stronger.”
The hospice’ s board of trustees also includes high-profile business leaders such as multi-award-winning Vikki Jackson- Smith, managing director of J & B Recycling and who is also a patron, and Peter Bowes, former director of Bridgman IBC and deputy lord lieutenant of County Durham.
Hospice co-CEO Nicky Haggan says:“ Our trustees provide invaluable guidance as we navigate the business world and help oversee decisions at all levels regarding services, finances and other pressing matters.
“ The combined experience and acumen our board members bring to the table is both unique and of crucial importance. Even as a local charity, we must manage our affairs like any other business.”
In 2024, Alice House Hospice’ s position was affirmed at the annual Hartlepool Business Awards, where the charity won in two categories: Best Charitable Business and the inaugural Peter Olsen Award for Outstanding Contribution, which was presented to Lorna Jones, hospice trustee and daughter of founder Alice Bendle.
“ The role of businesses in sustaining the work of hospices is now more vital than ever,” adds Nicky.
“ Having gone through the pandemic, cost-of-living crisis, economic uncertainty and other social and political issues, we have worked hard to establish ourselves among the region’ s leading businesses.
“ The opportunities that arose from this have been an essential part of sustaining our services for those who need them.
“ On behalf of our patients, families, staff and volunteers, we send thanks to all the businesses and individuals whose kindness has left a legacy of care for future patients and their loved ones.”
Visit alicehousehospice. co. uk to find out more.
To find out more about how you or your organisation can work with Alice House Hospice, please see contact details below:
Greg Hildreth Business & Communications senior manager 01429 855529 ghildreth @ alicehousehospice. co. uk
Julie Hildreth Fundraising senior manager 01429 855544 jhildreth @ alicehousehospice. co. uk
Follow Alice House Hospice on: Facebook LinkedIn X BlueSky Instagram
www. alicehousehospice. co. uk
Hartlepool Hospice( known locally as Alice House Hospice). Charity number 510824. Company number 1525658.
Registered Office: Alice House Hospice, Wells Avenue, Hartlepool TS24 9DA
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