Chairman's appeal helps Kemp Hospice
More than two thousand pounds has been raised
for Kemp Hospice in Kidderminster by the former Chairman of Wyre
Forest District Council.
The charity was chosen by Councillor Gordon
Yarranton when came into office in May 2010. Throughout his term in
office he has been raising money for the charity which provides
support for those living with a life threatening illness and their
families in the local community.
His biggest money raising event was a charity
dinner. Councillor Yarranton also organised raffles and
donated money from the collection at his Christmas Carol
Service. Local dignitaries and Councillors added to the
pot.
He also continued the scheme of fining
councillors £5 if their mobile phones rang during meetings.
Councillor Gordon Yarranton said,
“I am delighted to be able to give Kemp
Hospice this money. I have had a very enjoyable time as
Chairman of the Council and have been to some interesting places
and met some wonderful people, including the fabulous staff at Kemp
Hospice. They do an amazing job and I hope that the money the
Chairman’s appeal has raised this year will help them continue and
develop their services.”
He added,
“We raised some money in mobile phone fines
and we’ve had a lot less interruptions to meetings and have been
able to get on with Council business!”
The cheque was presented to Sue Harrison, Head
of Care at Kemp Hospice. Sue said,
“We are very grateful for all donations.
Councillor Yarranton has given us this money to spend on
priorities. It is really helpful when donations aren’t earmarked
for specific things so we can fund the day to day running of our
core services.
As well as day care, Kemp also provides
services in patients’ own homes, such as complementary therapy,
physiotherapy and nursing support at the end of life to allow
people to die at home if that is their wish. In addition to our
adult bereavement service, a new pre-bereavement service for
children is planned for introduction later this year. “
The Hospice relies almost entirely on
donations to raise the £850,000 needed each year to keep providing
the care services it offers. This is one of the reasons why
the new Chairman of the Council, Councillor Stephen Clee has
nominated KEMP as his charity for his year in office.
Councillor Clee said,
“When you see the work that Kemp does and hear
about the support they provide it is very inspirational. I
hope my Chairman’s appeal is as successful as Gordon’s so we can
continue to support this excellent charity.”
Kemp’s main fundraising event, ‘The Midnight
Walk’ is taking place on Saturday 25th June. For
more information visit their website.
Another event Counillor Yarranton organised
during his time in office was a Christmas food collection.
All Councillors, employees and local supermarkets donated
food. This was then given to Franche Community Church who
distributed it to the local community over the Christmas
period.
Photograph shows (from left to right) Tracey
Lavelle, Health Care Support Worker, Councillor Gordon Yarranton,
Sue Harrison, Head of Care and Councillor Stephen Clee, current
Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council.
Date of issue - 17th June 2011