Kettering hospice launches 'Gift a Flower' campaign
Kettering's Cransley Hospice has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of its work and boost fundraising.
'Gift a flower' features an emotional short film of a young girl growing irises (a symbol of hope) and then giving them to her mum, who has been receiving hospice care.
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Hide AdThe campaign is designed to increase understanding and appreciation of the hospice’s work, providing end-of-life care for people across North Northamptonshire.
Various tactics will be used to reach residents of Wellingborough, Rushden and Kettering, particularly through social media.
A Cransley Hospice ‘profile frame’ is also being rolled out, which people can apply to their online photos to show their support.
It’s hoped the campaign will help the charity’s crucial fundraising.
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Hide AdCransley Hospice Trust needs to raise well over £1 million every year to keep its services going.
Hospices across the country have already expressed concern about the impact of coronavirus on fundraising, at a time when their care for vulnerable people at the end of life is significantly easing pressure on the NHS.
Chief executive Peter Kelby said: “We are hugely grateful for all the support we already receive from local people.
"Quite simply, the hospice could not operate without it.
“However, we know that we need to do more to raise our profile in all communities across the north of the county.
"That’s what this campaign is all about.”
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Hide AdThe campaign comes shortly after the hospice revealed that it needs to find a new home to safeguard its future.
The lease on its nine-bed inpatient unit adjoining St Mary’s Hospital ends in 2023.
If a new local home cannot be found, the hospice beds will be lost – leaving none in the north of the county.
People are being asked to sign a “Keep it local” Charter, calling for hospice beds to remain in North Northamptonshire.
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Hide AdThis can be done online at www.cransleyhospice.org.uk/cransley-hospice-charter/ – or in person at the Cransley Hospice shop or cafe in Horse Market, Kettering.
Building a new hospice will cost £8.5 million.
The Cransley Hospice Trust has committed to raising at least £3 million, and is seeking support from the local health and care system to provide the balance.
The “Gift a flower” campaign is being delivered by the Market Harborough agency thinklab.
The film can be viewed at https://youtu.be/8UmJ7snnhr8