Cransley Hospice column: How you can help us make every moment matter

At Cransley Hospice Trust, our mission is simple: to make every moment matter for local people receiving specialist end of life care and for the families who stand beside them.

That care is only possible thanks to the generosity of our North Northamptonshire community, whose support never ceases to amaze us.

We're delighted to have launched our Go Green campaign which runs during Hospice Care Week, from October 5 to 11, and is a chance to celebrate the vital role hospice care plays in our community and show your support for local end of life care.

This year we're aiming to raise £18,000, and taking part couldn't be easier. Whether you wear something green and make a donation, organise a green-themed bake sale or coffee morning, host a fundraising event with friends or colleagues, or even donate quality unwanted items to one of our charity shops, every contribution will help local families facing the most difficult of times.

Families like Will and George Groenland's. Their mum, Louise, received care and support from Cransley Hospice last summer, and they shared how much the experience meant to them:

"There was continuity in the care Mum was getting. Everyone knew about Mum and what she needed, and Mum got to know them too. I think that really helped."

"You hear the word hospice and you think the worst. But it wasn't like that at all. It was a really bright place where the carers made everything just a little bit more special."

Their story is a powerful reminder of the difference hospice care makes, and you can hear more about their experience on our YouTube channel.

We're also excited to introduce a new event for 2026 – the Go Green Walk. On Sunday, October 11, at 11am, we'll be walking from Stanwick Lakes to Rushden Lakes, and everyone is welcome.

Bring family, friends, children and even the dog! It's free to take part, we simply ask that you donate what you can to support local hospice care. The first 100 people to register will receive a free children's goodie bag!

The support we receive throughout the year is equally inspiring. This year, runners in our community have taken on marathons in Lake Garda, Rome, Manchester, Stratford-upon-Avon and London, alongside local fun runs and even ultra-marathons.

Together they've already raised almost £20,000 this year – enough to fund more than 26 days of specialist 24-hour inpatient hospice care.

If that's inspired you, we'd love you to join #TeamCransley at the Amazing Northampton Run on Sunday, September 13. With half marathon, relay and three-mile options, there's something for runners of all abilities.

And if running isn't your thing, we’re asking you to join us at Tesco Extra Kettering on Friday, July 31, for our popular Jail & Bail event! With support from Northamptonshire Police, five local scoundrels are fundraising to secure their release – and they'll need plenty of help to raise their £999 bail!

However you choose to support Cransley Hospice Trust, you're helping local people receive compassionate care when they need it most. For further details about these, or any of our other campaigns or events, please visit the Cransley Hospice Trust website at www.cransleyhospicetrust.org.uk

Thank you for helping us make every moment matter.