Big build appeal reaches quarter million milestone

Fundraisers for Marie Curie’s BIG Build appeal for a new hospice for the West Midlands are celebrating after reaching the quarter million pound mark.

Supporters of the appeal (pictured) came together to celebrate the milestone and to encourage more local people to lend their support to the appeal.

The £250,000 achieved so far has been raised through a variety of events, initiatives and challenges, including cycle rides, treks and hikes, fun runs, golf days and tea parties, all of which have taken place since the appeal was launched in March.

Chris Rawstron, Chair of the Appeal Committee, comments: “We’re delighted with the support that we’ve seen so far, with a host of individuals, families, groups of friends and businesses all signing up for some fantastic challenges and events in aid of the appeal. It is thanks to our fantastic supporters that we have reached this significant milestone and I’d like to thank them again for all their efforts and continued support.

“But we still have a long way to go to reach our £7m target. We need people to continue their support and for more people to get involved. Every contribution, large or small, helps to ensure we have an hospice that can give us and future generations the care and support that we and our families need, completely free of charge.”

Due to open in 2013, the new Marie Curie Hospice will replace the existing one in Solihull, which has provided excellent care for over 45 years, but now urgently needs replacing.

The new hospice will be one of the most modern of its kind in the UK, offering single en-suite rooms with direct access onto gardens for each patient, a greatly expanded day therapy unit and increased capacity for counselling and complementary therapies.

It will also be the base for the Marie Curie Nursing Service for the West Midlands, which provides free care to terminally ill people in their own homes. All the hospice’s services will be offered completely free of charge to patients and their families.

There are many ways people can get involved and support the appeal. Individuals, groups of friends and businesses can sign up for one of the appeal challenges, organise their own event with the support of Marie Curie’s local fundraising team, or simply make a donation.

Forthcoming events you can get involved in include:
Brain Game Birmingham, Thursday October 6, 2011

Bupa Great Birmingham Run, Sunday October 23, 2011

Grand Canyon Trek, May 19-26, 2012

Find out more about the BIG build appeal

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