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Local businesses and community members have helped raise over £158,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice through various festive fundraisers, including the Christmas Day Dip, Santa Dash and Christmas Jumper Day.
Why it matters: The record-breaking amount will help provide free care services to more than 1,300 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses across the region.
The big picture: The 2024 Be a Star appeal has edged past last year's total of £157,000, with donations still coming in. The campaign's Matched Giving Week alone raised over £46,662 thanks to support from local businesses between 2 and 8 December.
Behind the scenes: Lisa Parrish, Director of Care at St Elizabeth Hospice, said the festive period was "particularly busy" for the hospice:
The Ipswich Inpatient Unit supported over 15 patients between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day
Community teams continued working across the region, helping families create "precious memories"
What they're saying: "Thank you so much to everybody who supported our Be a Star over Christmas. You really are all superstars, and your generosity has made such a difference to the hospice and to all the patients under our care," said Pauline Donkin, Head of Fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice.
The bottom line: The successful campaign demonstrates how community-driven fundraising events can make a significant impact on local healthcare services, with every penny raised supporting vital hospice care across the region.
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