Hastings and Rother supporters secure major grant for St Michael’s Hospice

On behalf of the board of Trustees, I would like to express our deep gratitude for the many thousands of supporters who picked up the phone last Wednesday to vote for St Michael’s Hospice, thereby enabling St Michael’s to win £50,000 in the People’s Millions competition. Everyone at the Hospice has been overwhelmed by the level of support that we have received from local businesses and organisations, volunteers, patients and their families and friends, and from all those within Hastings and Rother who have helped us in so many ways.

As a result of the community pulling together in this way, we not only won the South East final, but we also recorded the highest vote in the entire country. Out of a total of 114 different projects competing for the grants, St Michael’s, with just over 20,000 votes, polled 40% more votes than the next highest number – an extraordinary demonstration of support for which we are extremely grateful and proud.

Thanks to this grant we are now able to extend our Day Therapy services for patients, to include an art therapy studio, a digital photography suite and an internet café with Wi-Fi access. These facilities were requested by the patients themselves and will enable them to share special moments with loved ones and create lasting memories for years to come.

With my thanks to you and your readers for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Avery

Chair, St Michael’s Hospice, Hastings and Rother