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In 2011/12 Saint Francis Hospice nurses cared for 1,286 patients in the community and 367 in our inpatient unit

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Latest News

If you have a story or press enquiry please contact the press team or either Peter Stremes or Clare Campbell on 01708 758611.

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Intrepid fundraisers including MP take on skydive challenge

A team of 15 brave fundraisers including Ilford North MP Lee Scott went to great heights to raise funds for patient care by joining our Summer skydive.

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First hospice shop opens in Ilford

Eager shoppers joined staff, volunteers, Redbridge Mayor Cllr Felicity Banks and Ilford North MP Lee Scott at the opening of our first hospice shop in Ilford.

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Green-fingered lady gets her hands on a grand

Keen gardener Sylviane Nisbet from Rainham got her hands on a grand this week after her number was drawn for the first prize in the latest draw for the weekly Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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Trotters bring home the bacon

The BNY Mellon Brentwood 10k organised by the Thrift Green Trotters has raised £1,700 for the local Saint Francis Hospice.

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Hospice celebrates its valued volunteers

Long-standing and dedicated volunteers are being celebrated and thanked by Saint Francis Hospice.

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Choice of ways to pay leads to lottery entry and big win

ESTEC Engineering office administrator Lorraine Cox had to pay for her friend’s lunch after she received a call from Saint Francis Hospice telling her that she had won that week’s £1,000 first prize.

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Hospice’s funding boost thanks to Waitrose initiative

Customers and staff at a Waitrose store have ensured Saint Francis Hospice checked out with some cash for patient care through the company’s Community Matters scheme.

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Join the Jam Jar Army and help raise hospice funds!

Recruits are wanted to join Saint Francis Hospice’s new fundraising venture - The Jam Jar Army!

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Tony cleans up on the lottery

The winner of the £1,000 first prize in last week’s Saint Francis Hospice lottery knows all about the good work the hospice does – he helps keep their wards clean and tidy!

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King Solomon High School pupil given special praise

A year 11 student at King Solomon High School in Barkingside was singled out for particular praise at a recent ceremony to mark the winner of the 2012 MATCH business challenge competition for students and to launch the 2013 contest.

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Gym staff and members to mix fitness and fundraising

Staff and members of a new ladies gym are planning to combine exercise and fundraising when they take part in the Saint Francis Hospice Star Walk.

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Former BT manager makes the right connection

A retired programme manager for BT had a pleasant surprise when she returned from holiday last week – a letter from Saint Francis Hospice saying she had won £1,000 in their weekly lottery!

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Students ‘appy despite coming second

Business-minded students are hoping their ventures will be a success and raise funds for patient care provided by Saint Francis Hospice in the charity’s second MATCH challenge.

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Hounds raise pounds for patient care

It was a happy tail as hundreds of dogs and their owners stepped out for our fourth Woofs and Wellies dog walk to raise funds for patient care.

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Students shine in charity challenge

Business-minded students are hoping their ventures will be a success and raise funds for patient care provided by Saint Francis Hospice in the charity’s second MATCH challenge.

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It’s Doris’s day!

Doris Pickett, a mother of two who’s lived in Harold Wood for 48 years has scooped the £1,000 weekly prize in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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Get ready for your future

Local people are being encouraged to think, talk and prepare for their futures and wishes at the end of their lives during Dying Matters Awareness Week.

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Partnership provides pounds

Pinney Talfourd LLP, a leading local firm of solicitors with branches in Upminster, Hornchurch and Brentwood has announced a long-term tie-up with Saint Francis Hospice.

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Brothers employ pedal power to help local hospice

Two brothers are gearing up for a thrilling bike ride through London at night in support of Saint Francis Hospice and you could join them as the charity has places.

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Beauty technicians to take the plunge for hospice

Three colleagues from a non-surgical beauty and laser treatment clinic are preparing for some fundraising feats including a skydive in aid of Saint Francis Hospice.

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Time for walkies at hospice dog walk

Dogs and their owners from Ilford and South Woodford are taking the lead to raise funds to help patients and families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illness by joining a sponsored dog walk.

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Get on your bike for London Nightrider and hospice

Cyclists are being sought to get pedalling and help boost funds for Saint Francis Hospice to care for people affected by cancer or other life-limiting illness.

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Kerry kicks out for hospice

When Kerry Hughes’s grandfather Ernest Barnes from Dagenham was terminally ill, Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower supported him and his family. Now to honour his memory and raise funds for the hospice Kerry is going to compete in a mixed martial arts event held in Colchester on Saturday May 11th.

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Hospice dog walk is a family affair

A family and their four-legged friend are set to join a sponsored dog walk in support of Saint Francis Hospice and you could sign up too!

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Willing to help - 26/04/2013
Willing to help

Thanks to generous local residents and the efforts of staff at F. Barnes Solicitors £3,610 has been raised to help fund patient care at Saint Francis Hospice.

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Golfers can pitch in and support new golf shop

We are launching a golf department in our Upminster shop and are looking for donations of unwanted, quality golf clubs and equipment and volunteers.

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Sad loss of inspirational hospice founder

Tribute paid to one of our founders, Joan Matthews, who has sadly died.

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Runners marathon efforts for patient care

Well done to the team of more than 40 runners who completed the Virgin London Marathon for us.

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Your internet shopping could boost hospice funds

You can raise extra funds for Saint Francis Hospice every time you shop online – all without putting your hand deeper into your pocket.

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Zombie chickens raise money for local hospice!

Late last year a 27-year-old animator and designer from Chadwell Heath launched a novel way of raising funds for Saint Francis Hospice and it has been so successful that he has already raised more than £725.

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Snooker legend turns his hand to poker to help local hospice

Essex snooker superstar Steve Davis is putting his name to a new charity poker tournament designed to raise money for the Havering-atte-Bower based Saint Francis Hospice.

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Hospice running team ready for Virgin London Marathon

More than 40 runners are set to join in the Virgin London Marathon for Saint Francis Hospice and the charity is wishing them all the best.

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Hospice celebrating funding boost from Department of Health

Patients and families supported by Saint Francis Hospice are to benefit from even better facilities and services as the charity is celebrating a successful bid for a Government grant – worth £115,628.

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It’s a snip as sisters prepare for sponsored charity hair cut

Selfless sisters are to have their long locks cut off for a sponsored hair cut in memory of their Grandad and to support two charities.

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Hotel teas up support for local hospice

One of Essex’s largest family owned and managed hotels has announced that it has adopted the local Saint Francis Hospice as its charity of the year 2013/14.

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Former elevator engineer gets a financial lift

A retired lift engineer from Ingatestone was celebrating after scooping the first prize in the weekly Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw.

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Oldest marathon runner title scooped by Paul for a second time!

One of our team of runners in this year's Virgin London Marathon - Paul Freedman MBE - has been named the oldest runner for the second time.

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Seamstress sews up a win

83 year-old Margaret Lawless doesn’t usually think of herself as a lucky lady but she’s now got good reason to reflect on her luck in being at home in Upminster when a Saint Francis Hospice ambassador called at her door late last year.

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Hospice dog walk is bark in town

It’s time for walkies as Saint Francis Hospice is looking for supporters and their four-legged friends to take part in a sponsored dog walk.

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PE teacher takes on marathon running challenge in memory of colleague

A PE teacher is set for her first London Marathon in support of the hospice and in memory of a colleague.

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Barking Abbey School team have the app for MATCH

Leyton Orient Chairman Barry Hearn paid a visit to Barking Abbey School in Sandringham Road on Wednesday (27th March) in his role as sponsor of a business challenge competition for students designed to raise money for the local Saint Francis Hospice.

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Runners brave big chill to complete LV=Brentwood Half Marathon

Thank you to the 40-strong team of runners who bravde the snow, sleet and cold when they ran the LV=Brentwood Half Marathon to raise funds for patient care.

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Barry Hearn ties up with budding dye clothing entrepreneur

Leyton Orient Chairman Barry Hearn paid a visit to King Solomon High School in Barkingside on Friday (22nd March) in his role as sponsor of a business challenge competition for students designed to raise money for the local Saint Francis Hospice.

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Brother and sister to fulfil their late Mum’s wish and run marathon

A brother and sister are preparing for their first marathon – a challenge set by their Mum before she lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

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April Magic Show - pick up your tickets before they disappear!

An evening full of fun and mystery is on offer at our new Magic Show.

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Lucky shopping trip - 15/03/2013
Lucky shopping trip

50- year-old local government office Jane Mitchell from Dunmow in Essex can thank her decision to shop in Sainsbury’s in Brentwood last summer as that is where she was approached by an orange jacketed ambassador from Saint Francis Hospice and invited to play their weekly lottery.

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MPs and TV stars celebrate the work of hospice nurses

Staff and guests of Saint Francis Hospice held an awareness raising and thank you evening in very salubrious surroundings last week when thanks to Romford MP Andrew Rosindell and Cllr Lynden Thorpe, the Mayor of Havering, the hospice was able to stage their event at the Speaker’s house in the Palace of Westminster.

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Call for business-minded youngsters to join MATCH challenge

Students are being offered the chance to boost their business skills and try and raise funds for hospice care by joining a business challenge.

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Runners get set for LV=Liverpool Victoria Brentwood Half Marathon

We would like to wish the team of nearly 60 runners taking part in the LV=Liverpool Victoria Brentwood Half Marathon on our behalf all the best.

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Hairdresser set for success

Friday the first of March was an auspicious day for Collier Row hairdresser Kellymarie Stiffell.

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Book in and support our shops by donating unwanted reads

A hospice’s novel venture to convert a section of one its shops to a book department has helped boost funds for patient care and your donations are wanted so it can continue being a success.

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Hospice gets MP’s vote

Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas visited the Romford Kia showroom in London Road Chadwell Heath on Friday to help launch the Saint Francis Hospice Spring Raffle in which you could win a fantastic new family car.

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"Clayming" prizes - 01/03/2013

Nine weeks of the jackpot rolling over came to an end when Sally Clay scooped the £4,500 rollover jackpot in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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Local men survive tough challenge to raise £3,200

Five local lads raised more than £3,200 for local charity Saint Francis Hospice after they competed in the Men’s Health “Survival of the Fittest” challenge and got their efforts supported by shoppers at the Upminster branch of Waitrose.

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Bereaved youngsters benefit from art day

Grieving children and adults got creative at an art day aimed at enabling them to remember their loved one and meet and talk to other people in a similar situation.

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Full marks as hospice celebrates CQC inspection success

Saint Francis Hospice has gained the Care Quality Commission (CQC) seal of approval by securing all five key standards of care in its recent inspection.

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Golden times for Ingatestone couple

It’s all good for a retired couple from Ingatestone. Later this year Ron and Maureen Emm celebrate their golden wedding anniversary and last week they received the news that Maureen had scooped the £1,000 first prize in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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It’s all smiles for dental worker

A dental hygienist from Barkingside had something to really smile about when she won the first prize in the weekly Saint Francis Hospice lottery and is now a thousand pounds richer!

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Fundraisers get muddy as they help boost hospice funds

Adventurous fundraisers enjoy mud and mayhem to support patient care.

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Charity shop staff celebrate a double win

Staff at a Saint Francis Hospice shop had reason to celebrate this week after they grabbed two awards.

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Saint Francis Hospice receives supermarket donation

A new Brentwood convenience store has celebrated its launch with a donation to Saint Francis Hospice.

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Horn of Plenty - 05/02/2013
Horn of Plenty

There was cause to celebrate at the Saxon Horn pub in Rainham when they counted up the money raised for Saint Francis Hospice during a series of events over one weekend in January.

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Climber dedicates Mount Kilimanjaro trek to Dad and hospice

An engineer has completed a tough climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in high winds and freezing temperatures in memory of his father and to raise funds for patient care.

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Improving care for the elderly

An ageing population and an increasing incidence of dementia means that care home staff have to support residents with far more complex conditions than was previously the case and this makes it even more important that those employees are trained to deliver excellent care

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Ex-betting shop manager gambles and wins!

Retired Coral betting shop manager Keith Eskelson took a punt on the Saint Francis Hospice lottery and is now a thousand pounds richer!

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Hornchurch woman is on the up after raffle win

A woman from Hornchurch picked up the keys to a brand new Volkswagen car after winning the top prize in the Saint Francis Hospice’s Winter Raffle.

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Netball club party nets £200 for patient care

A netball club has donated the £200 proceeds from a Christmas party to help towards our work.

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Teachers stepping out of classrooms for Mud n Madness challenge

A team of teachers from The Albany School are set to leave the classrooms and take part in a mud challenge to raise funds for patient care and you can join them.

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Christmas lights raise huge sum

Decking a home with thousands of Christmas lights has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

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IT manager wins it - 24/01/2013
IT manager wins it

IT Manager Paul Cullender had cause to thank a caller at his home when he scooped the £1,000 first prize in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw made on Friday 18th January.

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MP set to become first politician to skydive for local hospice

A politician is set to become the first MP to undertake a skydive for Saint Francis Hospice and you can join him!

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Railway worker on track for a happy summer holiday

It was a winning start to the New Year for Mike Galley from Rise Park as he scooped the £1,000 first prize in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw made on Friday 11th January.

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Firefighters to swap rescues for charity Mud n’ Madness challenge

A team of 15 firefighters based at fire stations in East London are gearing up to join in an adrenaline and mud fuelled obstacle challenge in aid of Saint Francis Hospice and you can take part too.

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Could you pick a winner at race night?

Join us for an evening of high-speed fun at a greyhound race night. We are also looking for people, businesses or organisations to sponsor the races or dogs.

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Animated fundraising

In December a 26-year-old animator and designer from Chadwell Heath launched a novel way of raising funds for his local hospice and it has been so successful that he has already raised more than £500.

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Extra celebrations at New Year

The Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw on Friday 28th December threw up a host of winners as in addition to the regular £1,000 first prize there were three special bonus prizes to mark the end of the year.

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Double Christmas Cheer

Two local women had an extra special Christmas after they won the two top prizes in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw made on 21st December.

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Rat pack raffle raises £1,000

A Las Vegas style musical tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin, held on Friday December 21st at the Brentwood Centre, has given the local Saint Francis Hospice fundraising efforts a welcome seasonal boost.

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Give your unwanted gifts and goods a welcome home

If you received two of something this Christmas, or a gift that never featured on your wish list, then Saint Francis Hospice will welcome donations to help raise funds for local patient care.

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Broadway bonanza! - 21/12/2012
Broadway bonanza!

A hairdresser from Thurrock has put on Christmas show of traditional carols and musical theatre numbers called “Christmas on Broadway”and raised more than £1600 for Saint Francis Hospice.

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Animated fundraising

A 26-year-old animator and designer from Chadwell Heath has launched a novel way of raising funds for his local hospice.

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Help us raise £30,000 this Christmas

Saint Francis Hospice is looking to raise an extra £30,000 by the 31st December to give it the resources to cope with the increased demands on its services over the festive season.

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Upminster mum thanks her boss for her good luck

The daughter of an Upminster night nurse struck lucky when she won the first prize in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw.

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Bereaved youngsters artwork goes on display

You can now visit an exhibition of artwork by youngsters who have been supported by our Family Support Team.

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Festive lights fundraising

Sylvia Littlewood of Broxhill Road in Havering-atte-Bower has once again organised an amazing display of festive lights on her house to help raise money for Saint Francis Hospice.

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Christmas lunch serves up funds

An Indian Christmas lunch has served up more than £800 for hospice care.

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Fundraisers on song for hospice care

Our hospice choir gave their debut concert with three other choirs at a festive event that raised more than £1,500 for patient care.

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Families and individuals remember loved ones at our Light up a Life services

More than 1,000 people came together and celebrated those special to them and no longer around at our five Light up a Life services.

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Now that’s a lucky ticket!

A support worker for adults with physical and learning disabilities from Brentwood couldn’t believe her luck when she found out on Friday that she had won the first prize in that week’s Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw – because it was the second time she had won the top prize!

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Fundraiser takes on ultimate endurance challenge

A committed fundraiser has taken part in one of the toughest challenges - the Spartan Beast to raise funds for patient care.

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Belated birthday bonanza

Window fitter Paul Toft from Hornchurch received a late birthday present this week when he found out that he had grabbed the first prize in the weekly Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw.

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Santas deliver goodwill and funds for hospice care

A record number of 300 people dressed as Father Christmas took to the streets of Dagenham for our fourth Santathon - thank you.

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Festive cheer as Christmas Market raises over £4,000 for patient care

Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Market as more than £4,000 was raised for patient care. There are still plenty of events to enjoy this festive season.

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Comedy cash for cancer care

A comedy night designed to raise money for a local hospice that was caring for a well-loved Harold Hill resident nearly didn’t happen when she tragically died on the eve of the event.

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Saint Francis Hospice volunteer wins national award

A volunteer who has dedicated a quarter-century of service to Saint Francis Hospice, Essex, has received the Help the Hospices and NGS Award for volunteer of the year.

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Gray family efforts turn to gold

An amazing fund-raising effort by the family of Danny Gray has raised nearly £10,000 for the local Saint Francis Hospice.

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Lesson learned for tutor

A semi-retired private tutor from Gidea Park learned that playing the Saint Francis Hospice weekly lottery was a wise move when she scooped the first prize in the draw made on Friday 23rd November.

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Everyone can come together to remember loved ones at new multi-faith service

As part of our Light up a Life celebrations we are inviting you to a multi-faith service where the hospice Christmas tree will be illuminated.

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Students show they mean business in MATCH challenge

Entrepreneurial students have had a busy first month of the MATCH business challenge.

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MP gets Romford charity shop back in business!

11am on Friday 23rd November was a memorable moment for Shop Manager Kim Babbington as she saw Romford MP Andrew Rosindell and Hospice mascot, Frankie the Lion, cut the tinsel ribbon to mark the re-opening of the North Street Romford Saint Francis Hospice charity shop.

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Quick win for Rainham mum

A mother of six from Cherry Tree Lane in Rainham had a big smile on her face this week when she found she had scooped the first prize in the local Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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Hospice reaches the gold standard

The Olympics may be over but Saint Francis Hospice is celebrating gold as its bid to become one of the new Gold Standards Framework Regional Centres has been successful.

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Surprise for Hornchurch alarm man

A security alarm engineer from Hornchurch had a pleasant surprise last week when he discovered he had won the first prize in the local Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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Survival of the Fittest

Five local lads are aiming to raise more than £2,000 for a local charity by competing in the Men’s Health “Survival of the Fittest” challenge this Saturday.

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Patient ties the knot in perfect wedding

A patient celebrated his wedding with family and friends and the hospice nurse who is supporting him at home.

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Stunning gardens receive council award

The beautiful hospice gardens and hard work of the gardening team has been recognised with a Havering in Bloom award.

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Mayor of Barking & Dagenham joins the Santathon

The Mayor of Barking and Dagenham will be firing the starting pistol for this year’s Santathon when it sets off from Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club, Victoria Road, Dagenham at 11am on Sunday 2nd December.

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Family coffee morning a brewing success

A family has served up a £400 donation for patient care from a coffee morning.

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Win a car or cash in festive hospice draw

You could be driving a new car or receiving a cash boost in the New Year for as little as one pound by taking part in the Saint Francis Hospice Winter Raffle.

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Remembering loved ones through Light up a Life

People came together to remember loved ones at the first of this year’s Saint Francis Hospice Light up a Life services.

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Generous Romford housewife is a winner

A Romford housewife’s generosity has left smiles all round after she scooped the top prize in the local Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw made on Friday 2nd November and promptly donated a quarter of it back to the hospice.

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Dementia care is a hot topic at the moment and our annual conference will give an insight into end of life and dementia care.

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Step up and donate unwanted footwear

If you’re thinking of giving your unwanted footwear the boot then Saint Francis Hospice would welcome donations to its Shoe Amnesty to help raise funds for patient care.

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MP commemorates Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Long-standing supporter Andrew Rosindell MP visited the hospice as part of his year-long celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and presented a portrait of Her Majesty.

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Nice news for nurse - 01/11/2012
Nice news for nurse

A hard working staff nurse at Queen’s Hospital in Romford had plenty to cheer about when she opened her post on Wednesday 31st October and discovered she had won £1,000 with the local Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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Fundraiser finds her feet in the book world

An events coordinator at the Havering-atte-Bower based Saint Francis Hospice is hoping to follow in the footsteps of famous authors like JK Rowling and Stieg Larsson with the publication of her first novel.

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Celebrate and remember loved ones through hospice Light up a Life services

Families and individuals are being invited to celebrate and remember loved ones at Saint Francis Hospice’s annual Light up a Life services.

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Bridge Club's Bonus - 29/10/2012
Bridge Club's Bonus

Harold Wood Bridge Club have boosted our funds with a £1,000 donation from a bridge night.

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Supermarket shoppers greeted by Santas, witches and vampires

It was a mix of Halloween and Christmas for shoppers visiting Sainsbury's in Newbury Park on Thursday 25th October when they were greeted by store staff dressed as Father Christmas plus witches and vampires collecting money for the local Saint Francis Hospice.

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Extra chances to win!

This Christmas shopping season there will even more reasons to sign up to play the Saint Francis Hospice lottery as on Friday 28th December there will be another special draw with three extra prizes; a choice of an iPad3, a 42 inch LG LCD HD TV, or £300 in John Lewis vouchers. All of these prizes will be in addition to the regular weekly first prize of £1,000, the chance of winning the second prize rollover jackpot (currently £4,000) and ten third prizes of £10!

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One year anniversary celebrated with double lottery joy

The first anniversary of the local Saint Francis Hospice lottery was celebrated on 19th October 2012 with two first prizes of £1,000.

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Local care home wins and gives

Derham House in Upminster donates £250 to Saint Francis Hospice

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Ford football raises funds for hospice

Local car business, Dagenham Motors, has donated £340 to a local hospice. The Ripple Road car dealership presented the cheque to Saint Francis Hospice on 23rd October 2012.

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Triathlon Trial for Telephone Tech

A BT engineer from Rise Park had to work rather harder than he expected when he took part in his first ever triathlon to raise money for the local Saint Francis Hospice. Due to an error he made during the cycling stage of the endurance event he ended up riding 20 kilometres more than necessary and yet still managed to finish within his target time!

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Ho Ho Go! and join nurses on our Santathon event

Three inpatient unit colleagues are inviting you to join them to walk, jog or run at the Santathon on December 2nd.

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Golfers and skydivers swing into action

Generous golfers and skydivers helped raise around £17,000 for patient care during Hospice Care Week 2012.

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Charity shop staff celebrate

Staff at two local Saint Francis Hospice charity shops had reason to celebrate this week after they grabbed awards for the best performance over the last quarter.

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Hospice hailed for its stunning gardens

Green-fingered gardeners, mostly volunteers, have had their hard work acknowledged at the London Gardens Society Awards, presented at the Guildhall, London, on October 10th.

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Drama teacher left speechless

A semi-retired speech and drama teacher from Brentwood was initially left speechless when she learnt this week that she had scooped the first prize in the weekly local Saint Francis Hospice lottery.

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Successful music night

Music night at Eagle and Child raises more than £1,000 for Saint Francis Hospice

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Osteopath learns to swim and completes ironman challenges for patient care.

A supporter has taken part in two ironman challenges to raise funds for patient care.

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Politicians and supporters pledge “I am hospice care” to mark Hospice Care Week

Saint Francis Hospice has rallied support from the people of Redbridge as part of a national campaign to raise the profile of hospice care.

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A Dad who is getting married this month has shared his hospice story for Hospice Care Week

This week is Hospice Care Week and to mark the occasion Steve has shared his story about how Saint Francis Hospice is supporting him and his bride-to-be Kelly.

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People share their thoughts on hospice care for Hospice Care Week 2012

Hospice staff and patients have been sharing messages of support for hospice care as part of Hospice Care Week.

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Supporters enjoy night of music and dance at our forties themed ball

Guests had a ball and helped raise an amazing £23,000 at our fifth Forget me not Ball.

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Brave ladies make generous gift

A brave group of ladies from Redbridge visited Saint Francis Hospice on Wednesday 26th September to see how some of the money they raised from baring nearly all for a charity calendar was being put to good use.

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Opening the door leads to big win

Opening the door to a Saint Francis Hospice ambassador proved a good move for Hornchurch resident Mike Villiers. Just nine months after signing up for the weekly draw Saint Francis Hospice lottery Mike took the first prize with his ticket number 51308.

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Make a clean breast of it - join our bra amnesty!

This week Saint Francis Hospice shops have launched a bra amnesty.

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Education team wins award for its communication skills training

The hospice is celebrating after the quality of our communications training has been recognised with an award.

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Chaplains look forward to Light up a Life

We are now inviting you to join our Light up a Life celebrations and make a dedication in memory of someone special and attend a Light up a Life service if you wish.

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Busy local lady has a lovely surprise

Busy Christine Holmes had a Friday night to remember when she found out that she had scooped the top prize in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery draw made on the 21st September.

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Students to put their business skills to test in fundraising challenge

Entrepreneurial students are hoping their plans for our business challenge M.A.T.C.H will turn into successful ventures and help raise funds for patient care.

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Mayor and mascots open new shops in Romford

A colourful scene greeted visitors to the Romford Shopping Hall on Wednesday 19th September as two mascots and the Mayor of Havering formally opened two new shops designed to raise funds for the local Saint Francis Hospice.

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New Leader of the House of Commons and Lord Privy Seal Andrew Lansley MP visits staff and patients

Andrew Lansley MP took time out of his busy Government schedule to visit the hospice and meet staff, patients and visitors.

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Knock on the door leads to big win

Student nursery nurse Jennifer Grundy had one thousand reasons to be thankful for opening her front door to a door-to-door Ambassador from Saint Francis Hospice and signing up for their lottery. That’s because this week she received a cheque for £1,000 as she scooped the top prize in the most recent draw!

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Barkingside charity shop back in business!

11am on Thursday 13th September was a memorable moment for Shop Manager Lindsey Parrish as she cut the ribbon to mark the re-opening of the Barkingside Saint Francis Hospice charity shop.

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Hounds help raise pounds for patient care

Dogs and their owners took the lead and have helped boost hospice funds by taking part in the second Wags & Tails dog walk.

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Upminster businessman is a new trustee

At the annual general meeting of Saint Francis Hospice held on Tuesday 11th September Upminster businessman Stephen Roome was appointed as a new Trustee of the hospice.

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Double win on our lottery!

It was double celebration time this week as two lucky local residents received lottery winning cheques from Saint Francis Hospice.

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Classic cars collect the cash

The first ever Frankie’s Classic Car Fest and Family Fun Day held on Sunday 2nd September at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre, Laindon, proved a huge success with no rain, hundreds of cars on show and more than £7,500 raised to help the Saint Francis Hospice to continue to provide all of its services to patients and their families completely free of charge.

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Walkers step out to boost hospice funds

Around 60 walkers enjoyed the Essex countryside at the Hornchurch & Upminster Rotary Club's annual walk for us and their efforts are hoped to raise £4,000 or more for patient care.

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Great way to end the month!

£1,000 Saint Francis Hospice lottery winner on 31st August

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Sainsbury’s Newbury Park bags it up for Saint Francis Hospice

Sainsbury’s Newbury Park has presented Saint Francis Hospice with a Community Grant for £500.

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Redbridge Mayor praises Saint Francis Hospice

The Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Muhammed Javed, made his first visit to Saint Francis Hospice last week, to find out more about the end-of-life services available to the people of Redbridge.

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It's top marks as quiz-goers help raise £10,000 for patient care

Quiz goers joined TV Egghead Barry Simmons at our second Big Yellow Quiz and raised an incredible £10,000.

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Golfers tee up more than £10,000 for patient care

Generous golfers have raised more than £10,000 for us at a memorial golf day organised by Joe O'Sullivan.

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Vernica Davidson was shocked and surpised by the news that she had won the £1,000 first prize in the Saint Francis Hospice Lottery draw on Friday 17th August.

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Jill Hatfield was delighted with the news that she had won the £1,000 first prize in the Saint Francis Hospice Lottery draw this week.

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You could join double lung transplant recipient for half marathon

A student who had Cystic Fibrosis and needed a double lung transplant is to mark the first anniversary of being given a new lease of life by undertaking the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon and you could join her.

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Win gets great reception

An aerial engineer from Romford received some great news when he was told that he had won the £1,000 first prize in our weekly lottery draw on Friday 3rd August.

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Photographer hopes his pictures will be snapped up

A generous 87-year-old shop volunteer and keen photographer has donated a series of photographs that are to be displayed in our Brentwood shop window and sold to raise funds for patient care.

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An early big win for Liz

This week a scout leader from Romford celebrated the biggest ever win on the Saint Francis Hospice lottery – and she had only been playing for two months!

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100 hole golf marathon for Saint Francis Hospice

Hainault Golf Club captain Dave Cope completed a 100 hole golf marathon to help Saint Francis Hospice

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Kenny Ball helps raise money for Saint Francis Hospice

Legendary jazz musician Kenny Ball performed at a charity music night in aid of Saint Francis Hospice at the Brickyard Bar & Grill in South Street, Romford, on Thursday 19th July 2012

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Celebrating 28 years of caring

Mayors, guests, staff and volunteers have come together to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Saint Francis Hospice.

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Raffle prize winner gives car to deserving mum

The winner of our Spring Go Yellow raffle has collected her first prize of a brand new Nissan Pixo car and then gave it to her mum!

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Havering’s new Mayor to support Saint Francis Hospice

Cllr Lynden Thorpe, Havering’s new mayor, has nominated Saint Francis Hospice as one of her chosen charities for her year in office.

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Sainsbury’s Newbury Park choose their charity of the year

Staff and customers at Sainsbury’s in Newbury Park have voted to have Saint Francis Hospice as their charity of the year 2012/13.

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Antiques expert helps launch new-look hospice shop

Antiques dealer Paul Hetchin joined staff and volunteers at our Dagenham Heathway shop to celebrate its re-opening following a refurbishment.

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Hundreds of women brave the rain for successful midnight walk

Around 500 women united for the fourth Star Trek midnight walk and have raised an incredible £60,000 for patient care.

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Generous 90 year old is a big winner!

90 year old Rainham man is the first prize winner in the Saint Francis Hospice lottery on Friday 6th July 2012.

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Jubilee party boosts hospice funds

Residents and businesses celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and helped raise £842.33 for patient care.

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Cycling friends serve up funds for hospice

Two friends dressed as tennis stars took part in a London to Brighton bike ride and have raised an incredible £7,000 for patient care.

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Daring fundraisers take to the air for skydive

Brave fundraisers enjoyed the thrills of a tandem skydive and have helped raise around £8,000 for patient care.

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Creative students help with Star Trek walk

Some creative students from Barking & Dagenham College have been busy helping design products to support our fourth ladies midnight walk on July 7th.

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Mayor says hospice was a natural choice for his Charity of the Year

The new Mayor of Barking and Dagenham has chosen to support the hospice during his year in office and will aim to raise funds to sponsor one or more of our team of nurses that visit patients in their own homes.

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Overwhelming! Pam Court's First Year In Office

“Overwhelming!” That’s how Pam Court, Chief Executive of Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-Atte-Bower, sums up her first year in office. Pam, who is the hospice’s first–ever CEO, was a highly experienced NHS professional before joining the hospice in May 2011.

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Hospice Gardens are Blooming Lovely!

As part of Havering-Atte-Bower’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Saint Francis Hospice once again opened its award-winning gardens to the public over the Bank Holiday weekend. Visitors to the hospice were able to walk around the gardens

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Lottery winner from Hornchurch

This weeks lottery winner is Mrs P Jones from Hornchurch, aged 79.

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Fast-footed fundraisers enjoy Latin beats at Zumbathon

Women got together for a marathon dance and fitness class - a three-hour Zumbathon and helped raise £2,500 for patient care.

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MP Eric Pickles stops by to meet patients and staff

Eric Pickles, the MP for Brentwood and Ongar, visited to talk to patients and mark Pam Court's first year as our first Chief Executive.

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Calling all young entrepreneurs

School students are being invited to take part in an exciting new business challenge and raise funds for patient care.

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Dancers quickstep to fundraising success

Dancers from Aspects of Dance have raised £1,584 by taking part in a four-hour dance-a-thon.

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Supermarket opening brings cash boost

Tesco Express has kindly donated £500 for patient care following the opening of a new store in Romford.

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Congratulations to our team of London Marathon runners

A team of 40 runners have gone the distance to boost hospice funds by taking part in this year's London Marathon - thank you!

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A favourite from The Only Way is Essex is supporting our summer raffle to win a car

You could win a brand new car or cash in our Summer raffle

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Hundreds of happy hounds and their owners enjoyed Woofs and Wellies walk

Dogs and their owners have taken the lead in boosting our funds for patient care by joining our sponsored dog walk through Hainault Forest.

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Presenter Richard Madeley visits hospice

Patients and staff were delighted to meet TV presenter and Journalist Richard Madeley when he visited and he was so inspired by our work that he has agreed to become a patron.

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Staff stay mobile thanks to Mayor's van donation

Thanks to the Mayor of Havering Councillor Melvin Wallace the hospice has two new vans.

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Runners take to the streets for half marathon

Thank you to all the runners who took to the streets of Brentwood for a half marathon to raise money for patient care.

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Hospice supporter features on TV home makeover show

One of our supporters Paul Freedman MBE got a surprise home makeover when he featured on Channel 4 show You Deserve This House

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A Mother's Day gift from mother!

A lucky mum decided to treat her family after winning first prize of £1,000 in our latest lottery draw. Could you be the next winner?

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Read all about it as hospice shop launches book department

Keen readers and music lovers may be interested in the new book department created at our Harold Hill charity shop.

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Duo celebrate lottery win

Two lucky lottery winners are celebrating after the rollover of £2,000 and first prize of £1,000 was won in the latest draw.

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A charity dog race night proved a winner and raised more than £10,000 for patient care.

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Best paws forward for sponsored dog walk

You can now sign up for our Woofs and Wellies dog walk and join two families who have benefited from our care.

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Creative youngsters remember their loved one at art day

Bereaved children celebrate and remember their loved ones at our Fireworks and Feelings art day.

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Lucky pensioner surprised by lottery win

Retired builder Reg Mathieson thought someone was playing a joke on him when he learnt of lottery win.

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Shoppers celebrate re-opening of Hornchurch store

Valentine's Day proved cause to celebrate as the new-look Hornchurch store, complete with wedding department opened.

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Pensioner delighted as she wins £9,000 lottery rollover prize

There were double celebrations when our weekly lottery was drawn on February 3rd as the first prize and second prize of a massive £9,000 was raised.

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Intrepid fundraisers brave cold and mud for hospice

Nearly 50 fundraisers got muddy when they took part in the new Mud 'N' Madness event.

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Artist reunited with lost painting thanks to charity shop

Artist Ted Archer has found one of his paintings after 20 years following a visit to one of our hospice shops.

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Our shop in Station Lane is closing for a refurbishment, which will see the addition of more selling space and a wedding deparment.

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Staff and supporters celebrate New Year in style

Some of our staff and supporters marked the start of 2012 in style by joining in the New Year's Day Parade in London and raising nearly £1,000 for patient care.

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Lucky winner drives car home for Christmas

An 81-year-old man from Rush Green couldn’t believe his luck when he arrived home on Christmas Eve to find a note from Saint Francis Hospice telling him he had won a raffle prize.

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The winners of this year's Christmas Draw have been announced!

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TOWIE star Gemma Collins in surprise visit

Gemma Collins, who features in ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex has made a surprise visit and met staff and patients.

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Christmas comes early as storage firm donates toys

Hospice corporate supporter Access Self Storage has kindly donated toys it has collected from staff and customers to our shops to raise money for patient care.

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Patients enjoy festive celebrations

There has been plenty of Christmas cheer here at the hospice as patients have enjoyed parties and singing from school choirs.

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The Chums fundraising group have once again blown traditional charity dances out of the water with their spectacular Sound of Music Weekend.

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Santa's fill the streets for run

A wave of red filled the streets as people dressed as Father Christmas joined in our sponsored Santathon run.

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Hundreds celebrate and remember loved ones at Light up a Life

Individuals and families have come together at our Light up a Life service to remember those dear to them

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Brentwood and Ongar MP volunteers at Hospice shop

Eric Pickles MP for Brentwood and Ongar has spent some time visiting one of our shops, talking to volunteers and helping out.

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Conference gets people thinking about mental illness and palliative care

Our fifth annual conference was a success with visitors getting a preview of research due to be published next year.

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Our gardens have been crowned Best Commercial Gardens in the Havering in Bloom awards.

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Gloria Saville of Barkingside, Ilford could not believe her luck when she got a phone call to say she had won first prize of £1,000 in the Saint Francis Hospice weekly lottery draw.

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Help us mark Hospice Care Week by sharing the one word of what hospice care means to you.

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Golfers on par for hospice

Golfers have raised an incredible £24,000 for patient care at two golf days.

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First lottery draw - Nicola is a winner!

When Nicola Stananought of Blackmore purchased her £1 lottery ticket, she never dreamed she would be the first ever winner of the Saint Francis Hospice Lottery. The inaugural draw took place on the 7th October 2011.

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It was best paws forward at successful dog walk

Dogs and their owners descended on Ingatestone Hall and helped raise around £5,000 at our first Wags and Tails sponsored dog walk.

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Bridge club deals out £1,000 for patient care

Harold Wood Bridge Club has come up trumps by donating the proceeds of a bridge night to us.

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Strictly Come Dancing stars wow guests at ball

Dancers James and Ola Jordan entertained guests at our sell out fourth Forget me not Ball and helped raise a record £30,500 for patient care.

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Fearless fundraisers go to great heights for us

Thank you to the team of fundraisers who bravely abseiled down the 120ft Romford YMCA to boost our funds.

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Band donates gig proceeds for patient care

Looking for Liam have donated the money they raised from a recent gig to the hospice.

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Football club to kick-off hospice partnership by promoting lottery

Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club are supporting Saint Francis Hospice this season.

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Special pamper day held for patients

Patients receiving care from Saint Francis Hospice have enjoyed a special day of pampering where they picked up make-up and beauty advice to help them feel better.

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If you have some free time and a full driving licence you may be able to help our charity shops as a volunteer driver.

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The Only Way is Saint Francis Hospice

Frankie the Lion was star struck this weekend, when he met The Only Way Is Essex’s Sam Faiers.

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Charity cricket match raises £400

Havering-atte-Bower Cricket Club challenged Saint Francis Hospice to a game this weekend at their stunning ground in the village – raising over £400 in the process.

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Hospice attempt to break Guinness World Record

Put your knowledge to the test and help Saint Francis Hospice break a Guinness World of Record for the largest simultaneous quiz night while raising money for the charity.

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Hospice celebrates refurbished bathrooms and patient areas

Saint Francis Hospice celebrated the opening of newly refurbished bathrooms and patient areas which have been completed thanks to a £346,000 grant from the Department of Health.

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Carers cream tea party held to recognise their work

Carers were invited to a cream tea party at Saint Francis Hospice, to celebrate the vital contribution they make to their families and the community. Sixty carers attended the afternoon organised by the Family Support Service on 14 June, to coincide with National Carers Week (June 13-19).

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Cathy Murphy delights patients as she visits the hospice that cared for her mother

A touch of Albert Square was brought to Saint Francis Hospice last week, as Eastenders actress Cathy Murphy revisited the charity that cared for her mother.

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Trio dedicate Peru trek to gran and hospice

Two sisters have experienced a trip of a lifetime and completed a trek across Peru in memory of their grandma and in support of Saint Francis Hospice.

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Ronnie O'Sullivan's family pledge to raise £50,000 for hospice care

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan spent time with patients at Saint Francis Hospice last week, as his family pledged to raise £50,000 for the charity.

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New Brentwood shop has busy opening day

Shoppers on the lookout for a bargain are in for a treat as a second Saint Francis Hospice shop has opened in Brentwood High Street.

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Paul Freedman - hospice celebrity!

We have a very special runner taking part in the London Marathon for us this year. 86-year-old Paul Freedman is officially the oldest person taking part in the London Marathon this year and it will be his 14th marathon for the hospice.

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First Chief Executive announced for hospice

Saint Francis Hospice is delighted to announce the appointment of its first Chief Executive to help develop the organisation. Pam Court will be taking up this new role at Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower in May.

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Five-year-old fundraiser bakes for hospice

A five-year-old fundraiser from Rainham has been busy baking pink fairy cakes to raise money for the hospice.

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Hospice patients and their carers enjoy Candlelit Supper

A course organised by the Family Support Service came to a celebratory finish this week, at a Candlelit Supper held at the hospice. Hospice patients and their carers joined together following the eight-week carer’s course, called Better Together.

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Over £15,000 raised by Saint Francis Hospice running team at Brentwood Half Marathon

Sixty runners raising money for Saint Francis Hospice joined the 3,000 people who completed the Brentwood Half Marathon on Sunday. Supporters – family, friends and onlookers - lined the 13.1 mile route, cheering on the crowds of runners.

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Marry-thon Wedding for Hospice

AN Essex couple are preparing to tackle a 26.2 mile long aisle in order to tie the knot during this year's London Marathon.

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'Donate a Day' to Saint Francis Hospice

Saint Francis Hospice is asking the community to join their ‘Donate a Day’ appeal.

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Hospice carries out truly special wedding

AN EXCEPTIONAL wedding took place at Saint Francis Hospice this weekend. Although Cliff Burnett has Motor Neurone Disease which has left him unable to speak or even to turn and watch his bride, Kym Thompson, walk down the aisle, the couple exchanged vows on Saturday 6 November.

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Hospice bids a fond farewell to a special Lady

Staff and patients at Saint Francis Hospice have bid a fond farewell to a special volunteer.

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Pixie gives a Lott for hospice

Local singer Pixie Lott is inviting one lucky competition winner to join her backstage at her concert in December.

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Living with dignity - 27/09/2010

Hospice magazine Living with Dignity is available now.

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Strictly a success – hospice ball raises £25,000

Celebrity dancers wowed guests at the third Saint Francis Hospice Forget me not Ball on Saturday, which raised over £25,000 for patient care.

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New mascot launched - 08/04/2010
New mascot launched

Meet Frankie the Lion the newest member of the Saint Francis Hospice team

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TV Broadcaster helps celebrate 25 years of caring

Martyn Lewis, businessman and former newsreader, joined hospice staff, volunteers, trustees and guests in celebrating Saint Francis Hospice at a thanksgiving service.

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Santathon 2009 - 08/12/2009
Santathon 2009

Congratulations to everyone who took part in our first ever Santathon

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