Hospice says thank you to Corporate Supporters

Sir Trevor Brooking with Steve Drew of Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors holding a r
Written by: Andy Furneaux

On Saturday 18th November, Saint Francis Hospice held its first Hospice 100 Members Evening. Here Project lead Andy Furneaux explains why this was such a special event.


As a charity, we depend on the support of our community to help secure the future of the Hospice and all of its services.

That’s why we set out to form an exclusive 100 Club with the aim of recruiting 100 businesses that are able to raise or donate a minimum of £1,000 over 12 months and, where possible, to continue doing so.


We’re delighted to have 49 businesses committed so far and to celebrate, we invited the companies to our Pepperell Education Centre at the hospice so we could say a very special thank you.


Caine’s Pizza, Portuguese Vinhos and Starstruck Autographs held exhibits on the day. Penelope Wilde Florist created the most amazing, welcoming balloon arch and a Hospice 100 cake was made by local supporter Shelby Harvey.


Our Patron, the former England and West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking had the honour of presenting all the companies with their Hospice Hundred certificates.


And Starstruck Autographs even brought along a replica of the FA Cup so that supporters could have their photos taken by our volunteer photographers Trev Robinson and Will Hope.


It was fantastic to bring all our wonderful supporters together and a wonderful story came to light during the evening.

Steve Drew of Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors was the very first company to sign up to Hospice 100 Club and pledge its ongoing support to the charity. As Steve was presented with his certificate by Sir Trevor, he revealed that as a youngster he was an apprentice at West Ham and used to clean Sir Trevor’s boots!


All these years later he was receiving his Hospice 100 certificate from the man himself!


Join the Hospice 100


The Hospice 100 Club isn’t just about companies giving, it’s a partnership and we equally want to raise the profile of our generous supporters.


There is full exposure on our part via our website and newsletters. The companies supporting also receive an exclusive logo to display that they are proud members.


Photo by Trev Robinson Photography.

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Join the Hospice 100

Could your company commit to raising £1000 each year to join the exclusive Hospice 100 club? Find out more about the benefits and how you can make a difference to the lives of local people.