Community

Celebrating Compassion and Caring

One thing the Coronavirus pandemic has shown us all is that now, more than ever, we need to support each other by showing care and compassion to those who need it most – be they family members, friends, neighbours or colleagues.

Queenscourt has care and compassion at the heart of everything we do, and to show our support of those helping others, #teamqueenscourt has launched our Compassionate Communities Campaign, which aims to shine a light on those who are going above and beyond in this time of national crisis. This is consistent with the core message within Queenscourt’s Compassionate Communities Manifesto, about providing care and compassion for those people around us when they need it the most.

The philosophy and practice of Compassionate Communities, where attention is given to the needs and well-being of others, has never been more relevant as we strive to support one another in these unprecedented times.

Queenscourt is therefore inviting members of the wider community to share examples of how they are supporting family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours and clearly demonstrating that Compassionate Communities are thriving, at this most challenging of times. The testimonials and stories we’ve received are featured here, hopefully inspiring others to show kindness, care and compassion in equal measure.

We would also ask you to tell us about others who have shown acts of compassion, for example by ensuring elderly community members have all that they need, by helping deliver essential medicines or food or by making regular telephone calls to check on someone’s wellbeing.

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us on 01704 517420 to share your stories of compassion and kindness.

Neil Shallcross Makes a Marathon Effort for Queenscourt

Details: Created: Tuesday, 10 August 2021 09:10

Neil Shallcross is a bona fide Queenscourt Hospice Hero, having already raised over £11,000 for Queenscourt, Neil 2 Neil has aspirations to raise a further £5,000 by completing his 10th Great North Run and his first London Marathon, within the next few weeks.

Neil is not only a great fundraiser, but is also an invaluable volunteer for Queenscourt. He has assisted our Fundraising Team at numerous events over the past six years by distributing collection tins across the community, marshalling at Star Trekk night walks, taking part in Santa Sprints and helping with Christmas Tree Collections.

Neil’s focus at the moment is on his forthcoming running challenges. He will take part in his 10th Great North Run (GNR) in Newcastle on Sunday 12^th September and then on Sunday 3^rd October, Neil will run his first ever London Marathon.

“I did my first Great North Run in 2011 after being told I had to get fit by my doctor,” said Neil. “This will be my tenth on the bounce, I really did get the bug for it. It will be my first marathon though, and I’m nervously excited about it!”

Neil is confident that he can complete the GNR half marathon in under two hours and has set himself a target of finishing the London Marathon in under five hours. Every penny he raises from both events will be donated to Queenscourt.

“I love supporting Queenscourt,” said Neil. “They do a fantastic job, and I’m just glad that I can help them in this way.”

If you’d like to donate to Neil’s fundraising page simply go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilShallcross

Countdown to the Susan Baker Memorial Horse Ride in Aid of Queenscourt Hospice

Details: Created: Tuesday, 10 August 2021 09:10

The Susan Baker Memorial Horse Ride, which is taking place on Sunday 29^th August, will involve more than 20 horses SBM Rosette v3 and their riders, all with the aim of raising much-needed funds for Queenscourt Hospice.

Susan Baker, who had Multiple Sclerosis, died aged 71 on Mother’s Day in 2018 after receiving first class care at Queenscourt Hospice. In honour of that care, Susan’s daughter Amanda Fox and her friend Jacqueline Barlow have organised the memorial horse ride and hope to raise around £8,000 which will go towards the refurbishment of one
of the main bathrooms in the hospice’s palliative care ward. riders, all with the aim of raising much-needed funds for Queenscourt Hospice.

Susan was an accomplished horsewoman, and Amanda, who owns Stoneyacre Equestrian in Banks, describes her movingly as: “My rock, my inspiration, my mentor, my mum.”

She adds: “My mum received outstanding care from Queenscourt, when she needed it the most. The idea of the Susan Baker Memorial Horse Ride is to raise funds for Queenscourt so that they can continue to provide excellent palliative care for other local people”

The event will see all the riders leave Stoneyacre Equestrian at 11am and will culminate with Amanda and her son Jack riding past Queenscourt, with a photo-stop by the Queenscourt Hospice sign, before finishing their journey in the Tesco’s Car Park at Kew. Along the way the horses can be seem passing through Banks Village, Crossens and Churchtown, where they aim to arrive at the Botanic Gardens at around 11.45am, before moving on to Roe Lane, Lord Street, Eastbank Street and Meols Cop.

All riders are being sponsored and supporters are being invited to drop donations into buckets that will be carried along the route.

The Horse Ride is the latest in a series of fundraisers which have been organised by Amanda and her team. Previous ones have included a successful table-top sale, which raised £350, raffles and regular non-Stressage/Dressage competitions held at Foxwood Stables, home of Stoneyacre Equestrian.

Southport Rotary Club Roses

Details: Created: Tuesday, 10 August 2021 09:10

Southport Rotary Queenscourt Pearl Anniversary roses in Botanic Gardens 1

Thank you to Southport Rotary Club for all their invaluable support to Queenscourt – including volunteering on the Hospice Reception and marshalling each year at Star Trekk.

Next time you are having a stroll around Botanic Gardens, see if you can find their collection of our Pearl Anniversary Roses that they lovingly had planted by the volunteers in the flower bed opposite the old museum building.

Queenscourt Volunteer Braves The Shave and Raises £1,600 for the Hospice

Details: Created: Tuesday, 10 August 2021 09:10

When Pat Kelly started to lose her hair due to the chemotherapy treatment she is receiving in her fight against breast cancer, she knew Pat Kelly straight away that she wanted to turn it into a positive and raise some money for Queenscourt.

Pat decided to Brave the Shave and do away with all her hair and was amazed by the support she received after setting up a Go Fund Me page. “I aimed to raise £500 but ended up raising £1,600,” said Pat. “It’s amazing. I wanted to get something good out of a bad situation.”

Pat’s son Andrew is a barber so insisted on being the person to shave his mum’s head. Pat was given some emotional support by Andrew’s pet dog, Loki Bear who sat on her lap throughout.

That was a month ago and Pat is still getting used to her new look. “It still feels strange, but I have some lovely wigs I can wear,” she said.

Pat, a qualified nurse, first became involved with Queenscourt several years ago when she got a job working with the Day Therapy team. After retiring, she returned as a volunteer about six years ago after hearing help was needed on the flower rota.

Until Covid struck, she and her friend Jan Farrell had been responsible for creating the beautiful floral displays found throughout the hospice. “I just love doing it and hopefully will be back again next year,” she said.

Pat, 72, is now part-way through her chemotherapy treatment after the cancer was discovered earlier this year. She is urging all women over 70 to continue to receive mammogram screening, even though they are not automatically called for it.

“If you are over 70, make a note in your diary and ensure you book a mammogram,” said Pat. “About one-third of all breast cancers occur in women over the age of 70, so it is really important to keep up with your screenings.”

Sisters Julia and Joanne support our Pearl Anniversary Rose Appeal

Details: Created: Tuesday, 10 August 2021 09:10

Sisters Julia Abram and Joanne Bloomfield both decided to support the Pearl Anniversary Rose Appeal after their parents Julia Abram rose received care by our Queenscourt at Home team.

Julia and Joanne have supported the hospice through a variety of ways including setting up a regular gift, playing the weekly
lottery and donating clothes to our charity shops.

Julia and Joanne told us: “We donated to the Pearl Anniversary Rose Appeal in memory of our amazing mum who recently passed away from lung cancer, it was such an emotional time, but the Queenscourt team were incredible and looked after our family just as much as mum.

Both Julia and Joanne have planted their roses in their gardens and say they are growing beautifully.

Janet Gifts 30th Anniversary Rose to Daughter on her 30th Birthday

Details: Created: Tuesday, 10 August 2021 09:10

When volunteer receptionist Janet Maddison heard about Queenscourt’s Pearl Anniversary Rose Appeal, she knew Pg 7 Rose Amy Rimmer straight away she wanted to get involved.

She immediately arranged to collect a rose which she then gave to her daughter Amy Rimmer on her 30th birthday.

“Amy has recently bought a new house so I thought it would be lovely to get her something to go in her garden for her 30th birthday,” said Janet.

“As soon as I heard about the Rose Appeal I knew a Queenscourt rose was the perfect choice as they are also celebrating their 30th birthday. The rose has been planted and Amy can now watch it grow over the coming years.”

Janet has volunteered at Queenscourt for a couple of years and, until recently, could be found on reception every Thursday morning. She decided to get involved with volunteering after giving up work at the age of 56.

"Just because I had finished at work, didn’t mean I didn’t want to do something so I wrote to Queenscourt and asked about any volunteering opportunities,” said Janet. “I’m so glad I did.”

Celebratory giving is a considerable source of income for Queenscourt and we thank all those people who think of the Hospice as they plan a special day – be it a birthday, anniversary or wedding.

Jan Reed's Pearl Anniversary Roses

Details: Created: Tuesday, 06 July 2021 09:10

Jan Reed bought two of our Pearl Anniversary Roses, one for her and one for her daughter Fiona, as she and her family
continue to fundraise in memory of her late husband Nick. Jan Reed Rose

Nick was admitted to Queenscourt in September 2018 and died in December. His family were so overwhelmed with the treatment he received and the support they were given, that they soon began fundraising as a way of giving something back.

“It was a real revelation when we first walked through the door,” said Jan. “They were all absolutely marvellous - from their treatment of Nick to the way we were all looked after.”and the support they were given, that they soon began fundraising as a way of giving something back.

Jan, who also has a son, Wil, and two grandchildren, Evie and Milly, added: “From then on, every time we can help, we try to do something to raise as much as we can.”

Jan, along with other family members, as well as friends and former work colleagues of Nick, have taken part in several fundraising events, such as the Santa Sprint, Star Trekk and a 10K sponsored walk in December during which they called in at Queenscourt.

So far they have raised over £5,000 for Queenscourt and have no plans on stopping any time soon. “We can never, ever repay them for the support we received,” said Jan.

Lynn Smith Sews for Queenscourt

Details: Created: Tuesday, 06 July 2021 09:10

Lynn Smith was so impressed with the care and support shown to her late husband, Peter, by the team at Queenscourt,she has spent the past eight years raising money for the Hospice by putting her sewing skills to use.

Peter had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and although he was never an in-patient at Queenscourt, he had been invited to attend Day Therapy sessions at the Hospice where he enjoyed relaxations classes and massages.

“Everyone was so very nice and kind and not just to Peter, but me as well,” said Lynn. “It really did make a big difference.”

Peter sadly died in 2013 and it was then that Lynn decided she wanted to start fundraising for the Hospice. Having always enjoyed sewing, she started to make peg bags, shopper bags, tea cosies, scarves and aprons and has so far raised more than £3,000.

“I really enjoy sewing so it really isn’t hard work for me,” said Lynn. “In fact, it has been a real boost for me during the pandemic and has helped keep me busy.”

Even when fire swept through Lynn’s sewing room two years ago and she lost all her material and a sewing machine, she wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. “People were so kind and donated lots of material and even a new machine so I was able to continue,” she said.

“I will carry on raising money Queenscourt. It doesn’t seem a lot when you sell a few items at a time, but it really does add up.”

Tom Wins Lottery Jackpot After Being Gifted a 12-month Membership

Details: Created: Tuesday, 06 July 2021 09:10

Tom Cunningham, originally from Ormskirk, scored the jackpot in a recent draw of Queenscourt’s weekly Lottery after being gifted a 12-month membership by his mum at Christmas.

Kath Cunningham first bought a year’s subscription for her niece Laura’s birthday in December and then decided to do with same for son Tom and daughter Grace at Christmas, never really expecting any of them to win the top prize.

“I initially just wanted to make a donation to Queenscourt because it is such a great organisation but then I read about the Lottery and thought buying a year’s subscription would be a great way to support them but would also be a great gift,” said Kath.

“After buying one as a present for Laura’s birthday I thought it would be a perfect present for my kids at Christmas too.
They were all absolutely delighted when they opened their cards.”

Just six months on and Tom’s number came up trumps - winning him the £1,500 top weekly prize. It has come at a perfect time for Tom, who lives in London, and has just given up his job to begin his PhD studies in September.

“We were amazed when the cheque arrived,” said Kath. “I bought the tickets purely as a donation to Queenscourt but it is fantastic to win.”

Jack Colman's Skydiving Challenge

Details: Created: Tuesday, 06 July 2021 09:10

The sky is the limit for Jack Colman who has decided to complete a skydive in August to raise money for Queenscourt Jack Colman and Dad Hospice.

Jack is ticking the challenge off his bucket list in honour of his dad, Doug, who died of cancer in 2017.

By doing his own fundraising challenge during our Pearl Anniversary Year, Jack has become one of #QueeniesHospiceHeroes

“I always knew how important Queenscourt was to the community, my mum even plays their weekly lottery, however I never fully appreciated what they do until my family needed them,” said Jack.

“The doctors, nurses and staff can’t do enough for you, and after spending three weeks at the hospice I truly began to understand the wider care they offer to family and friends.”

Headded: “It shocked me to learn that they receive so little income from the government and rely solely on donations to support their annual running costs. Palliative care is so important, and the hospice is nothing short of incredible.”

Jack promised his dad that he would do something out of the ordinary to raise money and has been astounded at the response so far, having raised over £1,200. His employer has also offered to match donations.

If you would like to support Jack, you can visit his fundraising page here: https://www.sponsorme.co.uk/jackcolman/jacks-skydive-for-queenscourt-hospice.aspx

Paymentshield Chooses Queenscourt as its Charity of the Year 2021-22

Details: Created: Tuesday, 06 July 2021 09:10

Southport-based company Paymentshield has chosen Queenscourt as its Charity of the Year with employees now gearing up to fundraise and volunteer in support of the Hospice over the next 12 months.

Paymentshield is one of the UK's leading insurance administrators and distributors and has around 250 employees.
Each year the company asks for suggestions from its workforce for which charity it should support and a shortlist is then put to the vote.

Queenscourt polled the most votes making it Paymentshield’s Charity of the Year 2021-22.

Members of the company’s Charity Committee are now putting their heads together to come up with a programme of fundraising events. Previous fundraisers have included pub quizzes, car washes, book and cake sales, race nights, raffles, 24-hour go-kart races, Christmas fairs, Boombox Bingo, sky dives and marathons.

Their next fundraiser will be the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on July 23 which will see a team from Paymentshield embark on a 24 mile trek, taking on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernsire and Ingleborough, in under 12 hours.

As well as fundraising, Paymentshield also hopes to offer Queenscourt hands-on support through volunteering as soon as opportunities arise.

Rob Evans, CEO at Paymentshield, said: “For over 30 years, Queenscourt has been making a huge difference to the people of West Lancs, Southport and Formby. The care that they provide to patients with serious illnesses enables them to achieve the best possible quality of life.

“This is the second time we have chosen Queenscourt as our charity of the year, and we know first-hand just how much of a huge difference the hospice makes to the patients and their families at the time when they need it the most.

“I’m hoping our volunteering and fundraising efforts this year can help the hospice continue its amazing work providing the very highest level of care.”

Judith Stewart, Queenscourt’s Fundraising and Lottery Manager, said: “We are delighted that Paymentshield have chosen to support Queenscourt as their Charity of The Year, we are really looking forward to working with them as they are such an enthusiastic team with lots of exciting ideas to help raise money and offer invaluable volunteer hours to our local hospice.

“As a small charity with a big reach, we rely on the support of our wider community, including the local business sector, so that we can continue caring for local people and their families, when they need us the most. Fundraising for our charity has been severely impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, so the support of the Paymentshield team will make all the difference to us. We are grateful for the support of Paymentshield to help keep Queenscourt in Service.”

Holly's Triathlon Challenge

Details: Created: Monday, 28 June 2021 09:10

Holly Nicholson has set herself a personal challenge of completing a gruelling triathlon in August and has chosen to raise money for Queenscourt at the same time.

Holly is a veteran Queenscourt fundraiser having taken part in several Star Trekk night walks as well as organising her own events. One of these was based around playing football and saw her raise over £3,000 after being sponsored for each goal she scored during one season.

She is now keen to get back into fundraising and help Keep Queenscourt In Service, particularly following a very difficult year caused by the pandemic.

“I would like to contribute as best I can in supporting the funding for the amazing work that goes on at Queenscourt,” said Holly.

“In 2014 my uncle was taken into Queenscourt for a few weeks where he was cared for by the amazing staff. Only a few weeks after he came home he unfortunately passed away. I am so thankful for those last happy memories we had, given to us by Queenscourt.”

Holly has embarked on a 12-week training schedule ahead of the triathlon on August 30, which will include a 1.5km swim followed by a 40km cycle route and ending with a 10km run. Holly’s triathlon will start at Edgehill University and the finish line will be at Queenscourt.

Jack Parker Cycles in Burscough kindly found Holly a bike to enable her to complete the 40km route and Edge Hill University has given her consent to use a lane in its indoor pool for the 1.5km swim.

You can support Holly’s fundraising online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/holly-nicholson2021

She added: “I look forward to taking on this challenge and am excited to start fundraising again.”

Andrea Became A Queenscourt Volunteer Following Health Scare

Details: Created: Monday, 07 June 2021 09:10

After a major health scare over a decade ago, Andrea Siarkiewicz’s priorities changed massively.

Now in good health, Andrea said “There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to bring you down to earth with a bump and realise what’s important and what’s just ‘stuff.'

"I made myself a promise that whenever I was able, I’d do some good in the world, something to benefit others, as a payback for my good fortune and gratitude for surviving.”

Five years later Andrea was offered, and accepted, redundancy and early retirement after a career spanning 41 years. After just two weeks of doing nothing boredom set in so, mindful of her promise, she enquired at Queenscourt about volunteering.

She said: “I had a chat about my skills and experience and started in the Lottery Department in April 2014. After a few weeks, the Finance department got wind of my work background in banking so I helped out one day a week there as well.

“I still volunteer for Finance and 7 years on I still absolutely love it. I completed my 1000 volunteer hours after 6 and a half years.”

Andrea is now aiming to complete 2000 hours within 12 years.

JJ Parki Donates 50 Copies of Debut CD to Queenscourt

Details: Created: Monday, 07 June 2021 09:10

James JJ PARKI Parkin Southport Musician

Southport-based songwriter/lyricist JJ Parki has donated 50 copies of his debut CD to Queenscourt in recognition of the support his mum received when she was ill.

The CDs, entitled Café de la musique, are being sold at Queenscourt’s five shops at just £5 each.

It has taken JJ Parki, real name James Parkin, two decades to complete the album which includes collaborations with a variety of artists from three continents. A teacher by profession, James hopes the album will act as motivation to aspiring fellow songwriters and musicians to realise their potential.

Two of the songs on the CD are tributes to James’s late mother, Philippa who sadly died at Christmas. She had been cared for by the Queenscourt at Home team.

“Mum received such great care in the final weeks and months of her life from the Queenscourt at Home team that I thought donating the CDs would be a nice way to thank the Hospice,” said James. “I’m hoping my music will raise some money.”

It would be a fitting tribute, as James credits his mum for helping him to learn to play instruments and discover new music from around the world.

Café de la musique is available to buy at Queenscourt’s shops in Southport, Churchtown, Formby and Burscough. For their full addresses visit www.queenscourt.org.uk/index.php/shops/shop-info.html

Queenscourt Gives Thanks to our Retail Volunteers

Details: Created: Monday, 07 June 2021 09:10

We should always celebrate the amazing contribution volunteers make to our sector and to society, but even
more so as we mark the end of 2021’s National Volunteers’ Week. Retail blog

Today we focus on the wonderful volunteers who help out in our charity shops in so many ways, from operating the tills to sorting through donated stock.

It has been a testing 12 months for Queenscourt Retail, and sadly our shops have remained closed more than they wereopen, but our dedicated Retail Volunteers have been there for us throughout this challenging time.

The support that they provide to Queenscourt Retail is invaluable and helps our shops to generate much-needed income for our hospice.

We want to take this opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU to all of our Retail Volunteers.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for Queenscourt Retail, please contact us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Becka and Jennie to Embark on Snowdon Trek for Queenscourt

Details: Created: Monday, 07 June 2021 09:10

Friends Becka Foster and Jennie Owen, who both work in the Careers Department at Edge Hill Snowdon trek Jennie Owen and Becka Foster

University, will be facing their own personal challenges when they climb Snowdon in aid of Queenscourt in July.

Becka is an experienced hill and fell walker but is still battling her way back to fitness after being struck down by Covid at Christmas. Meanwhile, Jennie is an avid bookworm who is keen to actually climb a mountain rather than just read about it.

“My lungs are not like they were when I climbed Snowdon for the first time seven years ago and Jennie has never climbed a mountain before so it really will be a challenge for both of us,” said Becka.

Their nine mile trek will begin at midnight on July 10 and their aim is to reach the top by sunrise on July 11 when they will take a ‘summit sunrise selfie’ before heading back down. They will part of a party of eight on an organised trek.

The friends have already raised £200 of their £500 fundraising target. They chose to support Queenscourt because it is a cause close to their hearts. “Everyone locally knows someone who has benefited from Queenscourt’s care and support,” said Becka.

“Due to the impact of Coronavirus they are experiencing a significant loss of income which, as a small charity with a BIG reach, will hit them hard.”

You can donate to their fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jennie-and-becka-climb-snowdon

Tony and Gill Are Ready To Resume Their Volunteering Roles

Details: Created: Tuesday, 01 June 2021 09:10

Husband and wife team Tony and Gill Hibbs are two of our long-standing 5 Tony and Gill 002 volunteers who are ready to spring back into action as soon as they are given the green light!

They are both keen to get back to doing what they love – supporting Queenscourt through volunteering, but in the meantime they have both signed up to help out at our Star Trekk night walk in September.

“It is sad that we haven’t been able to go into the hospice to help over the past year, nor have we been able to do much fundraising,” said Tony. “It’s a case of being on the starting blocks, and we’re just waiting to become active volunteers again, as soon as we are able to return to the hospice.”

Tony first joined Queenscourt as a volunteer in 1992, just before the hospice was officially opened, while Gill has been supporting us for 15 years.

Tony began by helping to take patients to and from appointments at the hospice, but later moved onto reception where he and Gill were regular faces up until the pandemic struck. Gill had started out helping the retail team by sorting out donations in the warehouse they had then.

The pair are really looking forward to volunteering again “We have to be patient, but we are ready start again when we can,” said Tony.

Graeme Celebrates Over 30 Years Of Service To Queenscourt

Details: Created: Tuesday, 01 June 2021 09:10

Graeme Southern has been supporting Queenscourt since the late 1980s when his parents first started fundraising 4 Graeme Southern for Queenscourt as they knew Dr Karen Groves and her sister Sarah, who were responsible for founding our hospice.

When Graeme’s parents retired from fundraising, he took over and became involved with the Central Support Group in the early 1990s. In 1998 he became its Treasurer and since then the Group has raised over £150k for Queenscourt.

The Group organises regular fundraising events, although they have had to take a break over the past year because of Covid-19. Events have included popular light lunches, car boot sales, coffee mornings and musical evenings.

“It goes to show that every penny does count and that the money raised at each event really does mount up,” said Graeme. “The Group may now only have five members, but we have many, many loyal supporters who come to every event.”

After 30 years, Graeme is as dedicated to Queenscourt as ever. “Right from day one there was a clear need for the Hospice
and sadly that is still the case today,” he said. “It really is an amazing place that has touched the lives of so many local people, and provided support for patients and their families when they needed it the most.

“It has been an unusual year from our Group’s perspective, but once we are able to, we will re-start our fundraising events.”

Volunteer Myra Met Princess Diana at Queenscourt's Official Opening

Details: Created: Tuesday, 01 June 2021 09:10

Myra Myers is one of Queenscourt’s longest serving volunteers who had the privilege 3 Myra Myers of meeting Diana, Princess of Wales, when she officially opened the Hospice in 1992.

“She was lovely and came over to speak with us,” said Myra. “The atmosphere on that day was absolutely marvellous.”

Now 77, Myra first volunteered at our Bold Street shop in 1990, transferring across to Chapel Street when it closed. She continued there until last March when Covid-19 temporarily closed all of our shops.

Myra has also been a member of the Central Support Group since 1991, helping to organise countless events which have raised thousands of pounds for Queenscourt.

She said: “I’m very fond of Queenscourt. I never thought any of my family would use it, but my husband Jeff passed away nine-years-ago and two years before that he went in to Queenscourt for Day Therapy once a week which made a huge difference to him and to me.”

While Myra no longer volunteers in the shop, she is still very much an active member of the Central Support Group, which currently has five dedicated members, Graeme Southern, Dot Mahoney, Susan Forshaw and Pauline Wetherby, and of course Myra herself.

Over the years, the Group has planned a variety of fundraising events such as coffee mornings, one of which had an appearance by former Coronation Street legend Jean Alexander; Caribbean evenings, Bingo nights, quiz nights, light lunches and musical evenings featuring the Marshside Brass Band, Roundelay Choir and the Southport Lyric Singers.

Although their fundraising has taken a break because of the pandemic, the Group are keen to get back in action as soon as circumstances permit. “I really do enjoy it and our events always attract lots of support,” said Myra.

Queenscourt Hospice Receives The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Details: Created: Tuesday, 01 June 2021 09:10

Queenscourt Hospice is a small charity with a big reach across West Lancashire, Formby and 2 QAVS logo Southport, and for over 30 years we have been delivering exceptional compassionate care for local people with life-limiting illnesses. None of this would be possible without the thousands of volunteers who have become valued members of #teamqueenscourt over the years, and we are absolutely delighted to report that our volunteers have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Katy Pellow, Volunteering Manager at Queenscourt, said: “We have been overwhelmed by our volunteers’ generosity and kindness over the years, and even during the Pandemic, they have continued to be dedicated and enthusiastic members of our team.”

Queenscourt is one of 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including an inclusive tennis club in Lincolnshire; a children’s bereavement charity in London; a support group for those living with dementia and their carers in North Yorkshire; a volunteer minibus service in Cumbria; a group supporting young people in Belfast; a community radio station in Inverness and a mountain rescue team in Powys.

Representatives of Queenscourt will receive the award crystal and certificate from Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside (Mr Mark Blundell). Furthermore volunteers from Queenscourt will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2022 (depending on restrictions at the time), along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Dr Karen Groves MBE, Medical and Education Director, and founder of Queenscourt, said: “It is wonderful for our fantastic volunteers to receive this award during Queenscourt’s Pearl Anniversary, as their contribution to our charity over the past 30 years has been invaluable. On behalf of everyone at Queenscourt I want to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers, past and present, and to extend our congratulations on receiving this richly deserved honour

Neil Shallcross Makes a Marathon Effort for Queenscourt

Countdown to the Susan Baker Memorial Horse Ride in Aid of Queenscourt Hospice

Southport Rotary Club Roses

Queenscourt Volunteer Braves The Shave and Raises £1,600 for the Hospice

Sisters Julia and Joanne support our Pearl Anniversary Rose Appeal

Janet Gifts 30th Anniversary Rose to Daughter on her 30th Birthday

Jan Reed's Pearl Anniversary Roses

Lynn Smith Sews for Queenscourt

Tom Wins Lottery Jackpot After Being Gifted a 12-month Membership

Jack Colman's Skydiving Challenge

Paymentshield Chooses Queenscourt as its Charity of the Year 2021-22

Holly's Triathlon Challenge

Andrea Became A Queenscourt Volunteer Following Health Scare

JJ Parki Donates 50 Copies of Debut CD to Queenscourt

Queenscourt Gives Thanks to our Retail Volunteers

Becka and Jennie to Embark on Snowdon Trek for Queenscourt

Tony and Gill Are Ready To Resume Their Volunteering Roles

Graeme Celebrates Over 30 Years Of Service To Queenscourt

Volunteer Myra Met Princess Diana at Queenscourt's Official Opening

Queenscourt Hospice Receives The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

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