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.

Study title: Covid-19 Pandemic: Impact of Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care Teams

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

Research Team

Prof Barbara Jack	Edge Hill University,
Dr Karen Groves	Queenscourt Hospice,
Jennifer Kirton	Edge Hill University
Rev Martin Abrams	Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust,
Dr Dominic Bray	Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust,
Professor Mari Lloyd-Williams	University of Liverpool

Invitation

What is the purpose of the study?

Many stories have mentioned how valuable this support has been and, there are anecdotal comments regarding the emerging support from Hospital Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Teams for families as they progress along their bereavement journey thus contributing to their health and wellbeing.

This study is planning to explore the impact that the Hospital Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Teams had during this time to help healthcare providers plan for and manage situations like this in the future. We have developed an online questionnaire, to gather information on the care provided to patients and their families or friends during the Covid-19 pandemic by the Hospital Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Teams. There is also the option to take part in a short follow up interview so we can explore your experiences in more detail.

Why have I been invited?

You have been invited to take part in the study because you are someone who

had contact with the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Teams during the Covid-19 pandemic.

were part of the Hospital Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Teams during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Do I have to take part?

No. It is up to you to decide if you want to take part. Your participation in this study is voluntary. You can change your mind and leave the study at any time without penalty. The online survey is anonymous so it’s not possible to identify your answers, and once submitted they will be used for the study. Consent is implied when you submit your responses. You can work through the questionnaire at your own pace and decline to answer any questions you may prefer not to answer.

What will I be asked to do?

The study will involve answering some questions in an online survey about your experiences the hospital Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Teams during the Covid-19 pandemic, it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to complete the survey.

What are the possible benefits or disadvantages of taking part?

You may not benefit directly from taking part, however you will have the opportunity to contribute to our understanding of the impact that the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Teams had during this time to help healthcare providers plan for and manage situations like this in the future.

A possible risk is that you may become upset or distressed by reflecting on situations you have experienced. If this happens, you can move on to another question, or return on another day. There are details of sources of support at the end of this information sheet.

Will my participation be confidential?

Yes. The surveys are anonymous so no personal details will be obtained.

All study data will be stored securely on the University One Drive in a shared folder accessible only by the research team and will be retained for a period of 10 years after which it will be securely deleted. At Edge Hill, we are committed to respecting and protecting your personal information. To find ways in which we use your data, please see edgehill.ac.uk/about/legal/privacy. The University is committed to ensuring compliance with current data protection legislation and confirms that all

data collected is used fairly, stored safely, and not disclosed to any other person unlawfully. The University is a data controller and, in some instances, may be a data processor of this data.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

The results of this study will be published in academic journals, be presented at conferences and at events in the Faculty. You will not be identified in any publication even if we use your words.

Who has reviewed the study?

The study has been reviewed and approved by Edge Hill University Health Research Ethics Committee (REF ETH2122-0113)

Is there someone independent I can talk to about the research?

If you are unhappy with the research in any way, please tell us. We will try to put things right. If you would prefer to talk to someone outside the research team, or if you are not happy with the way we deal with your problem, you can contact the Secretary of the University Research Ethics Sub-Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you have any questions about the research, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Support

Should you become distressed by participating in the study support is available from:

The Samaritans telephonel:116 123 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CRUSE Bereavement Care free helpline: telephone 0808 808 1677, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Southport Guides Taking on Star Trekk Event for Queenscourt Hospice

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

Members of the 14th Southport Guides based at St. James’ Church, Birkdale, will take part in this year’s Star Trekk event for DSC 0296v3

Queenscourt Hospice.

The popular sponsored night walk will take place on Friday 6th May around the Southport Waterfront and surrounding areas, and the Guides, aged 10 to 14, will be led by their long-term leader Lynn Deacon, whose parents Ann and Ed were both cared for by Queenscourt before they sadly passed away exactly six months apart in 2020.

“We found out my Dad was terminally ill on a Tuesday afternoon in June 2019 and by the Thursday morning, we were all sat in Queenscourt,” Lynn recalls.

“We were in absolute shock and I remember a nurse sitting me down and saying, ‘We will look after you all now’ and that really stuck with me.

“Queenscourt certainly looked after all of us and it wasn’t just the medical care. They really want to understand and get to know their patients personally and asked my Dad tons of questions about who he was, his family, his favourite food, favourite TV programme, about his career… My Dad described Queenscourt as more like a second home than a treatment facility.”

In January 2020, Lynn’s mother Ann was also diagnosed terminally ill.

As well as supporting the family during such a difficult and overwhelming time, Queenscourt ensured that the couple would be together whilst they were being cared for.

“What was really surreal was as my Mum was brought into the hospice as an emergency, it was a day my Dad was due in for a planned admission too,” Lynn explains. Lynn added, “My Mum and Dad ended up in Queenscourt together for a couple of nights. The hospice moved things around and found the biggest space possible to put their beds together. They were the last nights my parents spent next to each other.”

During her final few weeks, Lynn’s mother was unable to talk but communicated through writing and really appreciated the care that she received at Queenscourt.

“She was a nurse during her career, a very good nurse, with high standards” Lynn says. “Though she was not able to talk at that point, Mum did write that the nurses at Queenscourt couldn’t do enough for her. She also said, ‘They’re very funny,’ and, ‘I wish I could speak to them.’

“With the support of the team at Queenscourt, my Mum rallied a little and that gave us just enough time for family and friendsto see and spend time with her and we were able to be there for Mum as much as possible.”

While Lynn is fundraising to say ‘Thank You’ to Queenscourt, her Girl Guides are also taking on the challenge to serve their local community. The Guides have six core programme themes - one of them is called ‘Take Action’, helping the community, and another theme is ‘Be Well’, which is about looking after their physical and mental health.

“All of the girls have heard about Queenscourt”, said Lynn, “Two of our Guides taking part have also had contact with Queenscourt through the care given to their Great-Grandparents and they have always remembered this. They have also helped the hospice this year themselves by making comfort bags for patients and their families.

“Another Guide's Great-Grandparent was looked after by the ‘kind and caring’ Queenscourt nurses just last year.”

Writing on their Just Giving fundraising page the 14th Southport Guides say: “We have chosen to support Queenscourt Hospice by taking part in this year's Star Trekk walk because as Guides we have promised to serve our community.

We were surprised to hear that less than 20 per cent of the money needed to run Queenscourt comes from the government and therefore the hospice really needs donations and people to fundraise for them, so that they can carry on their work.”

For Queenscourt, the effects of Coronavirus have meant that many in-person fundraising events have had to be cancelled.

Every single penny really does count, and by supporting Star Trekk, one of Queenscourt’s key fundraising events, you will be helping #teamqueenscourt to continue providing exceptional palliative care for local people across West Lancashire, Formby and Southport, when they need it the most.

“Star Trekk will be a challenge for us all” Lynn added, “but we are determined to complete it together and have fun along the way! Please support us to achieve this goal by making a donation, so that Queenscourt can continue to provide compassionate care.”

To donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fourteenth-southport-guides

Andrew Brown Joins Queenscourt as Lottery Marketing & Promotions Manager

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

Queenscourt Hospice in Southport has appointed Andrew Brown as its new Lottery Marketing & Promotions Manager.

Andrew is taking on the part-time role with the aim of inviting more people across West Lancashire, Southport
and Formby to join the other local residents already playing the Queenscourt Hospice Lottery each week.

Every Friday, someone wins the £1,500 top prize, with a second prize of £100 and 20 other prizes of £20

Andrew currently runs the Stand Up For Southport website, Facebook group and other Stand Up for Southport social media sites, which provide a positive platform for promoting the town of Southport, in addition to Andrew Brown Media.

He previously worked as the Group Editor for local newspapers, websites and social media sites including: Southport Visiter, Midweek Visiter, Formby Times, Ormskirk Advertiser, Skelmersdale Advertiser, Crosby Herald and Bootle Times.

Andrew has been a keen fundraiser for Queenscourt for many years, through organising events including the annual Southport Charity Fun Fest. His mother, Susan, was a volunteer hairdresser at Queenscourt Hospice.

He said: "I am thrilled to be joining the superb team of staff and volunteers at Queenscourt Hospice. Queenscourt provides compassionate care for patients with serious life-limiting illnesses, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life, both at the hospice in Southport, and at home.

By joining the thousands of local people already playing Queenscourt Lottery, you can help #teamqueenscourt to continue caring for local people, when they need us the most.”

As a small local charity with a big reach, we receive less than a fifth of our running costs from the NHS and the rest of the money comes from charitable donations that help to Keep Queenscourt in Service.

With the Queenscourt Hospice lottery, you can win up to £1,500 each and every week – and, better still, you’ll be making a real difference to Queenscourt each time you play.

Queenscourt Hospice Lottery tickets cost £1 each and you can pre-pay for as many weeks as you like.
You can also double or triple your chances of scooping the jackpot by paying £2 each week to play with two numbers or £3 each week to play with three numbers instead of one.

You can sign up online by going to www.queenscourt.org.uk/lottery or call the Queenscourt Hospice Lottery office on: 01704 544645.

You must be 18 years of age to participate. Please gamble responsibly.

Team 24 Hour Mad Men set to complete the National 3 Peaks for Queenscourt in July 2022

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

Team 24 Hour Mad Men set to complete the National 3 Peaks for Queenscourt in July 2022

A team of 10 superstars from Blast Mens Training in Southport are taking on the National 3 Peaks Challenge in July to raise money for Queenscourt. Calling themselves Team Mad Men, they are looking to complete the highest 3 Peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in less than 24 hours and have already smashed their target of £5,000 for our local hospice.

The Team have taken inspiration from our Mascot Queenie after seeing Queenie set herself a list of challenges for 2022. Queenie went along to their photo shoot to help launch their challenge and give them some words of encouragement. Queenie even did a bit of training with them, providing some hints and tips of her own. Sadly there is no space on the mini bus for Queenie to take part this time.

Team Mad Men are off to a fantastic start with their fundraising, having already hit their £5,000 target after a few months of fundraising. They have been bucket collecting and hosting auctions to help boost the funds so please do look out for them. None of the team have done anything like this before and it will be a challenge for all involved, with lots of training needed to get them in shape ready for the big challenge in July. If you would like to support them in their challenge please click the link below.

https://gofund.me/747369cc

From everyone at Team Queenscourt, thank you to Mark Poole, Paul Blane, Phil Parkes, Martyn Farrell, Michael Parkes, Michael Sutton, Richard McNally, Phil Clinton and Tom Iddon from Blast Mens Training for thinking of Queenscourt and supporting us with this challenge. And not forgetting their driver for the challenge, Craig Sargent.

Names left to right

Martyn Farrell, Mike Parkes, Queenie, Michael Sutton, Phil Parkes, Mark Poole, Paul Blane

Queenscourt Lottery Winner Irene Mills is Over The Moon to claim the Top Cash Prize!

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

Irene Mills was delighted to win our Weekly Lottery Draw prize of £1,500 in December. IreneMills

Having joined Queenscourt Lottery in 2006, Irene said of her win: “It was wonderful, I was absolutely over the moon and all of the family - my husband, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren - were too. I’ve never won anything in my life!”

Having decided to take an additional number in Queenscourt Lottery, Irene insists winning takes second place to supporting the hospice.

“I don’t care about whether I win or not, I know it’s going to a good cause," she said. “Queenscourt is so important to the local area.
I have personally known people who have been cared for by the hospice over the years.”

With no plans yet on how she intends to spend her winnings, although she laughs that a diamond ring could be on her list, Irene would urge everyone to show their support for Queenscourt by taking part in our lottery.

“I’d definitely tell people to join Queenscourt Lottery. It’s an absolutely wonderful local charity, and they really need our support.”

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

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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.