Teresa’s 2021 kilometres during 2021

Teresa Sinclair is walking and running 2021 kilometres during 2021 to raise £2,021 for St Ann's

By News Team on February 24, 2021

There was only one retirement present Teresa Sinclair wanted upon leaving the civil service after more than 43 years. That was a donation to St Ann’s Hospice to provide much-needed funds for the charity during our 50th anniversary year, especially during the pandemic.

It is also a big year for Teresa, from Gatley, who celebrates her 60th birthday on March 3, a month after leaving her administrative role with Border Force.

To mark her two special milestones she is walking and running 2021 kilometres during 2021 – her aim to raise £2,021 for the hospice. Teresa is already more than half way there, thanks to many generous donations from Border Force friends and colleagues across the UK.

Teresa said: “Rather than buy gifts, I asked colleagues to make donations which a lot did and a joint collection also raised £310.

“I’ve spent much of this last year working from home in these strange times, so when I actually left it felt very odd but my colleagues gave me the most wonderful virtual send off.

“I’ve lots of retirement plans, many of which I can’t fulfil at the moment. I’ll have more time for gardening which I’d like to learn more about. My husband John retired from Manchester University nearly two years ago so we plan to travel more when we’re able.

“I’d like to do some voluntary work and I will also have more time for my running and walking.”

Teresa, a member of Winston Runners of Wythenshawe, is keen to support St Ann’s.

My mum Cynthy spent some time in a hospice near our family home in Kent and I know what an amazing difference they can make to end-of-life care for patients and their families. My challenge celebrates the memory of the lovely family and friends I've loved and lost along the way. There are more of them than I'd wish and they've all enriched my life in different and immeasurable ways. I'll never forget any of them. Teresa Sinclair

Teresa joins many other local people who are raising money for St Ann’s in its 50th anniversary year. The hospice, which first opened its doors in 1971, has a huge range of activities planned for its birthday, despite the challenges the pandemic has brought.

Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive, said: “We’re one of the oldest and largest hospices in the UK, and are so, so proud of reaching this fantastic milestone. So much has changed since we first started caring for patients 50 years ago, but our ethos of making sure the patient and their loved ones are at the heart of everything we do remains the same.”

Another thing that hasn’t changed is that we’re only able to provide that specialist care thanks to the help of our local community, and people like Teresa are amazing in their generous support of our patients. This is true now more than ever, as our fundraising has been hit really hard due to the Covid pandemic. Our doctors and nurses and other teams are working so hard on the front line, and it’s amazing to see people really pulling together to raise money and help us celebrate our anniversary in style. Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive at St Ann's

“We’d love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved in supporting the hospice in this special year, and we’ve put together 50 ways people can take part on our website at www.sah.org.uk/birthday – there’s something for everyone on there, from large fundraising challenges, following and sharing our social media accounts, or joining our hospice lottery. Please do take a look, it would make a huge difference to the people we support.”

To sponsor Teresa, visit www.justgiving.com/Teresa-Sinclair5

Run, walk, cycle or swim 50

50 metres, 50km, or 50 miles – choose your distance and off you go! Could you take on a challenge during our birthday year? Find out more and download your very own fundraising pack to help you get started.

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