Turning birthday celebrations into a fundraiser
A retired couple turned a special birthday into an opportunity to raise more funds for St Ann's.
John Bilsborough’s links with St Ann’s go back to 1987 when his late father Jack was cared for at our hospice in Little Hulton.
When John reached 70, he and wife Carolyn threw a party at Buile Hill Park Hall, asking friends and family to make a charitable donation instead of buying presents, a gesture which raised £800.
The funds were split between St Ann’s, where Carolyn is a volunteer, and the MND Association, as one of John’s relatives died recently of motor neurone disease.
The Bilsboroughs, from Salford, have been supporting St Ann’s for almost 30 years through various events, including bike rides and hospice fairs.
They have been regulars at our Manchester Midnight Walk, with Carolyn raising £150 after joining this year’s virtual version.
Carolyn has been unable to help on the ward at the Little Hulton hospice for the last 18 months because of the pandemic.
When you reach your 70s, you don't really have anything to ask for and thought the party was a good way for people to contribute. It was a lovely party and so nice to get together with people we hadn’t seen for a long time. John Bilsborough
Something that impresses me about the hospice is the high level of personal care and how everyone does their best for patients and families. Even something like the meals and special touches like the drinks trolley. It makes it very homely and personal. We've also held many car boot sales over the years to raise money for St Ann's, selling both our own items and those donated by friends and family. Carol Bilsborough
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