Celebrating a decade of payroll giving to St Ann’s
Bredbury born and bred Leah Makin has celebrated 10 years of payroll giving to St Ann’s.
In 2010, Leah’s father Gren was supported by St Ann’s over a two-year period after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, before being cared for on the inpatient unit at the hospice in 2012.
From the moment we were introduced to them, we found the staff absolutely incredible. Dad made close friends with the bloke in the bed next to him and struck up a lovely relationship with the people who cared for him, turning on the charm despite what he was going through. It’s the people and the atmosphere that make it so special. You are fully aware of what’s going on, but you are spoken to as a normal human being and where there can be a bit of humour and banter, there is. It felt like I was being looked after as well as my Dad and it’s those moments that really help you through challenging periods in life.
The care that Leah’s father received in that period had a profound effect on her and she wanted to give something back.
A couple of months after Dads passing, I thought about volunteering, but it still felt too raw at that point. So, I decided that payroll giving was the best way to go.
An avid walker, in June 2012, Leah, her three sons – Scott, Jordan and Shaun – brother David and sister-in-law Sarah alongside other family and friends challenged themselves to the Manchester Midnight Walk. In honour of her Dad and to raise money for the hospice, they donned their fancy dress attire – Laurel and Hardy and Supergirl amongst the highlights – and took to the rain sodden streets of Manchester to complete 10km.
It was a fantastic night with an amazing atmosphere that will live long in the memory. We have had a few family bereavements over the years, rather than flowers, we’ve always asked for a donation to St Ann’s Hospice instead. My Mum Miriam always felt so strongly about the care that was given to my Dad by the staff. It will always hold a special place in our hearts. What I’m doing is a drop in the ocean, but I want to do my bit and I always will Leah Makin
We’re so grateful to Leah and her family and friends for the amazing support they give the hospice. It’s amazing and humbling to hear her kind words about the care her dad and the rest of the family received at St Ann’s, and it’s always such a privilege to meet people like Gren and those closest to them. Supporting the hospice through payroll, giving, or by taking part in events and activities like our Manchester Midnight Walk really does make a huge difference and means we can continue to care for others in the future too. Thanks again for all the support. Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann's Hospice
Payroll giving is a simple tax-efficient scheme that allows employees to donate to the hospice before tax. There are also other ways in which businesses or employees can support St Ann’s from doing something active, sponsoring or attending an event, or making the hospice your charity of the year at work.
Find out more about how you can support St Ann's with Payroll Giving
If you’d like to find out more about how you can get involved, get in touch with our corporate fundraising team on 0161 498 3631 or email corporate@sah.org.uk.
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