Worcestershire | Archive | 2004 | July | 5
From the archive, first published Monday 5th Jul 2004.
THERE was no sleeping on the job for fund-raisers as 15 beds were pushed to the centre of Worcester to collect money for a city hospice.
St Richard's Hospice's Big Bed Push on Saturday attracted teams from schools and the county's emergency services, as well as entertainers and sport stars, to Worcester.
Each team arrived in style - some by boat to the quay, others by helicopter or train - and pushed their bed through the city streets, collecting money for St Richard's as they went.
All 15 groups began around 10am and made their way to The Shambles for a family fun day with music, dancing, children's art and a big balloon give-away.
Atlantic rower and hospice supporter Richard Wood was on hand to sign autographs, as were Worcester Rugby Club's Drew Hickey, Neil Lyman and Darren O'Leary.
City artist David Birtwhistle judged artwork while other backers entertained the crowds of shoppers and tourists with live music and dance performances.
Councillor Allah Ditta, newly-elected Mayor of Worcester, officially launched the New Hospice Appeal - to raise funds for the £5.25m facility.
A rare white pigeon was also released at midday on Saturday to mark the beginning of the campaign.
"It was absolutely fantastic. There was a brilliant atmosphere and we were very lucky with the weather," said Helen Griffee from St Richard's.
"We gave away hundreds of balloons and they looked fantastic around Worcester. It was a great way to launch the campaign and put our message across.
"Loads of people turned out and we were so grateful to everyone that helped us."
Celebrations continued yesterday with a 20th anniversary party and appeal briefing for St Richard's 600 volunteers at the site of the new hospice in Wildwood Way, Worcester.
St Richard's, now based at Rose Hill, Worcester, has cared for more than 6,500 patients since 1984, as well as hundreds of bereaved families.
They hope to build the new hospice in 2005 and open to patients in 2006, with all the services now offered by St Richard's, plus the first 15 palliative care beds in South Worcestershire.
To support the New Hospice Appeal, call 01905 727444.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008