The first physical fundraising events to be held by Ashgate Hospicecare, since the pandemic unfolded 18 months ago, have been hailed as a huge success. 

It was a bumper return to action for the North Derbyshire hospice with its dedicated fundraisers taking part in two challenging events and raising £16,000 to help fund its vital end-of-life care. 

Dozens took part in Ashgate’s first ever High Peak Trail on Saturday 10 July, which saw participants hike 17 miles across the scenic Derbyshire countryside. Then on Sunday 11 July, 12 fundraisers took on a daring 15,000ft tandem skydive at Hibaldstow in North East Lincolnshire. 

Aana Jones, a Complex Adult and Paediatric Care Assistant from Sutton-in-Ashfield, was among those to brave the Skydive – jumping in memory of Mark Coley, who she cared for after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018. 

She said: “I loved every single minute of the Skydive for Ashgate, it was such an incredible experience. A huge thank you to Phoebe in the Events Team at Ashgate for her wonderful support!” 

Another fundraiser, Chris Tilley, who challenged himself to the High Peak Trail, added:  

“Thank you to everyone at Ashgate for an amazing day at the High Peak Trail. 

“The arrangements on the day were highly professional and the whole event was very welcoming indeed.” 

Ashgate Hospicecare has a host of events that people from across North Derbyshire and beyond can safely get involved with. 

Some of the upcoming events include: 

• Village Gems Sponsored Walk (25 July) 
• Care for a Cuppa (throughout July) 
• Abseil in the Peak District (15 August) 
• Tough Mudder (14/15 August) 

• Sparkle Night Walk and Virtual Sparkle (25 September) 

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “A massive thank you to all of our dedicated fundraisers who turned up to our first events in well over a year. 

“We’re so grateful to have been very well supported by people fundraising at home during the pandemic, but it was such a shame to have to cancel so many of our events last year. 

“To be able to fundraise for Ashgate in person again was absolutely fantastic and for our marvellous supporters to raise more than £16,000 across just two events is incredible! 

“We have lots more events coming up this summer that people of all ages and abilities can get involved with – they promise to be fun and safe, plus you’ll be helping us fund care for patients and their loved ones across North Derbyshire.” 

Since the pandemic hit, Ashgate is reporting losses of £3 million from its usual income streams, due to the cancellation of fundraising events and repeated closure of its shops. 

To find out more about Ashgate’s upcoming fundraising events or to sign up, go to: www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events