Find out more about how you can be part of our upcoming Summer Memories, our latest events and the chance to grab a bargain at our next Kilo Sale!

Although summer took its time to arrive, June has been a busy month at the Hospice, starting with Volunteers Week. This was a moment to shine a spotlight on our exceptional volunteers and the profound difference they make to our organisation and the care we provide. Their dedication and selflessness are what make our organisation so special. We also launched Summer Memories, a chance for you to celebrate the memory of a loved one with our beautiful forget-me-not flowers. These are limited, so secure yours today before they're gone. ?

In this newsletter, you will find the inspiring story of our dedicated supporter, Keith, who was awarded the Unsung Hero Winner at the Place to Be Proud of Awards for his incredible dedication and support for St. Michael's Hospice. His story is a testament to the impact one person can make. On the same night, we were humbled to win Charity of the Year. Read more about this below.? ?

Following the success of our Kilo Sale in April, we have another one lined up in August. Stay updated by following our new Retail Facebook page?@St. Michael's Hospice Retail - North Hampshire.

Thank you for your unwavering support. Your kindness and generosity allow us to continue providing care to our local community.

Remember and honour your loved ones with our Summer Memories and at our celebration on Sunday 14 July.

When you choose to remember the life of your loved one as part of our Summer Memories celebration (previously known as the Sunflower Celebration), it is a beautiful way to pay tribute to your loved one and celebrate their life, as well as helping us to continue to care for patients and their families this summer, offering them comfort and reassurance at what can be one of the darkest times in their lives.

With a gift of ￡30 or more, you will have the opportunity to receive one of our limited-edition metal Forget-Me-Not flower garden decorations. These will form a stunning ‘Summer Memories Meadow’ display during the event. This year, we have chosen the Forget-Me-Not flower as our theme, a powerful symbol of love, remembrance, and lasting connections. We believe it beautifully describes the spirit of our event and the memories of those we will be honouring.

Please make you dedication before Monday 1 July to ensure your loved one is included in our Order of Service.

Make a dedication to our Summer Memories here.

We are incredibly proud to share that earlier in the month one of our long term supporters, Keith, was awarded the Unsung Hero Award at the Place to be proud of Awards for all his hard work and dedication to continuously raise fund for the Hospice and smiles for his local community.?

In Basingstoke, Keith is famous for ‘Keith Brown’s Christmas Baubles’ annual Christmas light display throughout December, all in aid of the Hospice. It started as a family tradition that grew each year. In 2012, Keith decided to take donations for his Christmas light display and donate them to St. Michael’s Hospice.

“Seeing the youngsters arrive and their little faces watching and singing along is tear-jerking. Then you see the money going in the donation box and see how much is raised for such a worth-while cause, definitely makes it all worth it…also I think the inner child in me just wants to keep the Christmas spirit alive.”

Keith’s been supporting St. Michael’s Hospice for over 10 years, and as of January 2024, Keith has raised an incredible ￡63,573.59 from his Christmas lights and the fishing matches he hosts every year. Keith’s support and dedication to the Hospice is truly inspirational and has supported countless patients and their families across the years with life-limiting illness, end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Read Keith's full story here.

Join us for another thrilling St. Michael's Hospice Kilo Sale in Basingstoke on 3-4 August 2024. Set to take place at Festival Place. Remember to bring along your bags for your shopping spree and be part of the excitement!

Wondering what a kilo sale is??

It's a unique clothing and accessories event where you pay based on the weight of your chosen items. Get ready to purchase a kilo of goods for just ￡10. We'll also have options for part-kilos starting from ￡1

.

What's in store for you?

Expect a wide array of women's, men's, and children's clothing, along with shoes, bags, and accessories.

GET READY TO GLITTER AND GLOW AT THE MOONLIGHT WALK 2024!

Join us and light up Basingstoke in memory and celebration of our loved ones! Don your brightest outfit, sprinkle on some glitter, and grab your glow-in-the-dark accessories for a dazzling night.

?? Take on the 10k route to raise vital funds and awareness for St. Michael's Hospice.

?? Be part of the fun-filled night on 28 September 2024 at Festival Place. Enjoy refreshments, face painting, music, and an energetic team warm-up before we set off to light up the town at 9pm.

?? Your support helps us continue to provide specialist care and support to families across North Hampshire. Let's celebrate together as a community and make this event shine brighter than ever!?

??? Secure your tickets now using our special discount codes: ML24EarlyBird?– 10% discount (until 31 July 2024)

Book your Moonlight Walk tickets here!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to every single incredible volunteer who has dedicated their time, energy, and passion to helping St. Michael's Hospice. Their?selfless contributions help us to continue to provide vital care to our patients and their families. From sorting donations and working in one of our shops, to helping at one of our events or at our IPU, all their hard work and kindness does not go unnoticed.

Tracy Sandle, Voluntary Services Manager, said: “To have the help and support of all of you wonderful volunteers makes all the difference, no matter what area you are volunteering in, you underpin everything we stand for, you are the heart of the Community and Hospice, you are Hospice Ambassadors who show commitment, compassion, and are a valued team member and a big part of our Hospice Family. Each one of you is unique and contribute to the success of St. Michael’s we are so lucky and grateful to have so many people wanting to help and make a difference!"

There are so many ways you can get involved as a St. Michael’s Hospice volunteer, whether it is at the Hospice, in the community or in one of our shops. Find out more by contacting our Voluntary Services team on 01256 844744 or email [email protected]

We are thrilled to announce that we have been named Charity of the Year 2024 at the A Place to be Proud of Awards. This amazing achievement would not have been possible without the hard work of every team member at St. Michael's Hospice and the support from our community. Thank you for helping us make a difference!