St Peter's Hospice receives largest ever corporate donation from Bristol business

Local charity St Peter's Hospice has received its largest single donation from one company after Bedminster business Park Furnishers presented a cheque for £45,000.

Staff and supporters at the furniture specialists have spent the past year tirelessly fundraising for the '45 Appeal' to mark the shop's 45th anniversary. Fundraising events included a London to Paris bike ride, fun runs, concerts and golf days among other things.

The cheque was presented to St Peter's Hospice Chair of Trustees Robert Bourns at a champagne reception.

Park Furnishers marketing manager Paul Marshall said: "It's been a brilliant year and I can't think of a better way of celebrating Park Furnishers'45th anniversary than by raising £45,000 for St Peter's Hospice.

"It's a great achievement and one which we are all immensely proud of. But it's much more than that – it's about giving something back. Earlier this year I visited the hospice and saw where and how the money would be spent. It was only then that I realised the impact £45,000 would have and the difference it would make to so many lives.

"From a fundraising point of view I can't thank the staff, suppliers and customers of Park Furnishers enough. Whether they were organising sponsorship opportunities, attending events or giving from their own generosity – everybody played a part."

St Peter's Hospice is Bristol's only adult hospice. Now in its 35th anniversary year, the hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year with life limiting illnesses and provides emotional and practical support for their families. Each year it costs £6.8 million to run the hospice with 77% of that coming from public support.

St Peter's Hospice corporate fundraiser Anna Ross said: "When Park Furnishers came to us at the beginning of last year and told us of their intention to raise £45,000 in their 45th year, we were absolutely thrilled.

 

"This is the largest amount any corporate has raised in the history of the hospice. To work with them and see their dedication throughout the year to reach their aim was brilliant and we did have a lot of fun along the way too!

"The Coller family, have been big supporters of St Peter's Hospice since the beginning and it is this kind of long-term, continued support that enables us to continue to run our vital services both at the hospice and within the community.

"The hospice touches the hearts of many in the city so it's amazing that one of Bristol's most established businesses has offered its help in such a big way. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Park Furnishers and all the customers that helped them to reach this phenomenal goal."

The '45 Appeal' saw a different fundraiser planned for almost every month last year. In February the appeal was launched with entertainment in store, which was followed in April by the London to Paris bike ride during which James Coller raised £5000.

Also in April, a golf day was organised and 'Hillstock' saw seven local bands and artists entertain crowds for three hours of music and poetry.

In May, Park Furnishers founder Len Coller sadly passed away so to commemorate his life, Simon Coller along with Len's grandchildren Jon and Hannah, pushed a bed 45-miles around Bristol and beyond, raising over £6000.

September saw Park Furnishers service director Steve Foster organise a 6k fun run, which was followed in October by another Golf Day, during which all 72 golfers teed off at the same time.

In November Park Furnishers staff held a competitive skittles evening and in December a silent auction was held with donations coming from the Coller family, Bristol City Football Club, Heart FM and ACF Hospitality.

Anna continued: "2013 is our 35th anniversary year so we'd love to see more Bristol businesses supporting us in this way!"

For more information about St Peter's Hospice visit www.stpetershospice.org