PEOPLE across the city have been challenged to put their body through the pain barrier or step outside their comfort zone to raise much needed funds for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
The Hospice, in Ash Green, has launched its calendar of events for 2016 in a bid to raise over £1million.
The money raised will enable them to provide round the clock palliative, respite and end-of-life care for infants aged 0-5 years with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
Fundraising manager Mick McCann has thrown down the gauntlet by revealing a list of challenging events which range from the Coventry Half Marathon to tandem skydives.
He said: “Key to our fundraising strategy is providing a range of challenge events, suitable for all ages and abilities, so that people can take part, increase awareness of our work and help raise the funds we need.
“With modest Government funding we rely so heavily on people and businesses in the community to help us reach our target to keep the hospice open every day.
“Many families who visit the hospice tell us that when their toddler is at the hospice it’s the only chance they get to recharge their batteries because caring for a child with complex medical conditions is exhausting.
“So it’s really important that we can offer our services and that they are free to families.”
The long list of challenges for next year include the Coventry Fun Run, the Coventry Half Marathon, bike rides and the chance to climb to the summit of Africa’s highest Mountain, Kilimanjaro.
Zoe’s Place fundraising manager Muna Chauhan has put herself forward to walk the Great Wall of China.
She said: “In the past I have led a team of supporters to trek the Himalayas, run the Coventry Half Marathon and climbed Snowdon, and in a few week’s time I’ll be taking part in a Great Wall of China Trek.
“What I have found is that people get a great deal of satisfaction when they complete their personal challenge and there are usually quite a few tears when they realise what they have achieved.
“Many make new friends and become life-long friends and many actually say their challenge was a life-changing experience. So, it’s not just about raising funds although that is obviously important.”
Another member of staff that has seen the benefits of the challenges is community fundraiser Jane McGaffney.
Jane recently organised a Snowdon Challenge and a new event for families called the Grin and Bear It Obstacle Challenge which attracted over 600 registrations in a matter of weeks.
She added: “Seeing the faces of the people doing the Grin and Bear It made my job so worthwhile – most of them were grinning like Cheshire Cats and having so much fun.
“We had nurses from the hospice and their families taking part in the Snowdon Challenge and really, if our nurses are prepared to go beyond the call of duty, then that should be enough inspiration for others to follow.”
For more information about events and Zoe’s Place contact the Hospice fundraising team on 024 7636 1675.
