Peterborough Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice fundraising duo

Theresa Gillett from Deeping St James and Natalie Torrens from Newborough organised and participated in several fundraising activities for the charity over the past five years.

The duo first met at a local gym in The Deepings where Theresa attended a talk from Sue Ryder Nurses about the charity's impactful work in the community and ‘felt compelled to do something to help’.

Joined by Natalie, they started with a coffee and cake morning at the gym, followed by another before Covid hit.

Determined not to be deterred the pair then moved their fundraising efforts online hosting their first virtual raffle for Sue Ryder.

Theresa adds: “When I heard from the Sue Ryder Nurses about the work that they do I just knew I wanted to support them.

“I told Natalie that I was going to host a fundraising event and she said she would do it with me.

“Natalie's father went on to receive care at home from the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice team during the pandemic, which further strengthened our commitment to the charity. He was always very supportive of our fundraising efforts”.

The duo's dedication has sparked a series of fundraising events over the five years - ranging from a challenging trek through Iceland’s mountain scenery, which raised £10,000, to rugby club firework bucket collections, as well as raft races and Easter raffles.

Looking ahead, they have no plans to slow down. They are set to host another quiz in the autumn and a Sue Ryder raffle at The Deepings Raft Race for the second year in a row.

Theresa adds: “We try to do at least two events a year ourselves and then we volunteer at some of Sue Ryder’s fundraising events like the annual Starlight Hike.

“It’s so fulfilling and rewarding to be able to give something back. We have been to the hospice a few times and it just touches you. What the staff do is incredible and there’s just something about the Sue Ryder hospice in Peterborough that makes it special.”

Zoe Noyes, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: "The dedication shown by Theresa and Natalie in supporting Sue Ryder over the last five years is inspiring.

"We are grateful for their ongoing fundraising efforts, which not only help raise awareness of the expert palliative and bereavement support services we provide but also help us continue to be there when it matters for families going through the most difficult times of their lives.”

If you would like to fundraise for Sue Ryder, call the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall fundraising team on 01733 225 999 or email thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org 

For more information on Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall’s Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/thorpehall