Bowling President raises funds and volunteers for St Catherine’s Hospice as thanks for caring for her daughter

A grandma who supports St Catherine’s after her daughter was cared for by the hospice has made a generous donation from her year as president at Fulwood’s St John’s Bowling Club.

Denise Cooley and her husband Malcolm give their time by volunteering for the hospice’s Fulwood shop, and Denise has also taken part in the charity’s Moonlight and Memories Walk and Santa Dash over the years to raise funds for the cause.

Now, the couple have handed over a wonderful £925 from fundraising activities at their bowling club, as Denise chose St Catherine’s as her President’s Charity. Their beloved daughter Judith Brayshaw was cared for the in the Lostock Hall hospice’s inpatient unit in 2010, after being diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer.

Denise said: “Everyone was so caring; Judith was only in the hospice for two days before she died, but it allowed her precious time with her three children, and it was where she wanted to be in her final days. The staff got a games console for the children so they have happy memories of St Catherine’s. It was just little things like that, but it made all the difference.”

She added: “It’s remarkable how many people have a connection with St Catherine’s; as soon as we mentioned it was my chosen charity at the bowling club, everyone was so keen to help support it.

“Money was raised from match contributions, and we held a charity fun day in the summer where members from other clubs came along for bowling competitions, a raffle, and we sold food, books and jigsaws.”

Speaking about volunteering at the hospice’s Fulwood shop in Black Bull Lane once a week, Denise said: “It’s great fun. It’s a good way for me to give something back and do my bit. I’ve been volunteering for three years and it’s a good way to be involved with St Catherine’s closer to home.”

Hayley Jackson, community engagement officer at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Denise and Malcolm’s continued amazing support of St Catherine’s – they’ve done a variety of things for us over the years and we’re delighted that they enjoy being involved by volunteering and helping to raise vital funds in a range of ways.

“If you would like to find out more about volunteering at our shops, here at the hospice or at our onsite café, The Mill; or if you’d like to talk to us about fundraising or joining one of our upcoming sponsored events such as the Santa Dash, please click here or call 01772 629171 – there’s something for everyone!”

Share with your friends!