Kath’s gift for hospice

The manager of one of St Catherine’s Hospice’s charity shops celebrated her 65th birthday by asking for a gift for the charity instead of herself!

Kath Stead, who manages the city centre shop in Lune Street, wanted to contribute to the Give A Gift campaign launched with the Lancashire Evening Post to celebrate the 30th anniversary of St Catherine’s Hospice. The appeal centres on a 30th birthday gift list of 30 things the hospice would like the community’s help with this year.

One of the items on the list is a piece of equipment called a lock box which provides important protection for the syringe drivers used on the In-Patient Unit at the Lostock Hall hospice.

After Kath said she would like one for her birthday, her children Simon, John and Kelly and their families clubbed together and donated the money in her honour.

Kath, who has managed the shop – which also has a dedicated bridal department – for the past 13 years, said: “When you reach a certain age you get to the point where you don’t really need anything for your birthday!

“I really wanted to contribute to the Give A Gift appeal and decided this would be a great way to do it. In the end the kids also bought me an iPad which was amazing and I am just getting to grips with! But I’m very pleased to have been able to use my own special birthday to have supported a very important charity as it celebrates its own major milestone.”

The appeal centres on a 30th birthday gift list highlighting 30 different ways individuals, schools, businesses and other organisations can support St Catherine’s during 2015.

Other fantastic contributions since the appeal began last month include a haul of loose change collected over several years which totalled an amazing £600, and a couple marking 60 years of marriage who bought another piece of medical equipment for the In-Patient Unit. A St Catherine’s Business Challenge – which challenges local firms to take a £30 start-up fund and turn it into profits for the hospice – has also been launched.

Kath said she hoped the campaign would continue its success throughout the year, raising vital funds for the charity which relies on the community’s support to raise £5m each year.

“Most people in the local area will know someone who has been helped by St Catherine’s,” Kath said.

“I love my job in the shop because you are helping to raise the money needed to make a difference. Four years ago one of my oldest friends was cared for at the hospice and I saw a new side to it – I experienced first-hand the amazing support they provide. It made me even more passionate about contributing to St Catherine’s and ensuring that others have access to the same wonderful care now and in the future.”

For more information about the #GiveAGift campaign, including the full gift list click here email giveagift@stcatherines.co.uk or call 01772 629171.

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