Best Occasion Wear Retailer 2023 in the North West

helps to raise £72k

for Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland

Support. “To agree with and give encouragement to someone or something because you want him, her, or it to succeed” is what is written in the dictionary. Luckily, despite the hardships of the past 3-4 years, Hospice at Home has the support of their community.

 

Local Care for Local people is Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland’s tag line to which they hold true to. They keep locally produced fundraising revenue and support within the community. This pays for the free-to-use service allowing people to receive care in their own home following the diagnosis of a life limiting illness.

 

But times are unfortunately very tough. Costs are going up rather than down, and with limiting funds coming from the NHS, the charity needs support more than ever. The annual cost of running the charity has now reached a total of £1,718,901.48. A lot of the funds are raised through our hard working, kind and dedicated volunteers and supporters as well as the support from local business partners like Genevieve in Carlisle.

 

For many supporters, the motivation to support the charity has come from personal experience.  For Susan Dowes, owner of Genevieve, who have recently been awarded “Best Occasion Wear Retailer 2023 in the North West”, this came during the care of her mother in law, Hilda, back in 1999. At the time of her care, Susan and her husband were working full time. Having the care and support of the charity was invaluable.

 

Remembering this time Susan said “My mother in law and our family were so grateful to have the care and support of Hospice at Home, it was extremely important to Hilda and to us as a family that her wishes were respected and she was able to be nursed at home. The care, support and respite received was exceptional and I am proud to be able to support Hospice at Home services for other families going through the most difficult of times”

 

The effect that the Hospice at Home services had on the family inspired a committed support that is now in its 15^th year. The amount that Susan has raised over this time has reached an incredible £72,000 and is continuing to grow.

 

Chief Executive Debbie McKenna for Hospice at Home said:

“Since joining the team here at Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our amazing supporters and volunteers. Over the years Genevieve have raised a huge amount of vital funds, helped to raise awareness and ensure our clinical services are available to those living in our community following the diagnosis of a life limiting illness. Susan knows first hand how much a phone call from one of our clinical team means to a family caring for a loved one and we are extremely grateful for her continued support”

 

Susan has reached this incredible sum with the support of her family and friends by putting on the Genevieve Fashion Show. Held twice a year, the fashion shows were originally held at The Shepherds Inn & Inn on the Lake, before moving to The Heather Glen at Ainstable, where Judith and staff also support the charity by supplying fabulous hospitality and excellent food, making the event a great fundraiser every time.

 

Within Susan’s team for the fashion show is Denise Blake, a long standing volunteer for Hospice at Home. “Susan is a one off. It’s unbelievable that she has carried on the show after Covid. 90% of the ladies that come, come year in year out which is a real testament to how nice a day she gives. Each time she does something different.”

 

Denise, who’s family have used the charity’s service in the past, is always happy to help as she is proud to be supporting, what she calls “her Cumbrian charity”, its important to Denise that the funds raised stay within the community, helping her community.

 

Susan has a fiercely loyal group of ladies who always attend the sell-out event at The Heather Glen. Guests enjoy a beautiful 3 course meal all while feasting their eyes on the latest fashion ranges Genevieve has to offer.

 

Corporate Fundraiser, Kylie Palmer was delighted to visit Genevieve and celebrate this milestone! “Susan is a great example of a Business Partner. It’s remarkable what can be achieved when a local business pledges support to a local charity. Business Partners and Volunteers play a vital role to ensure Hospice at Home achieve their mission of providing local care for local people. The charity welcomes support from all businesses regardless of size or sector, without them we would not be able to provide the care and support we do to patients and families in our community and we are extremely grateful to Susan and her team for their continued support”.  

 

Susan are already making plans and preparing for the next event which will be held in October!