Money raised at a popular Christmas market held in the grounds of Hatfield House has been handed over to a hospice providing specialist and compassionate palliative care.
Grant Shapps, the MP for Welwyn Hatfield, got to see first-hand how Isabel Hospice is providing exceptional care for families within his constituency.
The former Home Secretary and now Secretary of State for Business met with the charity’s CEO Helen Glenister and clinical team during a visit to present the proceeds of last month’s Christmas market organised by the Welwyn Hatfield Conservatives.
On the day, Mr Shapps, who is a patron of the Hospice, was joined by Welwyn Hatfield Conservatives chairman, Emil Sohrab.
Isabel Hospice fundraiser Cheryl Cusack said: “We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to host the Secretary of State for Business at our In-Patient Unit.
“His kind words and generous donation of £3,647 raised by Welwyn Hatfield Conservatives will go a long way in supporting our mission of providing comfort and care to those in need.
“Thank you Grant Shapps MP for your commitment to our community and for taking the time to visit us.”
Isabel Hospice celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022.
The £3,647 donation will help Isabel Hospice continue to support people across eastern Hertfordshire through its Hospice at Home, In-Patient Unit, Community Team, Living Well with Isabel and Family Support and bereavement services.
The money was raised at the popular Christmas market held at Hatfield Park, in the Riding School at Stable Yard, on November 5.
Attractions on the day included a range of festive stallholders offering visitors the chance to stock up on Christmas gifts and treats, such as decorations, cards, books, games, jewellery and accessories, and indulge in delicious food and drink, including artisan cheeses, craft gins and chocolates.
Isabel Hospice’s fundraising and retail teams joined forces to man their own stall selling cards and gifts, and spoke to visitors to raise awareness of the palliative and end-of-life care services available to those with a life-limiting illness, and their loved ones.
Mr Shapps said: “We are so pleased to have been able to support Isabel Hospice again with this donation, after a two-year break forced upon us by Covid.
“We know all about the crucial work they do for our community, and I’m glad we’ve been able to give something back to them over the years.”
Mr Sohrab added: “Welwyn Hatfield Conservative Association is very pleased to make this donation to Isabel Hospice.
“We’ve supported them for many years; they do so much for so many in our area, and I’m very happy that this year’s Christmas market allowed us to do so again.”
Isabel Hospice has been providing free palliative care to its patients and their families since 1982.
The clinical teams work closely with other healthcare providers in the area, including care homes, hospitals and GP surgeries.
All of its services are free of charge to those who need them, but they are not without cost, meaning the charity must raise £7 million every year to guarantee the future of its care.
It relies heavily on donations from the community, as well as income from fundraising events and from its various shops, including ones in Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Cuffley.
The Isabel Hospice tree recycling service returns in January.
In exchange for a suggested donation, the Hospice will be collecting and recycling people’s real Christmas trees between January 7 and January 13, 2023, in selected postcode areas.
You can book by visiting www.isabelhospice.org.uk/fundraising/recycle-your-christmas-tree/.
For more on Isabel Hospice and its services, visit www.isabelhospice.org.uk
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