Gazette fundraiser gives hospice new wheels (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Gazette fundraiser gives hospice new wheels

1:00pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Lorraine Price

A GAZETTE fundraising appeal, which raised a staggering £11,000, has paid for a wheelchair accessible hospice van.

Donations flooded in to the Clacton Gazette’s hospice appeal, aimed at purchasing a special vehicle for the St Helena Hospice Tendring day centre in Jackson Road.

Reporters also got involved in the effort by walking 14 miles along Clacton’s coastline tied together, taking on the Harwich Olympic length triathlon as a relay team, and organising a charity football match.

In total £11,710.42 was raised, which has now been used to buy a second hand silver Vauxhall Combo 1.3 EZT.

The new van will mean terminally ill patients at the day centre have wheelchair access to a vehicle to go on day trips or even to just attend special session at the centre.

Andrew Bennett, Gazette editor, said the appeal has been a great way to help a hugely valuable charity in the community.

“A huge thank you has to go to all the residents who donated - what a great achievement.”