A LOCAL HOSPICE HAS THANKED FRANCES CONNOLLY, THE FOUNDER OF THE PFC TRUST, for generously funding a garden transformation.
The gardens at Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool have been given a new lease of life courtesy of some significant financial help from Frances.
The EuroMillions lottery winner in 2019, who became a Patron of the charity earlier this year, visited Alice House to coincide with the completion of the work.
She also handed over an extra £1,000 raised by selling handmade PFC Trust bears at her charity’s Green and Blue Ball in April.
Julie Hildreth, Fundraising Senior Manager at Alice House Hospice said, “Since Frances’ first visit to Alice House earlier this year, she has shown incredible warmth and generosity towards our patients.
“From becoming a Patron, to personally funding the refurbishment of our patient gardens and everything else in between – Frances has made a huge difference in a very short time here at the Hospice.
“Our new gardens are ready just in time for summer and give patients and their loved ones the opportunity to spend time outside in the sunshine, in a safe and peaceful environment, with each room having its own private patio.
“It was lovely to welcome Frances to the Hospice to show her just how much her kindness has benefitted local people. On behalf of everyone who will now be able to enjoy this wonderful outdoor space – thank you Frances.”
The PFC Trust, initially created by Frances and her husband Patrick to improve the lives and life chances of the people of Hartlepool three and a half years ago, will also support Alice House with tombola prizes for the Hospice stall at the Tall Ships Races’ Hartlepool 2023 in July 6-9.
There are also plans in place to support the annual Alice House dinner later this year.
Frances acted after learning more about the support Alice House requires on a regular basis to provide the support it does for those affected by life-limiting illness.
She has witnessed at first hand the impact her donations have had already, with patients and carers able to sit outside on new private patios courtesy of dividers.
Frances said, “I asked a local company, Academy Landscapes, who have been strong supporters of the PFC Trust since the beginning, to come and see what they could do.
“The Trust is working with Alice House on a number of fronts but I personally wanted to do more.
“Having walked around here with the sun shining, I feel there is a real therapeutic benefit to gardens; they are serene and peaceful places.
“Following the work in the garden there are now a number of bedrooms with a nice area to sit outside. The garden really benefits patients and their family members.
“Alice House has told us that it has already made a difference to patients’ experiences, with loved ones able to sit with family members in the garden. It’s been lovely to see an immediate positive impact.”
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