Litter pick raises £250 for hospice

Organisers of Save Cannock Chase, a community group protesting against a plan to close car parks at the Chase, hosted the event on Chase Road and Marquis Drive over the Bank Holiday weekend in support Katharine House Hospice, a charity close to founder Stuart Haynes' heart.

The charity has since announced that it is having to cut jobs and close charity shops as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stuart, 35, lost his mum to cancer in October 2019 and received support, care, and grief counselling from Katharine House Hospice.

He said: “Knowing how hard it has been for Katharine House to raise funds during Covid-19 and that a lot of those who use their service will visit Cannock Chase for rest and relaxation we also wanted to give back to them.

“I’m pleased to say that through everyone’s generosity we raised £250 over the two-day event and Katharine House and we’re looking forward to raising even more on their behalf through Save Cannock Chase."

Mary Worsdale, marketing and communications at Katharine House, said: “Covid-19 has seen major challenges for the hospice.

Wonderful

"We have had to cancel fundraising events, close our shops and adapt the ways in which we deliver our care to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.

"The wonderful support of local people like Stuart, Mandy and the supporters of Save Cannock Chase means that we can continue to provide vital free care for patients at our in-patient unit, our community and support patients who cannot come to the hospice.

"We literally couldn’t do what we do without this kind of support!”

Save Cannock Chase has secured the support of an artist who will be hosting an exhibition of specially created artworks alongside the group at Fallow Forest on Cannock Chase and Bella’s Coffee House in Hednesford in the coming months, with Katharine House collection buckets available at each event.

Further donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/savecannockchase.