Talbot Head fundraising target for Springhill Hospice smashed

Springhill Hospice supporters from the Talbot Head

A team of Springhill Hospice supporters from the Talbot Head pub in Healey gathered together at the weekend to celebrate smashing their fundraising target - with the help of a £500 donation from Marsden’s Brewery this has taken them to a total of over £5,275.

The Team Talbot Head group are going for a big finish with over sixty Santas signed up to take part in Springhill’s Santa Dash and Dawdle at Hollingworth Lake at the end of January. They will be joining the several hundred Santas taking part in a rescheduled event on Sunday 28, postponed before Christmas by snow and ice conditions.

Adding to the charity coffers has been Talbot Head regular Mark Fairley who successfully pledged to give up alcohol for October, and plans are already in place to repeat for a third year the ‘Sasha’s Cycle Ride’, which takes place at the end of May.

Talking about this year’s cycle event, organiser Justin Brine said: “We aim to make the ride even bigger and better. We are also increasing our fundraising target and plan to raise even more money for Springhill Hospice. We will extend the route to around 40kms and increase the amount of climb involved, while still offering a second circuit that is designed to be very family friendly.”

The youngest person to complete the ride was Alice Taylor, age nine. Justin said: “Alice is a real star. After some much needed refreshments half way round she was more determined than ever not just to finish, but to take on and complete the high level route.” 

Mike Walsh, landlord at the Talbot Head, said: “This has been a tremendous team effort all round. So many people have given us their support for this fantastic cause. The icing on the cake has been the support received from Marsden’s, which took us even more over our original £4,000 target for the year. They were blown away by the commitment of everyone involved and the amount of money raised.”

Hospice Chief Executive, Julie Halliwell, thanking all concerned, said: “The level of commitment shown by everyone over the year is really overwhelming. On behalf of our patients, their families, staff and volunteers here at the Hospice I would like to pass on our sincere thanks. It is support like this that helps us sustain the much needed care we are able to provide.”