Dale hero launches hospice appeal

Former Rochdale AFC forward Joe Thompson with Springy the Frog and Desmond the Dragon

Springhill Hospice’s Go Green appeal got off to a flying start last Saturday with former Rochdale AFC player Joe Thompson.

Thompson, who announced his retirement from football in February this year, took once again to the Crown Oil Arena pitch, at Saturday’s final home game of the season against Southend, to launch the annual hospice month long fundraising event, supported by popular mascots, Desmond and Springy.

Rochdale AFC, long-standing supporters of Springhill Hospice, invited volunteers from friends group Springhill Hospice at Home to access all areas, from the boardroom to the terraces, to carry out a bucket collection that marks the first event of a month-long celebration of hospice care that will take place in May, throughout the borough, as part of Springhill’s 30th anniversary.

Rochdale’s Joe Thompson became a local hero at the end of last season by saving the club from relegation, scoring the goal that gave them their League One last minute lifeline. But the footballer, who twice survived a cancer diagnosis to return to professional football, had to take the difficult decision to step away from the game, on the advice of doctors following the physical effects of intensive treatment.

Go Green will be taking place in homes, halls, schools and businesses over the next four weeks ending in a celebration event at the Hospice on Friday 31 May.

Fundraising organisers at Springhill are keen to invite as many people as possible to get involved by taking on the Hospice’s colour green. 

Event Organiser, Rebekah Cheshire said, “We hope to bring Springy to meet as many fantastic supporters as possible. Just choose what you want to do and when, invite friends, family or colleagues to join in and let us know so we can get your Go Green pack to you.”  

To find out more about how to Go Green for 2019:

• www.springhill.org.uk/go-green
• Fundraising Team on 01706 641790 (Option 1)