Next year, Rotherham Hospice will celebrate 30 years of providing expert, compassionate care to individuals and families facing life-limiting illness.
But while the anniversary is still on the horizon, the hospice is sending a heartfelt invitation to the local community to get involved in the months of fundraising events ahead.
From in-patient care and home visits to children’s bereavement counselling, physiotherapy and complementary therapies, Rotherham Hospice’s outstanding work touches lives at the most vulnerable of times.
What many may not realise is that these services are only made possible through fundraising, donations, and the unwavering generosity of the local community. The hospice needs to raise over £10 million every year to operate, with only around a third of their running costs covered by government funding.
“We’re all one step away from knowing someone who has used one of the services at Rotherham Hospice,” says the charity’s fundraising manager, Ruth Wallbank. “We’re fortunate in that we have a lot of people who want to give back as thanks for the care their loved ones received, but we’re also looking at new ways to bring money in and increase our visibility in the community.”
Over the last year, the hospice has overhauled its charity shop experience with eight new-look shops and three cafes that have proven popular with shoppers and helped add to the fundraising pot.
More than 1,000 people joined in with this year’s Memory Walk in June, helping to raise over £116,000. While the Feather Appeal, which ran through August, was a poignant way for people to remember their loved ones in the meadow of memories at Wentworth Woodhouse.
These events not only help raise essential funds, but also highlight the depth of connection between the hospice and the community it serves.
As the autumn and festive seasons approach, Rotherham Hospice is launching a series of events designed not just to raise vital funds, but also to bring people together, whether in celebration, reflection, or remembrance.
Step into a royal celebration at Magna on Saturday 27th September for the annual Rotherham Hospice ball. This year’s theme is Kings and Queens, with performances by Paul Pashley and his 14-piece band along with the spectacular, show-stopping Queenz ahead of their UK tour.
New for this year, families are invited to don their spookiest costumes and step into the Halloween spirit on Saturday 1st November for a fun-filled evening that’s set to glow with purpose. The Glow Walk promises a safe, family-friendly event packed with plenty of treats (no tricks!) on a gentle, guided walk around Manvers Lake.
In December, there are plenty of festive events planned such as a reindeer run for schools and breakfast with Santa.
The annual Light Up a Life remembrance service at Rotherham Minster returns on Friday 19th December. With music, readings, and the symbolic lighting of the hospice’s tree, the event provides a moment of comfort for those remembering someone special during the festive season.
And once Christmas is over, there will be an extra chance to support Rotherham Hospice with their TreeCycle campaign where you can have your real tree picked up and recycled for a donation to the charity.
As the hospice moves toward its 30th anniversary in 2026, there are some exciting events planned including a colour run for Holi festival, a Rotherham United legends football tournament at the New York Stadium, and 30 things to do before you’re 30.
The impending anniversary also serves as a reminder for people to learn about the hospice’s work, explore volunteering opportunities, and consider supporting its mission, whether through donations, event participation, or simply helping to spread the word.
“Birth plans are commonplace, so we think people should be encouraged to have an end-of-life plan, too,” says Ruth. “We want people across Rotherham borough to get to know the hospice before they need us. This helps us get involved in their care at the point of a terminal diagnosis and maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.”
For more information on services, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit www.rotherhamhospice.org.uk or follow them on social media.
