Hundreds of families visited St. Joseph’s Hospice in Thornton last weekend for four-days of back to back events which raised thousands of pounds for the hospice, celebrated its volunteers and remembered loved ones.

The hospice’s annual Garden Party and Volunteer’s Evening were joined by its first ever Gin Evening and A Rose to Remember summer in-memory service and afternoon tea.

On Thursday, the hospice thanked 140 volunteers and community groups for their continuing support and presented certificates to each and every one. On Friday, Ginception arrived on site with its incredible gin bar, which has been lovingly restored from a converted horse trailer. The Gin Evening was a great success with gin fans enjoying award-winning gins alongside a delicious selection of nibbles and live entertainment.

On Saturday, the hospice gardens were jam-packed with artisan stalls, games, crafts, activities, food, drink and live entertainment from Asa Murphy, who sang some well-known hits from his musical Buddy Holly Lives, and the Mad Ukes ukulele group from Maghull and District.

The Crosby Soroptimists put on a fabulous display of cakes and strawberries and cream and Liverpool bar Shenanigans served drinks from its mobile bar. Kev from KK Meats put on a fantastic BBQ, from which all the proceeds were generously donated to the hospice, and South Sefton Round Table managed all the car parking for the Garden Party.

The hospice’s Teddy Tombola and Teddy Bear Parade were also a big hit with the kids, big and small. The parade was judged by Debbie Oulton, President of the Crosby Soroptimists; Gary Forshaw, manager of Shenanigans Bar; and Yvonne Atkinson, a trustee of the hospice. After much deliberation, the judges picked winners for the oldest, best dressed and most unusual teddies and the three winners were presented with certificates.

On Sunday, several families attended the hospice’s first ever summer remembrance event, A Rose to Remember. It commissioned some unique, handcrafted iron roses for the occasion which families bought as a lasting tribute to their loved ones. A non-religious remembrance service, led by a humanist celebrant, took place at the hospice’s Pool of Remembrance, which was followed by a vintage afternoon tea which was generously donated by the Travelling Tea Room and served from its vintage caravan.

Norma Young, head of fundraising at St Joseph’s Hospice, said: “We’ve had a fantastic run of summer events over the last week and it’s been wonderful to see so many people on site, enjoying our beautiful gardens over what was a beautiful weekend weather-wise. Our Volunteer’s Evening started with a little drizzle and few brollies but the sun soon came out and lasted for the rest of the weekend.

“We’d like to say a really big thank you to all the businesses, individuals and community groups who have supported our summer events this weekend by attending, donating or volunteering. We couldn’t have achieved any of this without their support.”

If you’d like to organise an event to support the hospice, we can help. Please contact the fundraising team on 0151 932 6044 or email events@jospice.org.uk.

The Crosby Soropimists are big supporters of the hospcie and help out at our Garden Party every year.