‘Lent’ Hospiscare a hand with quitting challenge

Hospiscare is asking people to ‘lent’ a helping hand in the run-up to Easter, by giving up a vice or changing a habit in aid of the local charity.

The Quit for a Bit 40 Day Lent Challenge launched on March 5, offering people the chance to support Hospiscare as they observe Lent.

Whether you want to change your spring menu in preparation for your summer wardrobe or choose to ditch your car in favour of pedal power, Hospiscare is asking people to seek sponsorship for their 40 days of sacrifice to help support local people with life-limiting illnesses.

Hospiscare supporters John and Angela White took part in Quit for a Bit during the New Year, raising £295.00 in a mutually beneficial challenge.

John said: “After mentioning our intention to give up alcohol following the Christmas excesses, the Hospiscare fundraising team encouraged us to use the challenge for the benefit of the hospice. The Quit for a Bit campaign was just starting so this was an ideal way of supporting it.

“We opted to go dry for the month of January. We felt healthier and saved some money, and the hospice gained much-needed funds - a win-win situation.

“We succeeded and felt very pleased with ourselves, and we raised a surprising amount of money for the hospice in the process.”

People rushed to take part in Quit for Bit when the campaign launched in January, giving up everything from junk food and smoking to lazy lifestyles and gym-dodging to fund raise.

Hospiscare Community Fundraiser Susie Healey said: “We have been overwhelmed by the different ways people have raised money for the campaign.

“We’ve even had one person who has decided to support us all year by choosing something different to give up each month.

“People can give up whatever they want for the Lent challenge – you could shop on the High Street instead of online for the 40 days, only check your Facebook page once a week or not watch your favourite TV show.

“88p in every pound raised for Hospiscare goes straight to patient care, helping us to continue to provide high-quality care and support for people with terminal illnesses in Exeter, mid and east Devon.”

To get involved and Quit for a BIt, call Susie Healey on 01392 688063 or email s.healey@hospiscare.co.uk.