Local hospice receives friendly donation

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

A hospice, which has cared for members and their families, has spoken of its gratitude after receiving a £2,000 donation from the Tunbridge Wells Oddfellows.

All for a good cause

The cheque was handed over to St Michael’s Hospice by Margaret Walisko, past Chairman of the Oddfellows’ Tunbridge Wells Branch.

(L to R) Sophie Bailey (St Michael’s), Margaret Walisko (Oddfellows), and Rebecca Futrall (St Michael's)

The presentation came as fundraisers for the hospice, Sophie Bailey and Rebecca Futrall, joined the group to give a talk explaining the range of services it offers.

Each year, the Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Oddfellows chooses a local good cause or charity to support. Previous recipients include Prostate Cancer UK and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

St Michael’s was chosen by Margaret during her tenure because of the role it has played in helping some of the Branch’s members through difficult times.

‘We like to do our bit’

The money has been raised at social events hosted by the local society, including through raffles and other donations.

Tunbridge Wells Oddfellows Branch Secretary, Dr Karen Rose, said: “St Michael’s Hospice has supported many of our members over the years, so I am extremely proud that we are able to donate such a significant amount of money to them.

“As a friendly society, we like to do out bit to help our community where we can.”

A vital service

St Michael’s Hospice has been supporting the Hastings and Rother community since it opened in 1987, and relies heavily on donations.

Its range of services includes an inpatient unit, home support and 24-hour telephone support.

Oddfellows member Jenny Bayntun (left) speaks with Sophie Bailey (right) about her experience with St Michael's Hospice

The charity also offers wellbeing services to those living with life-limiting conditions, and to their carers.

Community and Corporate Fundraiser at the hospice, Sophie Bailey, said: “I’d like to thank the Oddfellows so much for having Rebecca and I. We are grateful for any opportunity to share the Hospice message and the Oddfellows were so kind and welcoming.

“As well as this, a huge thank you to everyone for the incredible donation of £2,000. It’s the generosity of local groups, such as the Oddfellows, which enables us to support the community of Hastings and Rother through death, dying and loss.”

“We are honoured to have been chosen as their charity of the year and I hope we can continue to support one another in future.”

Find out more

Tunbridge Wells Oddfellows, which part of one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK, is always keen to welcome new members to its group and hosts a range of social events in Bexhill, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Otford, Ticehurst and Tunbridge Wells.

Karen added: “I encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Oddfellows to get in touch and come along to one of our many welcoming events.”

To find out more about Tunbridge Wells Oddfellows and to receive a local events diary, contact Karen via email on karen.rose@oddfellows.co.uk, or call 01342 324980. And if you'd like to find your closest branch, you can use our Branch Finder.