Local Life - Wigan - July 2018

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“As part of my training I will be
supporting my friend who is
doing a tandem cycle as part of
the John O’Groats challenge, she
is coming through Wigan and I will
join her there, so it’s good practice
for that.”
Chris has a target of £2,000 for
the challenge, with all proceeds
supporting the charity which
provides specialist end-of-lifecare.
During his career with the NHS
Chris worked with Wigan and
Leigh Hospice extensively and
knows too well how much
they rely on funding from the
community.
“The hospice for me is one of
those places which is always
there, it does that important work
that people sometimes take for
granted,” said Chris, who has one
granddaughter.
“Most people don’t want to
particular actually talk about
death, it is still a bit of a taboo
subject, but when you need it the
hospice is there.
“Last year they helped more than
1,000 people with life-threatening
and life-limiting conditions. It
costs a staggering £8,700 per day to provide their
inpatient and community functions.
“They are almost completely dependent upon
the generosity of the community to continue
this valuable service. If fundraisers like this didn’t
happen it wouldn’t be open.”
The hospice currently has to raise more than £3m
every year in order to continue providing all of its
services. Last year the hospice supported 1,130
local people who had been diagnosed with a lifelimiting
illness.
Maxine Armstrong, fundraising and lottery
manager for the hospice, said: “This is the first time
we have taken a fundraising event international
and it’s a really exciting challenge.
“The route is absolutely stunning and the team will
be raising funds to help the hospice care for local
people and their loved ones.”
If you would like to donate to Chris’s challenge in
aid of the hospice then please visit his JustGiving
page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-maj.
To find out more please visit www.wlh.org.uk.