We are thrilled to announce that Caravan Guard Insurance has generously committed to funding three patient bedrooms in our new state-of-the-art Inpatient Unit, as part of the Big Build Appeal. This significant contribution includes two bedrooms funded during the private phase of the appeal in 2021, and a third bedroom confirmed since the public launch on 19th April 2024. Notably, Caravan Guard was the very first donor of the Appeal, and their recent contribution marks the first gift of the public phase, kickstarting this final phase of fundraising for this transformational project.
Based in Halifax town centre, Caravan Guard Insurance is a long-time supporter of Overgate and has a strong connection with our Fundraising Team, as well as the Calderdale community. The company’s support began after a personal experience with terminal illness and has grown over the years, with the company and its staff regularly contributing and supporting our fundraising initiatives.Many of its employees have also had first-hand experience of the exceptional care provided by Overgate, further strengthening the bond between the family-owned company and the Hospice.
Overgate Hospice has been providing compassionate care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses since 1981. The current facilities, however, have become outdated and insufficient to meet the growing demands of the community. The Big Build Appeal aims to raise funds for a new Inpatient Unit featuring 16 private, ensuite bedrooms, each with direct access to a private terrace overlooking the Hospice’s beautiful gardens. This new facility will provide a home-from-home environment, allowing families to spend precious time together with the highest level of privacy and dignity.
Laura Golding, Director of Income Generation, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly grateful to Caravan Guard for their unwavering support and generosity. Their commitment to funding three patient bedrooms in our new Inpatient Unit is a testament to their dedication to the Calderdale community and to the compassionate care Overgate provides. Their early support has been instrumental in launching both the private and public phases of our Big Build Appeal.”
The redevelopment will also introduce rehabilitation facilities for Day Hospice patients and a dedicated spiritual space, ensuring comprehensive care for all who need it. Caravan Guard’s contribution has provided a tremendous boost to the project, setting a powerful precedent for other potential donors.
As part of this redevelopment, Overgate staff have thoughtfully chosen to name each of the new patient bedrooms after flowers. This decision was made to represent the cheerful, compassionate, and bright care that patients receive at the Hospice, even during the most difficult times. The flower-themed names symbolise the warmth and care that the Hospice strives to provide to all patients and their families.
Laura Wilby, Associate Director at Caravan Guard, said everyone at the company was extremely proud to support such an important milestone in this vital development of our local Hospice. “At Caravan Guard, many of us have been touched by the exceptional care provided by Overgate and are critically aware of the importance of giving loved ones the highest levels of privacy when coping with life-limiting illness,” said Laura, “Care completely is one of our company values and we care passionately about our charity partners and strive to make a positive difference to the community. We’re delighted to fund these three patient bedrooms in the new Inpatient Unit and chose the Snowdrop Room, the Bluebell Room, and the Rose Room, as the colours of these flowers mirror the colours of our company logo.
“We really do hope our donation prompts lots of other local businesses and individuals to contribute to the Big Build Appeal so together we can build a new hospice for Calderdale and help Overgate transform end-of-life care for the community.”
The Snowdrop Room, the Bluebell Room, and the newly chosen Rose Room reflect the values of hope, loyalty, and love.
Click here to find out more about the Big Build Appeal