Jane's Story

In the years following my first husband’s death in December 2001, the run up to Christmas was always an incredibly difficult time, especially with a young son at home who still expected a magical time. I had been volunteering at Overgate for a few hours a week when, in 2005, I came up with the idea of producing Overgate Hospice Christmas cards which would then be sold and all profits would support the work they do.
 
By the following Christmas we had hundreds of packs of Christmas cards in a variety of designs and with my friend, Jacqui Richardson, we visited as many Calderdale businesses as we could, asking them to sell the cards on our behalf. In this first year, we raised over £8,000 and Overgate have produced charity Christmas cards ever since, last year raising over £30,000 from the sale of cards.
 
After launching the Christmas cards, I then decided to organise a festive ladies’ luncheon called ‘A Christmas A’Fayre’. Over the years, this annual event has welcomed speakers including Sally Wainwright, The Yorkshire Shepherdess, and the original Calendar Girls. Over 150 ladies attend each event and we sell Christmas items and raffle tickets, raising around £7,000 each year.
 
In February 2020, my very close friend was cared for at the Hospice as she lost her incredibly brave fight with pancreatic cancer. I will be eternally grateful for the care she received.
 
I have thoroughly enjoyed helping our wonderful Hospice over the past 16 years and I am so grateful for the support of my friends and family. My festive fundraising helped to make Christmas a little less difficult, knowing I am doing my bit to support Overgate. I intend to carry on helping this beautiful place so they can provide the very best care to our community, just like they did for my friend.