Annual visit to Ashgate Hospice

The Spireites made their annual Christmas trip to Ashgate Hospice to hand over gifts to patients, staff and volunteers in a visit organised by the Community Trust.

Manager James Rowe and vice-chairman Martin Thacker met staff members in a socially-distanced environment outside the main entrance to the hospice.

James said: “We want to give back as much as we can to the community. It’s our way of saying thank you at Christmas when we come out here and thank them for everything they’re doing for the community of Chesterfield.” 

Martin stressed the importance of the club showing that it is an integral part of the community by acknowledging organisations like Ashgate Hospice. 

He said: “They make a tremendous difference in so many ways across north Derbyshire and going along and sharing a few gifts with them is an acknowledgement of that.”

As the chair of North-East Derbyshire District Council, Martin, together with his consort, Jean Spencer, chose to support the hospice and they have raised substantial funds for the charity

He explained: “We’ve chosen Ashgate Hospice because it is the hospice that’s in the ward I represent, but also because it’s so well-known and it needs that support from us.” 

Carl Jones, Ashgate Hospice’s fundraising manager, thanked James and Martin. He said: “We appreciate them taking the time out of their busy schedules to come down and bring some gifts. 

“It’s really nice for our staff and volunteers to have that and know that they’re thought of at this time of year.”