30th Birthday Open Day
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who took part in the open day 30th anniversary celebrations on Friday.
It was such a brilliant and uplifting day and I hope you all feel proud of being able to showcase the wonderful work we do here at Derian to members of the public and supporters.
A special well done to Gill, Ellie and Ann-Marie who co-ordinated the day, and also to all of the representatives on the 30th anniversary group who have been working hard for a number of months on the plans for the open day event.
Whilst it will be difficult to measure the real impact of the open day (I’m sure it will spark many different opportunities for years to come), we have had some lovely outcomes and feedback that I wanted to share with you all.
- 102 people attended on the day.
- We received £3,133 in web donations and donations on the day – including two £1,000 donations and four new regular monthly givers signed up.
- We sold almost £400 worth of Derian goods on reception and another £80 in extra donations.
- We received excellent press coverage, with reports on BBC North West Tonight (https://tinyurl.com/3ne4jssx); ITV Granada Reports (Derian House Children’s Hospice celebrates 30th birthday | ITV News Granada); we were the top story on BBC Radio Lancashire and the Lancashire Post will be running a photo spread about the day.
- A number of visitors pledged to leave a legacy to Derian House in their Wills.
- Two large businesses have contacted us offering to help with volunteering and donations after seeing us on the news.
We have also received some lovely comments from visitors – here’s just a few…
“Wonderful place, for all our young people.” Amanda Parker JP, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.
“An amazing experience. I wish I could bottle the passion, enthusiasm, compassion and kindness that oozes throughout the whole building. The visit should be a must for every front line practitioner. Justin S, Lancashire Police.
“Happy birthday to all staff, volunteers, parents, families and children. Thank you for a special day.” Sam Sherrington, NHS England.
“Once again thank you for your kind invitation for Val and I to visit Derian House and be part of its 30th celebration. We both enjoyed our time with you and it was good to see old colleagues and meet new people, clearly the hospice is developing apace. The tour was both interesting and informative and along with the hospitality and warm welcome made for and a truly special day. Finally the gold badge and the words inside the card were greatly appreciated.
Please pass on thanks to all concerned.” Trevor Briggs (Derian’s first Chief Executive)
See the official photographs of the day here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxxyrm3