Last Christmas, patients at Wigan & Leigh Hospice made history by being the first ever Hospice patients, anywhere in the world, to conceive, organise and pose for a ‘Calendar Girls Calendar!
Now they are creating another first, by posing at the side of a brand new montage that is seen here being unveiled on the wall of the Day Hospice.
Jane Hastry is the Day Hospice Manager and she says, “When the idea was first muted by patient Imelda Sharpe, I must admit the thought of it sent shivers down my spine, wondering what might happen. But now I am having a totally different set of shivers, because this calendar proved to be an amazing project that not only raised us over £5,000, but the psychological impact on patients, volunteers and staff as been, and still is incredible. I cannot put into words the positive and uplifting spirit it has created, far more important than the monetary rewards.”
She added, “I can’t image myself posing for a calendar, but Hospice Patients…? If you sat down and thought of the types of people that might be ‘up for it’, I’m sure that our patients would be the last people to come to mind, they certainly were for me. But the photos were so beautifully done by Atherton Photographer Vicky Leanne who donated her time and talents. All the ladies look stunning.”
Chief Exec Stuart Liptrot said, “This was a wonderful team effort from the beginning, involving a lot of people. I would like to offer thanks to Ronnie Sharpe, Imelda’s husband and the Calendar Sponsors he recruited. A special thanks must also go to two volunteers, Dot Ward and Mabel Jones who were the driving force, as well as planning and organising the Calendar preparation and ‘shoot’.
As a permanent tribute to the courage and fortitude of the ‘girls’, Jane decided she would like something on the wall as a reminder and ongoing inspiration to everyone who comes in to the Day Hospice.
Up stepped Tony Bent and the Leigh Group of Freemasons who said, “Today is one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I freely admit to a very large lump in my throat. We are absolutely thrilled to have been able to fund this wonderful memento of a truly inspirational concept. Today is a special birthday for me, but this experience is undoubtedly the highlight. I will never forget it. Ladies you will never know how your courage and fortitude has touched so many people and will continue to do so for a very long time.”
The ladies were all keen to express their own appreciation for the love and care they receive from Wigan & Leigh Hospice. Unfortunately Imelda died just as the Calendar
was published, but her legacy will never be forgotten…
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