A birthday gift for East Lancashire Hospice
It was a real pleasure to visit Noreen Price in Great Harwood this week. This wonderful lady celebrated her 90th Birthday in style at the Great Harwood Golf Club on the 29th December 2022 with nearly 90 guests from around the country, and still managed to raise an incredible £285 for East Lancashire Hospice at the same time.
Spritely with a positive and cheerful outlook she welcomed us with open arms. Her son David and Noreen explained why they wanted to raise money for the hospice.
“Mum worked as a volunteer in the Inpatient Unit at the hospice for over twenty years. My father Peter was due to go into the hospice, but unfortunately passed away. We still saw what a fantastic service it provided and have been supporters ever since.”
Noreen only stopped being a volunteer because her work with her local church as a lay preacher took up more time, but not before the League of Mercy Foundation awarded her a medal for her services in July 2008. “We had to go to the Lord Mayor of London’s official residence at Mansion House for dinner with the full regalia.” Noreen explained. She was very impressed with the official nature of the day, including the Mayor’s crystal sceptre, orb and his stately robes.
“But I loved working at the hospice as a volunteer. It was always such fun. I remember dressing up as the naughty schoolboy Just William on one occasion.”
Noreen has a wonderful past, which included representing England at a national level in archery, and sports friends such as Barbara Fielding, three times World Archery Champion attended her birthday celebration. Noreen also took groups of athletes to compete abroad in her younger days. Noreen was a former school secretary, Peter, Noreen’s husband was a Senior Lecturer at Nelson and Colne College.
Her birthday was also celebrated at the Calf’s Head on December 28th, her actual birthday, and included her son, David and daughter, Janet with three of their four children, Donna, Philip, and Charlotte along with their numerous grandchildren. “I’ve had a wonderful birthday, my friends and family are so supportive. All the family have been wonderful!”
Marisa Bannan, East Lancashire Hospice fundraiser commented, “Noreen’s enthusiasm for life is truly infectious, and we could see what a positive force she would have been at the hospice. We can only thank her and her family for her services, and her continued efforts in raising such a fantastic amount.”
If you would like to find out more about our Celebration Giving, or would like to add a personal touch to your birthday, wedding or engagement party, anniversary or indeed any celebration, contact Ann Mason on 01254 965877 or visit our website, Celebration Giving (eastlancshospice.org.uk)