East Lancashire Hospice

Leisure Centre birthday brings splash of hospice cash

A recent birthday celebration has brought a splash of fundraising for East Lancashire Hospice.

Visitors and staff at the first birthday celebrations of Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre raised over £650 for the local charity with a range of activities over a fun packed weekend.

As well as free swimming sessions, personal training tasters and a gigantic inflatable nerf maze, visitors enjoyed face-painting, balloon modelling, prizes, giveaways and a tombola run by the staff at the centre as part of the activity filled festivities.

The Leisure Centre, situated on Feilden Street, Blackburn was officially opened in 2015 and has since gone from strength to strength with more than 450,000 visits in the first year. The centre was built as a unique partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackburn College to give the town high quality state of the art sports & fitness facilities.

Hospice fundraiser Denise Gee said: “This contribution is a wonderful gift to the hospice. It could allow 5 patients to come to the hospice for a day, giving them important time to ask about any issues and spend time with others who understand what they are going through. The visits also give patients the independence to do things for themselves including diversional and therapies which have a huge impact on their wellbeing. We’re so grateful for the donation which will make a difference.”

Executive member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, Councillor Damian Talbot, said: “I’m delighted that we were able to support such a worthy cause as East Lancashire Hospice which provides such a fantastic service in our community. I would also like to extend my thanks to everyone who took part and came along to celebrate this milestone event for Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre.”

Pictured are (L – R) Claire Ramwell, Head of Leisure, Health & Wellbeing at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Denise Gee, Event Fundraiser at East Lancashire Hospice and Louise Hyde, Centre Manager of Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre
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