A new fundraising initiative from John Eastwood Hospice has got off to a flying start, with more than 120 people and organisations already signing up.

Around 70 people attended a special event, hosted at the Sutton hospice, to mark the launch of the JEH 1991 Club, which was featured in last month’s News Journal.

On that night alone, around 50 people and companies signed up to support the club, with organisations including Linneys, Future Products, and Pinders Opticians adding their support.

Members of the 1991 Club — named after the year the hospice was launched — are supporters committed to making a regular subscription to the hospice.

Lisa Todd, fundraising innovation manager at John Eastwood Hospice Trust, said: “The support has already been amazing and we are so proud to be creating a sustainable fundraising initiative that will help people in our communities.

“We were delighted at the turnout for the event because it was a chance not only to launch the club, but also to explain to more people just how the hospice works and what a difference it makes.”

In-house team leader Heather Callaghan (below) spoke movingly, explaining how they help individuals and their families.

The launch was attended by Peter Soar and Dianne Soar, whose daughter, Katrina Taylor, used the services of the hospice.

Katrina had been diagnosed with a Stage Four brain tumour at the age of 41. The married mum of two, and well-respected local journalist, died at just 42 in July 2023.

Peter said: “The hospice was a godsend to us while Katrina was ill and looked after her in the last weeks of her life.

“Many people think of hospices as sad places, but the opposite is true. Yes, there is lots of sadness, but the staff are phenomenal. They really are angels.”

Lisa Todd (pictured top at the launch event), fundraising innovation manager at John Eastwood Hospice Trust, said: “1991 represents compassion, care, and a commitment to improving lives.

“If 1991 people each donate just £1 a week, we’ll raise £103,532 every year. With Gift Aid, this total will increase even more and help us to continue providing vital care to those who need it most.”

People can become members of the club by giving £1 a week, £4.33 a month or £52 a year.

Members will receive a special 1991 Club membership pin, invitations to exclusive events, and access to early bird tickets to other events hosted by the hospice.

Based on Mansfield Road, Sutton, the hospice first began offering day hospice services in 1991 and now also provides a 12-bed specialist inpatient unit, and a Living Well Centre offering day service care in the community.

The hospice trust is a registered charity, and each year has to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds as part of its commitment to working in partnership with the NHS, and to meet the continual challenges of rising costs.

For more information about how to sign up to the 1991 Club, and support the work of John Eastwood Hospice, go to www.johneastwoodhospice.org.uk