Staff from RBS branches in Wigan, Bolton and Manchester came to Wigan and Leigh Hospice on Monday (December 2nd) to volunteer for the day.
The task for the 12 of them was to erect 25 Christmas Trees in the hospice gardens and cover them with fairy lights for the charity’s new 5000 Lights project.
The lights on the trees were switched on on Tuesday night and now all of the inpatients can see the trees from their bedrooms.
Joanne McKenna, Relationship Manager at the Wigan branch, said: “We get a certain number of hours from RBS to do some volunteering so I contacted the hospice. At first there were just a few of us from the Wigan branch but then others from Bolton and Manchester found out and decided to join us.
“Me and the team had a fantastic day, it was hard graft but fun at the same time, with plenty of laughs! We really enjoyed hearing about what it means to the Hospice and the patients – it gave us a real sense of pride and achievement. The lights look lovely and will hopefully create happy memories for the patients and visitors as well as raising much needed funds.”
Local people and businesses were invited to buy a tree as part of 5000 Lights and give the gift of Christmas to patients living with incurable illnesses.
A total of 30 trees will be installed and will be up until the twelfth day after Christmas.
Members of the public will be able to visit the hospice to see 5,000 Lights on December 12th and 17th from 6pm to 8pm in return for a donation.
Refreshments including mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies will be on sale and some stalls selling Christmas cards and gifts will be there.
ENDS
For further information members of the press should contact:
Sam Shale
PR & Communications Lead
01942 525566 / s.shale@wlh.org.uk