The partnership will be officially launched on 9 October at Victoria Park, when HUFC play Northampton. The match will be attended by ‘Pools mascot H’Angus and Alice Mouse from the Hospice, as well as volunteers collecting donations and Orangebox Training Solutions, who are this season’s sponsor and long- term Hospice supporters.

Other plans currently underway include a proposed sports dinner, FIFA 22 tournament, players visiting Hospice patients (subject to COVID safety) and other fundraising and promotional activities.

Fundraising Senior Manager at Alice House, Julie Hildreth said “This is a fantastic opportunity for two of Hartlepool’s best loved organisations to work together for the good of the town. We are really pleased to have been nominated and it is great to see that the club and its supporters recognise the valuable role of the Hospice in our community.
It is also great to be working with the team from Orangebox again, as they have shown such warmth and kindness to Hospice patience over the last few years. With such wonderful support, this is sure to be a brilliant partnership for all involved.

We would also like to congratulate Pools on their promotion and wish them all the best for the season ahead.”

Hartlepool United’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Hobin, added, “It is great to see Hartlepool United work with Alice House once again. I have quickly learnt that they are a fundamental part of this community and are central to continuous positive news stories throughout the town.
As a one club town, it is essential we do all we can to be a key part in the projects Alice House and partners put together. The money they raise certainly goes a long way.”

Simon Corbett, CEO of Orangebox said “We’re really proud of our fantastic relationship with Alice House and being able to include our partnership with Hartlepool United is a great example of how local businesses and organisations should work together. It’s really important that we support Alice House and the truly amazing work they offer.”