Frances met with Fundraising Managers, to identify ways in which the two charities could work in partnership and understand how the Trust can help the Hospice during what is expected to be the toughest year in their 43-year history.

During the visit, Frances took a tour of the Hospice and became a member of the Alice House Guild of Patrons, a group of local businesses, each pledging a donation of £5,000 each year.

Frances is exploring a number of fundraising opportunities in collaboration with the Hospice and is helping with much-needed resources and renovation work for their patients’ gardens through the Plastic Furniture Company she owns with her husband Patrick.

“We spent a lovely morning with Frances and her immediate warmth towards the Hospice was obvious; things got off to a great start when she agreed to become a Patron and we are looking forward to seeing the two charities working together to support local people.”

Greg Hildreth, Business & Communications Senior Manager at Alice House

The PFC Trust was founded to improve the lives of people in Hartlepool by celebrating all of the great things that the town has to offer and providing help to those who need it.

Alice House provides care and support to people affected by life limiting illness, or the death of a loved one in Hartlepool, Tees Valley and East Durham. It costs over £3.5m to fund these services for one year. The Hospice receives just less than 21% of this in Government funding, leaving a shortfall of just under £8,000 to be raised every single day.

“It was a privilege to be given a tour of Alice House to get an insight into the incredible work that a charity like that does every day.

“We all know that times are hard for people in these economic times and Alice House needs support on an ongoing basis to keep up the excellent work it does to help the people of Hartlepool.

“We are looking forward to working together to benefit people across the town and the surrounding area.” 

Frances Connolly, Founder and CEO of The PFC Trust