He’s the founder of the innovative training company, Orangebox and he’s passionate about using his resources and team to help Alice House in any way he can. As the Hospice’s Volunteer Business Ambassador, Simon helps to organise various events which are crucial fundraisers for the charity, as well as offering free training to Hospice staff whenever it’s needed.

His connection to Alice House began when his father was seriously ill in the local hospital in 2016 and keen to teach his two youngest children the spirit of Christmas, they distributed boxes of chocolates to patients on the wards, dressed as Santa’s little helpers.

‘It was important Poppy and Austin didn’t think Christmas was just about receiving presents, it’s also about giving back. One year there were quite a few chocolate boxes left over and the staff suggested we take them to Alice House. We put some smiles on faces there, which was rewarding.’

Keen to thank Simon and his family for their generosity, the Hospice’s Business & Communications Senior Manager, Greg Hildreth, turned detective to track the benefactor down. Simon chuckles because for many years he was a police officer, at one time working undercover overseas, infiltrating crime gangs in dangerous places.

‘Greg hunted me down, it was almost like he was the police investigator. He used social media to track me down and send me a message. He invited me back to the Hospice to say thank you and he showed me round. I remember feeling quite touched and emotionally connected to the good that the charity was doing. I said to Greg I want to be part of this and it was the start of a strong friendship with both Greg and the Hospice.’

The first collaboration was a charity dinner just before the pandemic struck. Simon says the event, at Wynyard Hall, raised between five and six thousand pounds.

When the world opened up again after Covid restrictions, Simon was keen to make it an even bigger and better event.

‘We now call it the Alice House Party, it’s always a sell-out, so we need a bigger venue really.

Last year I told everyone I wanted to raise £20,000 on the night and we did it. I was absolutely over the moon to do that.’

With the help of his Orangebox team, Simon also lends expertise to various Hospice events such as annual Golf Days and Duvet Day.

‘I think Greg and his team know that whatever you’ve got going on, just reach out and we’ll support you. We provide free training for staff, such as first aid. It’s not just about raising money, it’s saving the Hospice money through providing free services. It’s raising awareness of what the Hospice does, the good it does for the town. I just want to raise its profile and generate as much money as I can for it. The service that the Hospice provides is truly amazing.’

Simon’s office, which overlooks Hartlepool Marina, is full of photographs of loved ones, and peppered with inspirational quotes from his heroes. He’s clearly proud of his family. His wife, Hayley, is a teaching assistant and they share two children, 16 year old Poppy, who is a marketing apprentice with Orangebox and 13 year old Austin. His oldest son, 25 year old Jack is a drummer with up-and-coming rock band Juliet’s Not Dead, currently touring America, while 23 year old Georgia is a primary school teacher.

‘I think Georgia will eventually take over from me at Orangebox,’ Simon quips.

He started his company in 2016 after leaving Law Enforcement, armed only with a £58 computer bought on Ebay and some office space donated by his brother-in-law, Jamie, who also designed the Orangebox logo and website. Back then Simon was a one-man band- now he employs up to 70 people on various projects. He’s worked hard to deliver effective training programmes to a wide range of organisations. Simon is justifiably proud of the Government-funded training schemes he runs, which have successfully helped thousands of unemployed people into work, transforming their lives.

Simon is also chair of the Hartlepool Business Forum and uses his position to promote a positive vision of the town and to encourage others to join the Hospice’s incredible team of volunteers.

‘Anyone who does help is amazing. It could be the CEO of a business, but a couple of hours a day working in one of the Hospice shops makes a huge difference. I didn’t go to the Hospice wanting appreciation, but it came. The Hospice just makes you feel valued, however you are helping through volunteering. The relationship I have with the Hospice has just become stronger and stronger.’

It may surprise you to learn that Alice House Hospice Volunteers include calligraphists, complimentary therapists, electrical testers and financial advisors. Do you have a skill that could make you part of the valued Volunteer family? If so we’d love to hear from you. For more information on volunteering opportunities, please click here or call 01429 855555.

Article by Heather Mcwilliam – Volunteer Media Consultant