Hearts for Moggerhanger raise over £9.5k for Sue Ryder St John's Hospice - which cared for group organiser's late husband

A determined group of friends called Hearts for Moggerhanger has raised a staggering £9,586 for Sue Ryder St John's Hospice Moggerhanger.

Organisers Christina Boxall, Judi Hobbs, and Geraldine Clarke, along with help from their chums Sheila Springell and Ruth Norman, have been running market stalls and raffles over the past year in a bid to support the charity, which was hit hard by the pandemic.

Christina, whose late husband was cared for by the hospice, was also determined to give back to its staff and raise awareness about the "wonderful" work they do.

Hearts for Moggerhanger's latest stall was held on April 17 at Potton Market, and the ladies were thrilled to raise £1,022, taking their grand total to over £9,500.

Christina told the Chronicle: "A lot of people in the community know about St John's, because a lot of people have had to use them.

"It's important that they keep going, as they are still struggling. Many events have been cancelled and they have not been able to open their on-site charity shop.

"Thank you to everyone for their support in helping us to help them. We have had some lovely, lovely comments."

Christina’s husband Tony passed away on December 30, 2019 aged 72 after suffering from Multiple System Atrophy, a neurological condition which causes your organs to break down.

He received help from St John’s Hospice for 18 months and for the last two days of his life the palliative care nurses “virtually moved into the house, with care, compassion and skill”.

Christina said: "He was in there three times, and on one occasion it was our wedding anniversary and I happened to mention it to one of the members.

"They said, 'If you take Tony down to The Guinea then you can have lunch. Ring us, and we'll come and fetch you when you're ready.'

"They are marvellous. And it wasn't just for us; they go to that extra special effort for everyone. They are worth their weight in gold."

She added: "When Tony first had to go I didn't want him to. I thought, 'this is the last leg then', but I was so wrong. It was like a calm oasis.

"It's not like a hospital, you are free to come and go, and I could even stay the night if I wanted.

"It's about pain control and they also help people with life limiting illnesses and provide support for people's families. They can help with bereavement."

Hearts for Moggerhanger is hoping to hold evening events once restrictions ease and are determined to keep fundraising.

They don't put a price on their items - such as books, puzzles and bric a brac - instead, people can donate what they wish, the aim being that people can still contribute even if they themselves are struggling financially.

To donate to Sue Ryder St John's Hospice and find out more about its work, visit: https://www.sueryder.org/