A LEADING care home provider based in Basingstoke is celebrating exceeding its fundraising target for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Hartford Care’s teams chose Macmillan as their charity partner in 2019, setting a £20,000 fundraising goal for its 16 care home teams and head office to achieve.

The teams are thrilled to have beaten that and raised a whopping £23,346.17 in total.

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The fundraising activities include a ‘Longest Day Golf Challenge’ undertaken by Sean Gavin, Hartford Care’s CEO, along with three fellow golfers which raised nearly £2,500.

On top top of thos a a gruelling ‘Tough Mudder’ which three of Hartford Care’s head office team members completed successfully.

Sean Gavin said: “This is a remarkable achievement by all Hartford Care’s care homes and head office teams.

“We could not have picked a more challenging time to start a major fundraising campaign. But, as always, our amazing teams excelled themselves by organising events such as drive-through coffee mornings to minimise the risks during the pandemic.

“I could not be prouder of all our teams and the way they exceed expectations and go the extra mile in helping others through their numerous events - especially during a time which was extremely difficult for all of us.”

A wide range of otherevents were organised by the 16 care homes such as a 32-mile relay run around the Isle of Wight, a sky dive, charity car washes, fetes and coffee mornings.

There was also a 10-mile sponsored walk and two-day wheelchair push through the New Forest. Two team members also ‘braved the shave’ while several homes took part in Macmillan’s ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’, which Macmillan organises every September.

As a result of Covid, Hartford Care decided to extend the time for its Macmillan fundraising from one year to three years.

Ryan Howarth, Macmillan Cancer Support’s relationship fundraising manager, added: “We are so grateful to Hartford Care for all the fundraising they have done for us over the past three years and the commitment they have shown. The money raised helps us with our vital work to support people affected by cancer.

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“Sadly, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing every year and that means Macmillan’s support for people living with cancer is in more demand than ever. At Macmillan, we know how cancer can affect everything. We’re here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, but we can't do it without the amazing people who fundraise for us.

“Hartford Care’s generous donation could fund 66 Macmillan grants*, pay for a Macmillan nurse for 20 weeks or support our Cancer Information and Support team to run our Macmillan Support Line phone service for four days – dealing with 1,012 calls and web enquiries from people who need practical and emotional support, or help to navigate cancer services.”

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