St Catherine's Hospice, Lancashire

08/12/2025

Road diversion in place near the hospice along Stanifield Lane from Wednesday until and including the 19th December.

More info 👇

Work to create the entrance to the new facility in Farington that's set to become Lancashire Cricket's second home is due to enter its final stage.

08/12/2025

What a day! Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s Santa Dash at Preston Docks! 🎅

From the sea of Santas jogging, walking, and dashing their way through the route to the laughter and festive cheer, it was a morning to remember.

Together, we’ve raised vital funds to support the compassionate care we provide here at St Catherine’s – and we couldn’t have done it without you. 🏅Once we’ve had all of the sponsorship money in, we’ll be sure to update you on the grand total.

Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the day. Can you spot yourself or someone you know? 📸Thanks to dia-images photography

And of course, a massive shoutout to our amazing sponsors, Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors, for helping make this event possible. Course marshals – Rotary Club (Preston South), DJ Ginge – entertainment/host and donated his fee, car park stewards – Jay Higham & Team, car parks – Bowker & Shout Network, Ribble Pilot - Hosts, Deputy Mayor of Preston, St Catherine’s volunteers, Chorley’s Angels – First Aid, Pure Gym – warm up, Intrak – sound system.

And of course, our fundraising team who work so hard organising these special events

Already counting down to next year? So are we!

08/12/2025

07/12/2025

We’re still welcoming late Santa Dashers today, so it’s not too late to join the fun.

Pop along before 10am to book your spot.

And if you're taking part, here’s your friendly reminder that every pound you raise keeps vital hospice care going. Whether you’ve already set up a JustGiving page or you’re collecting a few quid from family, it all makes a real difference.

To everyone taking part, we wish you the best of luck! May your shoes stay on the right feet, your hats stay on your heads and your stride be merry, unlike Santa here from our festive outtakes! 🎁

Let’s make it a dash to remember.

More info: https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/shop/events/hospice-fundraising/santa-dash/

06/12/2025

Last chance to make a difference this Christmas by taking part in our festive raffle🎄

Each £2 ticket helps fund the compassionate care our community depends on, and gives you the chance to win an incredible £4,000 jackpot!

It’s a simple way to give back and spread some cheer this festive season. 💚

🎟️ Get your tickets before Tuesday here:
https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/support-us/raffles/enter-our-christmas-raffle/

05/12/2025

😅 Wig on the wrong way? Shoes swapped? Suit a bit tight?

Guess what — that’s totally fine!

Because the Santa Dash isn’t about perfection: it’s about showing up, being willing and having fun.

Even though online booking has now closed, you can still sign up on Sunday and join the fun, all while raising money for a great cause. See you at the start line!

More info: https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/shop/events/hospice-fundraising/santa-dash/

04/12/2025

💚 Thank You Thursday 💚

We’ve had some lovely visitors and acts of kindness this week and here are just a few to celebrate.

🚜 J Charnley & Sons - Thank you to Vicky and Hannah, who popped into the hospice with a fantastic donation of £186.74. They raised the money at the Lancashire Show by inviting people to guess how many balloons they could squeeze into a tractor cab. We love a creative fundraiser!

📚 Asda Clayton Green - Thanks to Jo, the store’s brilliant Community Champion, for an amazing donation of books. These help us keep our shops and book tables topped up and they always fly off the shelves.

🎄 Ian Mitchell - It was wonderful to see the incredibly talented Ian again. He brought in this year’s hand-crafted crib and nativity scene, made from recycled Beech, Mahogany and Pine. We’ll be raffling off this beautiful piece soon, tickets are available now at Reception.

🇮🇪 Achill Island Community - Joe and Rachel want to send a heartfelt thank you to the Achill Island community, especially James and Marie and the Dookinella Pipe Band, for 25 years of continued support. Thanks also to Tommy and Pauline, Stephen and Ethel, and M&M Acquisitions, MAC Civils Ltd, Flannery Plant Hire & Groundshore Ltd for their generosity over the years. Your kindness means more than you know.

🎨 Deborah Parkinson - Thank you to the very crafty Deborah for her fabulous diamond art Christmas card donation! These beautiful cards are available from reception, with all donations going to support the hospice.

Thank you to everyone who thinks of us, your kindness helps us to be here for local people and families when they need us most.

03/12/2025

💚 National Grief Awareness Week (2-8 December)

Grief can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone.

We offer six bereavement support sessions across our communities - open to anyone in our communities, whether you have a connection to the hospice or not.

At the hospice (Garden Room):
• Second Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm–3pm
• Third Thursday of the month, 6pm–7.30pm

Peer-led support in the community:
• West Preston (Ingol)
• East Preston (Ribbleton) – Wednesday 4th December, 10am-11.30am at Rothwell Hall. January’s session will take place on Thursday 8th January due to the New Year’s Day clash
• Gregson Lane – Wednesday 4th December, 1pm-2.30pm at Trinity Church, but January’s session will take place on Thursday 8th January due to the New Year’s Day clash
• Chorley
Please see our website for individual times and dates: https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/events/

These gentle, welcoming spaces offer time to talk, share experiences, or simply be with others who understand. 💚

02/12/2025

Christmas can be a tough time for many. Light Up a Life is a celebration of the life of our loved ones who we miss dearly, as our colleague Nikee explains. https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/support-us/light-up-a-life/

02/12/2025

🕯️ Thank you for helping us Light Up a Life

We were honoured to welcome so many of you to our Light Up a Life ceremonies on Sunday and Monday evening.

The park was aglow with lights and shared memories as our community come together to remember loved ones at this meaningful time of the year. Thank you to everyone who made a dedication and joined us for these special evenings.

Our lights will continue to shine in the hospice gardens throughout the festive season, and you can still view the Remembrance Book in the Reflection Room or online. There's still time to remember a loved one and add their name, make your dedication at: https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/support-us/light-up-a-life/

The last update of the remembrance book for this year will happen on 1st February 2026.

Your support helps us continue providing care to local families when they need us most 💚

Special thanks to dia-images photography for the wonderful pictures from the evenings.

01/12/2025

Santa’s checking his list one last time — beard ✔ suit ✔ trainers ✔ … and there’s one more: Book your spot!

It’s your last chance to grab a Santa Dash place online before tomorrow at 9pm.

Don’t let Santa dash off without you this Sunday. It’s the not to be missed family festive event of the year.

👉 https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/shop/events/hospice-fundraising/santa-dash/