Bolton Hospice revealed this summer that it is facing huge financial pressures and could be forced to make deep cuts. This prompted The Bolton News to launch the Save Bolton Hospice campaign which has so far proven to be a major success. In the second of a three part special report we look at the vital work the hospice does for patients.
An event in support of Bolton Hospice has heard how it helped a patient realise his dream of exhibiting his artwork.
The Save Bolton Hospice campaign was launched in partnership with The Bolton News to help raise funds for the Chorley New Road hospice after revelations it was facing a deficit of £1.2million.
A patrons’ lunch hosted by the University of Bolton heard how one of many patients to be touched by the hospice has been John Roberts, from Bromley Cross, who has multiple myeloma and graduated from the University of Bolton with a first-class honours degree in Fine Art in 2019.
Hospice creative therapist Mary Stubbs said: “John visits the hospice weekly to access the creative services.
“We discovered that after graduation John had hoped to exhibit his art, but when Covid-19 struck, the world went into lockdown.
“In February 2022, after a long series of illness, John was diagnosed with blood cancer, which also hampered his plans to exhibit his work.
“So we had a conversation with Professor George Holmes, Vice Chancellor of the University, and the idea was born to help John to achieve his dream.
“The collaboration with the University has helped something happen that was very important to John, to finally hold an exhibition of his work which is here for you all to enjoy today.”
The collaboration between the hospice and university he has now realised his dream of exhibiting his artwork, which is now on display on the campus.
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Mr Roberts said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have made this event possible, especially the Year 2 students of Fine Art."
The patrons heard how important their donations have been to helping people like Mr Roberts.
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Bolton Hospice chair Judith Bromley said: “I want to say a huge thank you to the team at The Bolton News for their wonderful support, which has helped us to raise a staggering extra £450,000.
“We have been overwhelmed with the incredible kindness, support and generosity of the people of Bolton and beyond and want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you."
Donations can be made by going to Save Bolton Hospice on GoFundMe.
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