Hospice helper nears £250,000 goal

A Hampstead grandmother is closing in on a £250,000 fundraising goal for the North London Hospice after a 20-year campaign.

Helen Bloom, 75, was originally inspired to support the hospice in appreciation of the care it provided to her late uncle Leslie Joseph before his death from cancer.

“He died with dignity. I saw that is what happens at the hospice,” said Ms Bloom, who went on to join the Mill Hill and Totteridge support group to promote its fundraising for the hospice — from gala dinners to bake days.
Through appeals to synagogue members and former business contacts from her career in home accessories distribution, she is now just £25,000 shy of her target.

“Usually around 50 per cent of the people I send letters to reply and send back a donation of between £20 to £100. But some send thousands, which helps a lot,” said the Alyth Synagogue congregant. “My motto is every little helps.”

To date, her efforts have resulted in £50,000 being given to the hospice’s kitchen and café and £25,000 to a new bus for service users. “I’m a lady that likes specifics and to know where the money has gone.”
She also wants to support the forthcoming refurbishment project at the Finchley site.

Hospice chief executive Douglas Bennett expressed gratitude “to Helen and the Mill Hill support group for the massive contribution they have made to our vital work. Every year North London Hospice has been able to care for more people in our local community. We have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our supporters.”