[The Dorothy House Hospice, at Winsley near Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire]
The first time l came across the Dorothy House Hospice was through their charity shop on the London Road. However, in more recent years l experienced at first hand their end-of-life care in visiting a friend who was being looked after at their Winsley site.
Katy Hancock handles media for Dorothy House and has sent me a list of fundraising events coming up.
She told me: ‘As you will have seen in recent news reports, Hospice funding across the UK is in dire straits. Here at Dorothy House, we only receive 20% funding from the government, yet more and more people are in need of our care.
We estimate we are only supporting 50% of those who have a palliative diagnosis; the below fundraising activities are therefore vital to ensuring we can support as many people as possible when they need it most.
We are incredibly grateful to you for your support in sharing these events with your audiences and would welcome any interviews or coverage. “
Well, the least l can do is leave you with the list of events for your diary, and more importantly, for your support.
FixFest
Join Dorothy House, Share and Repair and BRLSI for FixFest on 10 October.
Discover new skills, breathe new life into old favourites, and celebrate sustainable living at a fun-packed family festival featuring hands-on workshops, repair sessions, inspiring talks, and creative activities taking place this October at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution. Whether you’re an experienced mender, a curious beginner or simply looking for a fun day out, FixFest has something for everyone.
You can take part by prebooking workshops or just turning up on the day to enjoy the fun. Many activities are completely free. All proceeds from workshops and donations go to support the charities involved. With thanks so our events sponsors: Somer, Future Fashion Works, Bath & West Community Energy
Event details:
Dates: 10 October – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN
Firefly Celebration Evenings
Open to anyone who wishes to dedicate a light on a Firefly, our Firefly Celebration Evening will take place at the Hospice on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 October from 6:30-8:30 pm. This event is an opportunity to come together and experience the Fireflies alongside others who have dedicated a light in memory of a loved one. https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/support-us/fireflies/
Take on a challenge this autumn and support Dorothy House.
This autumn, Dorothy House is inviting people across Bath, Wiltshire and Somerset to get involved in two exciting fundraising events. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to take on an adrenaline-fuelled abseil or looking to lace up your walking boots for a 15-mile hike, there’s an event for you.
Bath City Abseil
Ready for an unforgettable challenge? Join us for the Bath City Abseil on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September and experience the thrill of descending 80ft from Bath College’s Macauley Building.
Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or simply looking to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, this challenge is a chance to achieve something extraordinary. Take part on your own or sign up alongside friends, family or colleagues for a truly memorable experience, all while raising vital funds for Dorothy House.
Every pound you raise will help us provide care, comfort and compassion to people and their families when it matters most. Sign up today, take the leap, and make a real difference.
Hike to the Lights
Taking place on Saturday, 14 November, lace up your walking boots and take on Hike to the Lights, a spectacular 15-mile sponsored hike to raise vital funds for hospice care. Sign up and choose your starting point in Devizes, Chippenham or Keynsham, before setting off on your journey to Dorothy House in Winsley.
As you cross the finish line, celebrate your achievement at Moments of Light, a breathtaking large-scale light installation by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro. Take in the magical display, celebrate your achievement, and mark the incredible difference your fundraising will make to people and families across our community.
Sign up today and be part of an unforgettable experience.
By taking on a challenge and fundraising for Dorothy House, you’ll help make a real difference to local people and families when they need us most. Sign up today: https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/get-involved/events/
Moments of Light
Dorothy House is honoured to announce Moments of Light, an extraordinary large‑scale three-month art installation created by internationally acclaimed light artist — and Dorothy House Ambassador — Bruce Munro.
The world premiere of this artwork will transform acres of the Hospice’s Winsley grounds from 1 October to 31 December 2026, marking the organisation’s 50th anniversary with a breathtaking immersive experience offering reflection, connection, and remembrance.
Event details
Dates: 1 October – 31 December 2026
Location: Dorothy House Hospice Care, Winsley, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2LE
Tickets: Free, bookable online: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/MomentsofLight
Light up a Life Services
- Sunday 22 November 2026 – Dorothy House, Winsley
- Tuesday 24 November 2026 – Bath Abbey
Light up a Life is a special time of year where we invite our community to join us in remembering their loved ones by sponsoring a light on our beautiful Christmas tree that shines brightly at Winsley House. Each light is both a lasting legacy, but also a symbol; An offering of light that shines for those that so dearly need it. An offer of compassion and hope to those families who need our help and support now.
Join us at Winsley or Bath Abbey, where we will be hosting a Light up a Life service to remember the lives of those we love. Tickets will go on sale when our Light up a Life Appeal launches later in the year.
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