Thousands of St Elizabeth Hospice supporters and local businesses have enjoyed a 'Blue Monday' with a difference courtesy of the independent Suffolk charity's 'Thank-a-Thon'. 

With the third Monday of January being coined as 'Blue Monday', due to festivities of New Year and Christmas being replaced by gloomier weather and a return to 'normal' life, St Elizabeth Hospice's 'Thank-a-Thon' sought to provide a remedy by thanking the local community for their continued support of the charity.

Every year St Elizabeth Hospice delivers specialist palliative care to more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, throughout Suffolk, including the Shotley peninsula area.

Annually this service costs £12.9 million to deliver, with 70% of these funds being generated by the local community's support of the hospice's income streams such as retail shops, events, individual fundraising as well as gifts in Wills and donations.

As part of 'Thank-a-Thon', St Elizabeth Hospice staff contacted thousands of supporters via phone calls, email and postcard, as well as visiting more than 40 businesses to say 'thank you' to supporters for helping the hospice. 

Pauline Donkin, Head of Individual Giving and Supporter Care at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "Every year the whole hospice team is amazed and extremely grateful for the support we receive from the local community and this year we were keen to do something special to show how thankful we are. 

"Blue Monday is traditionally seen as a gloomy day and we wanted to put a smile on people's faces with our messages of thanks.

"Put simply, without the incredible support of local businesses and local people, the hospice would not be able to deliver its vital care to patients and families who need support when it matters most.

"Thank you to you all and we wish you all a Happy New Year."

Taking place 9am-5pm on Monday 16th January, 'Thank-a-Thon' saw the hospice give messages of thanks to over 3,700 supporters, with each recipient receiving a message of thanks and a certificate as gratitude for their ongoing support. 

One business who received a message of thanks as part of 'Thank-a-Thon' was East of England Co-op, which has supported St Elizabeth Hospice for many years.

The East of England Co-op's Engagement Manager, Lynn Warner, commented: "It's wonderful to be recognised in St Elizabeth Hospice's Thank-a-Thon on Blue Monday. The East of England Co-op have been proud to provide support to the hospice in the last year through sponsorships, all of which have seen communities come together, whether that be a remembrance event to celebrate the life of a lost loved one, or to enjoy the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 art trail."

To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 723600 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.