Family have bright idea to help hospice

Buy photos » Ben Mason, nine, and Edward Battin, 13, collect for St Richards Hospice. Picture by Marcus Mingins 5112006MMR Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com

A CARING Droitwich family have vowed to make as much money as they can for St Richard’s Hospice with the help of their extravagant Christmas decorations which have become the talk of the town.

Spa mum-of-two Alison Mason thought nothing of it when she was putting up the usual inflatable Santas and snowmen outside her home in Birch Coppice to celebrate the festive season.

But, as the days went by, she noticed strangers were bringing their children to see her efforts and seized the opportunity to do a good deed and raise cash for the hospice.

Alison decided to put a donation box for St Richard’s Hospice outside her home and hoped residents and visitors would respond generously.

The charity is a cause close to her heart as the Worcester hospice has provided valuable support for both her and her family in recent years.

Alison’s best friend passed away at the hospice three years ago after becoming ill very quickly. And next year, the kind-hearted mum will become step-mother to boys Edward and George, whose mum was also cared for by the hospice in her final days.

After seeing the collection box on the front gate, 13-year-old Edward even made a laminated sign which reads ‘Helping those experiencing their last Christmas.’

“That was very poignant and touching, I put some money in myself when I read that,” Alison said.

“We decorate the house every year and try to make it bigger and better. This is a special time of year but there are plenty of people out there not having any fun.”

Lizzie Brazier, St Richard’s Hospice’s community fund-raiser, said the charity was really grateful.

“Alison is obviously brilliant at decorating to attract so many people and it’s really kind that she is doing it for us.

“It’s definitely a new way of fund-raising and a lovely idea,” she added.

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