If you’ve managed to make it to this page I congratulate you and thank you for your interest but please don’t start thinking, “Oh, I just knew there was a catch!” or, “I knew they would try and get money out of me!” Well, that’s the way I used to think until I lost my sister Maggie to cancer. She spent the last part of her life in St. Gemma's and her family and I can’t speak highly enough about the care and support they provided to Maggie and the whole family.

So what makes someone like me want to do something like this? What makes me want to stand outside in the snow, rain, wind and cold for five hours singing and playing my Ukulele to collect donations for St. Gemma's? Well, to tell you the truth I don’t think I know the answer. I just woke up one morning and decided that this was what I was going to do and through this I have had life changing experiences, discovered true friendship and loyalty from dear friends and loved ones who have now become my fundraising team. They have become shop keepers, roadies, secretaries etc… the list is endless. You see I can’t do this alone; I need help from my friends who coincidentally have also lost loved ones whom St. Gemma’s have cared for which makes me wonder if all this is just a coincidence.

Last year I was entertaining at an old people’s day centre that itself is struggling to stay open due to lack of funding, but they kindly donated £50 to my charity because they believed it to be a worthy cause even though they probably needed it just as much themselves. I’m especially thinking of the wheelchair bound lady who donated £5 which was all she had in her purse. I can't thank everybody enough for their massive support through their donations and the continued moral support from friends, colleagues and kind strangers.

If you do wish to donate please remember that we are all very grateful whatever the amount. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: St. Gemma's Hospice gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement is added to your donation. £1 donated by a stranger to help people who are after all strangers to them but who are sadly in need of the palliative care provided by St. Gemma's Hospice is a very kind and human thing to do and helps to makes the world a better place and also puts a little love in our hearts.

Eternally grateful

Ukulele Henry