Staff at Pendleside have started the New Year with a clear 2020 vision – to lead the way in raising funds for the hospice.

From car washes to marathons, mountain climbs to bike rides, staff will be taking the reins throughout the year as they hope to inspire people from outside to take up challenges of their own in aid of Pendleside.

Leading the way is chief executive Helen McVey, who is running the London Marathon alongside a team leader in the Inpatients unit, Sarah Olyott. They are being helped in their preparations by trainee physio Emily Whiteoak, who is a member of the rehabilitation team.

Another keen runner fundraiser Jo Applegate is preparing to run in 12 major races throughout the year, including the Great Manchester Run, the Great Scottish Run, the Great North Run, the Loch Lomond 10k, Heaton Park 10k, Blackpool Stanley Park 10k and the Aintree 10k.

One of the most exhausting feats will be by 12 members of the inpatients unit who will be joined by former policeman, Mick Nichols, from the maintenance team. The ‘Pendleside Walkers’ will be led by Inpatient Auxiliary Nurse Deborah Dodd and are planning to climb Snowdon via the Llanberis route – the challenge involves an overnight stay at the foot of the mountain to ensure an early start for the accent.

Meanwhile, head of corporate fundraising Christina Cope is walking to the top of Pendle Hill 20 times during the year with her trusty pet dog Lily.

Fundraisers, nurses and senior managers from across the hospice are at the early stages of planning a sponsored bike ride around a track in the Burnley and Pendle area in July. Ideally, they would like to use the Stephen Burke Sports Hub between Nelson, Colne and Barrowford. The plan would be to invite members of the public to join in the challenge.

And the day care unit, led by Julia O’Neill, will be joining the Prince’s Trust and Lancashire Firefighters in a sponsored car wash at either Nelson or Burnley fire station.

Helen McVey said: “The year 2020 is going to be a special year at the hospice because the staff themselves have pledged to make a difference by leading from the front when it comes to fundraising challenges.

“I am always proud of the dedication and pride my staff take in their work but this year they are taking their dedication to another level which I greatly appreciate. I thank them for all of their planned efforts and wish them luck!”