The Offham Community raises money for the hospice in memory of much-loved resident
Over the past 18 months, the small village of Offham has come together in support of much-loved resident Fiona Lloyd-Williams, who was cared for by the hospice after receiving her brain tumour diagnosis in April 2024 until she sadly passed away earlier this year.
The Offham community have undertaken some incredible challenges in memory of Fiona, including creating a calendar, shaving off hair, taking on a 10k running challenge completed a Wing Walk Challenge all in aid of the hospice.
Speaking about the care Fiona received, her husband Peter said “the hospice has been utterly amazing as Fiona's needs have changed and sometimes quite rapidly. They have jumped in. And to be honest, without that, I don't know what we would have done.”
Matthew Scullion, Owner of the Kings Arms said “Hearing devastating news of someone that was so loved in the village, we wanted to do anything we could to support her, the family and the charities that are supporting her through this hard time.”
One night in the Kings Arms, the seed of an idea was planted to fundraise for the hospice. Recalling that Fiona had been to see Calendar Girls, they were inspired to recreate their own men's version.
Matthew recalls that “the first night everyone there were all keen, but a fair few pints that had been had by then. After that, it was quite hard to get people involved. But as soon as the first photos were done, loads more people came along to get involved. It was absolutely brilliant fun; we had the best laugh taking the photos.”
Peter commented “Amazingly everyone followed through, and they have gone off the shelves. They've ended up in places like Sydney, Dubai, Prague, all over the world.”
The impact the calendar had on the village grew and several of those who were unable to take part chose to do their own fundraisers in support of Fiona, her family, and the hospice.
The impact the calendar had on the village grew and several of those who were unable to take part chose to do their own fundraisers in support of Fiona, her family, and the hospice.
Rab, who had been growing his hair for over 5 years, shaved it all off in the King’s Arms one evening, adding over £500 to the pot. Local Vicar, Jim, took on a 10k Winter Run raising over £1,000 and two friends committed to a Wing Walk challenge in the summer months.
Gabi and Saffi bravely completed a Wing Walk challenge in her memory. They said “We’re doing it with Fiona firmly in our hearts.” Upon landing after their adventure in the sky, Saffi, who was rather nervous before going up, exclaimed “It was great! I’d definitely tell other people to just do it!”
The extraordinary efforts of Fiona’s friends and family have collectively fundraised an incredible £1,500 for Heart of Kent Hospice, not including over £4,900 donated directly in her memory.
“The sums raised are beyond all expectations; it shows how much the hospice and Fiona and Peter's lives have impacted on villagers.” - Paul Turner, Calendar Photographer
“So many people out there want to help when people go through tough situations. So, if you've got a gem of an idea to raise money, float it out there and hopefully you'll find people will jump on board and go with it.” - Peter Lloyd-Williams
The community at Heart of Kent Hospice is extremely appreciative of all the donations they receive and rely on the generosity and kindness of all their supporters to provide free year-round care for terminally ill patients together with their families and carers.
If you have been inspired and would like to find out more about the many ways you can fundraise, in your own way, for us, contact our team at fundraising@hokh.co.uk
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