The family of a nursery worker who received end of life care at Ashgate Hospice are urging people to ‘Go Pink’ to help fund and raise awareness of the charity.   

The hospice will host its second Go Pink for Ashgate week fundraiser between 9th and 15th October this year.

Families, schools and organisations are encouraged to organise their own pink-themed fundraising event or initiative to help Ashgate raise funds so it can be there for patients and their loved ones.

Supporting the campaign will help care for people like Margaret Umney, who died at home under the hospice’s care in March this year, aged just 44.

Margaret, from New Whittington, had been diagnosed with breast cancer five years before and spent years undergoing intense treatment until she was told nothing more could be done.

Her husband, Daniel Umney said the hospice went above and beyond to support the family, including their three children Ellie, Shannon and Lewis.

“Margaret found the lump just before we got married in Cyprus and they told her days after her 40th birthday that she had cancer,” said Daniel.

“She had a double mastectomy and chemotherapy and then was told she was cancer free but early last year she collapsed and was taken to hospital – doctors said the cancer had returned in her brain, neck, spine and her leg bone.

“In her final weeks, Ashgate came out to our home as Margaret wanted to be surrounded by the kids, our family and myself.

“The doctors and nurses that came out to us were so supportive, helpful and caring and we as a family just can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done.”

Margaret’s family and friends have made a commitment to raise an incredible £15,000 towards the hospice in tribute to her life.

From charity quiz and race nights to a football match and music festival – they have collectively raised more than £14,500 so far towards Ashgate’s care.

The hospice hopes the family’s fundraising efforts will inspire others to “get your pink on” and do their bit for hospice care during Go Pink for Ashgate week.

Margaret’s sister, Yvonne Heaton said: “My sister was so well-loved so loads of people have been doing their bit to fundraise in her memory.

“The nursery where she used to work has raised £3,000 and the New Whittington Social Club has held lots of events for the hospice!

“Supporting Ashgate’s Go Pink fundraiser this year will mean other families  will be able to receive amazing care like Margaret did at the end of her life.”

Seven schools, including Arkwright Primary School, Old Hall Junior School, Walton Holymoorside Primary School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School will be supporting Go Pink for Ashgate by holding non-uniform days and urging pupils to wear pink.

Other supporters include staff at GSM Electrical Supplies who will be dressing up and holding a pink-themed bake off, while the team at Hair Philosophy in Chesterfield will be wearing pink all week.

Meanwhile, Dorothy Wibberley, church warden of St Bartholomew’s Church, Old Whittington, has been planting pink bulbs and asking churchgoers to make a donation in respect of each one planted.

Rachel Broughton, Community Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “It’s time to get your pink on! Can you wear something pink or hold a pink themed event and show your support in return for a donation to the hospice?

“Why not dress as a pink flamingo or wear pink bunny ears to work – do whatever you wish!

“Please reach out to us if you’d be interested in being involved; your support will help raise the £9 million needed to provide our care each year.”

Find out more about how you join in with the Go Pink for Ashgate week celebrations.

Join in with the fun by using #GoPinkForAshgate on social media.