Fundraisers across North Derbyshire who embraced everything pink in support of their local hospice have helped raise more than £15,000 towards end of life care. 

Ashgate Hospice held the second Go Pink for Ashgate this autumn as dozens of people got involved in the initiative. 

Families, schools and local clubs organised their own pink-themed fundraisers to raise vital funds so the hospice can be there for patients and their loved ones. 

Among those who took part included Dronfield Rugby Club as players sported pink socks during their victory against Leeds-based Morley on 4th November. 

Fans were also urged to wear something pink and a bucket collection helped raise £1,003 towards the hospice’s newly launched Virtual Ward.  

The fundraiser was launched in memory of Dronfield club member Peter Lowry’s wife Carole, who received care from the hospice’s Virtual Ward before she died earlier this year, aged 79. 

Peter, who lives in Dronfield, said: “The Virtual Ward’s home-based hospice care meant Carole, my wife of 54 years, was able to die peacefully, pain free and in the place she wanted to be. 

“Because of that incredible support we wanted to organise a fundraiser in her memory and help raise some vital funds towards the service. 

“When I approached Dronfield Rugby Club’s committee they were more than happy to get involved as part of its help in the community philosophy.  

“And it was a pink affair on match day – we had the first team wearing pink socks; the away side wore pink armbands; fans were encouraged to wear pink, and junior player Ollie and his mum made and sold pink bracelets in the clubhouse. 

“The event was well supported and we were delighted to make a fantastic donation to the hospice.” 

Dronfield Rugby Club has also provided a pitch-side advertising board for the hospice, which will be in place for the remainder of the season.  

Elsewhere in the county, other Go Pink for Ashgate supporters included Rewind Dance Fitness in Chesterfield, which raised £2,300 ahead a fundraising event they had planned. 

Storm Babet flooding meant their ‘clubbercise’ event at Tupton Village Hall had to be postponed but the fitness club has rearranged it for January. 

Meanwhile, Eye Candy Beauty Salon in Brampton held a raffle and tombola whilst sporting pink and GSM Electrical Supplies dressed up and and held a pink-themed bake off. 

Seven schools, including Arkwright Primary School, Old Hall Junior School, Walton Holymoorside Primary School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School, held non-uniform days and invited pupils to wear pink. 

A total of £15,621.87 was raised by supporters involved in Go Pink for Ashgate this year.  

Rachel Broughton, Senior Corporate and Community Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, added: “We’re so grateful to all of our supporters who got involved with Go Pink for Ashgate this year. 

“They came up with some whacky and wonderful ideas, and we were pleased to see the lucky pink socks earned Dronfield Rugby Club a hard-fought victory! 

“To have raised so much towards our care is incredible and we can’t wait to see what amazing ideas people come up with next year!” 

Find out more about Go Pink for Ashgate and start planning your fundraiser for next year.