Derbyshire’s police force will raise funds to support patients with end of life and palliative illnesses after selecting Ashgate Hospice as its charity of the year. 

Officers and staff at Derbyshire Constabulary have picked the North Derbyshire hospice as the Chief Constable’s Charity.  

The partnership, which began on 1 October and runs until 30 September 2025, will see staff hold fundraising events to raise money for Ashgate’s care. 

Richard Butler, Performance Manager at Derbyshire Constabulary, was the staff member who put the charity forward during the nomination process. 

Mr Butler, from Chesterfield, said: “I suggested Ashgate Hospice because diseases like cancer have impacted on many people’s lives, including mine. 

“I live in Chesterfield and have grown up knowing many people that have supported the charity over the years through fundraising efforts, fun runs, night walks or even donating furniture to their collection point. 

“I thought this charity would make a good choice for the Chief and people clearly agreed since it won the vote!” 

The hospice, which is based in Old Brampton, Chesterfield but supports patients across North Derbyshire, must raise £11 million each year in order to continue providing palliative and end of life care. 

Derbyshire Constabulary hopes to raise funds through a collection at its annual staff achievement awards and its Christmas carol service. 

Officers and staff will also be encouraged to come up with their own fundraising ideas throughout the year. 

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “Ashgate Hospice provides a vital service to the people of North Derbyshire. There were many worthy causes to choose from, but I’m delighted we will be able to lend them our support. 

“Although often a taboo subject, death touches all of our lives. It is something many of us fear, but organisations like Ashgate Hospice give people hope for a good death and that their loved ones will be cared for, too.  

“That’s a powerful thing and something I’m really pleased we’ll be supporting as a force.”

Ashgate Hospice, which cares for patients at its Inpatient Unit in Chesterfield and across the community, supports people living with a life-limiting illness, including cancer, neurological diseases, and end-stage heart, kidney and lung diseases. 

Last year, the hospice supported 317 people on its Inpatient Unit, 1,855 patients in their own homes, while 651 people received counselling and bereavement support.  

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice said: “We are so grateful to all the officers and staff at Derbyshire Constabulary for choosing Ashgate Hospice as Chief Constable Rachel Swann’s charity of the year. 

“The hospice relies on the support of local organisations so we can continue to provide our vital care for families at our hospice and out in the community.  

“We’re excited to work in partnership with Derbyshire Constabulary next year and are looking forward to supporting their staff as they take part in all kinds of fundraisers! 

“They’ll be helping us raise the £11 million we need each year to keep caring for the patients and families who rely on us across North Derbyshire.” 

Find out more about how your business or organisation can support Ashgate Hospice in 2025.