The St Elizabeth Hospice, based in Ipswich, Suffolk improves life for people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses. Their work is centred around an individual’s needs. They provide specialist support wherever it is needed, in the home, in the community or at their hospice.

The St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity providing free services. Every year, their services cost £12.9 million to run, 70% coming from the local community. They rely on fundraising, donations and volunteers to keep going. 

Based in Ipswich, the family run Bluebell Mortgages has become synonymous with the Midnight Walk in recent years through the company’s strong bond with the independent Suffolk charity.

“For me personally, I have always had a close relationship with charities ever since I was young,” explained Claire Adams, Director at Bluebell Mortgages.

“My mum was involved with charity fundraising when I was growing up and we often took part in jumble sales, fashion shows and cake sales to raise money; fundraising for good local causes just gets in your blood.

“It is something I am really passionate about, so when we set up Bluebell Mortgages we were keen to find a charity which supported the whole community, and one that would have links to our staff and customers, which is why we chose St Elizabeth Hospice.

Wherever you go in Suffolk you will find someone who has a St Elizabeth Hospice connection and that’s one of the many things which makes the hospice so special.”

As well as sponsoring the Midnight Walk, Bluebell Mortgages will also, for the first time, be sponsoring the latest art trail being brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice, in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022.

Claire added: “Midnight Walk is always such an uplifting event and our whole team has enjoyed the previous hospice Wild in Art trails, especially as they are perfect for families to enjoy.

“So for 2022, we decided we had to be involved in the Big Hoot! The owl statues are so striking and the trail will be a great tonic for the whole community after the difficult time we have all lived through during the pandemic.
“It will be lovely to see people out and about in Ipswich, exploring and making sure they see all the statues in the trail, all while raising awareness of St Elizabeth Hospice and its vital services.

“Everybody needs to support the hospice, as it helps so many in our local communities during very difficult times in their lives. I myself know close friends who have had relatives cared for by the hospice and they couldn’t be more positive about its care and staff.

“Supporting events, fundraising and volunteering, there are so many ways to help St Elizabeth Hospice.
“It is brilliant to be a part of and I know the whole Bluebell Mortgages’ team are proud of our relationship with the hospice. It’s an invaluable service with a caring, family atmosphere and without it I don’t know what the Suffolk community would do.”