HospiceCare North Northumberland marks 31 years with summer open gardens
HospiceCare North Northumberland is celebrating 31 years with a fantastic range of summer events and the return of open gardens.
To continue providing vital end-of-life care across the community, this year, the charity has to raise £1.3 million with only a £46,000 contribution from the NHS.
The rest is generated through donations and fundraising events such as the annual open gardens where visitors are invited into a range of local private gardens across Northumberland which are not usually open to the public.
The series of open gardens for 2026 will return with Adderstone House on Sunday, April 26 and closes with Blagdon Hall on Sunday, October 4. The full lineup of gardens and tickets can be found here.
On what the open garden events bring to HospiceCare, a spokesperson said: “We meet a lot of people and get the opportunity to say hello, raise the profile of HospiceCare, and let people know a bit more about what we do, whilst people enjoy themselves in lovely local gardens.
"Visitors get to see private gardens and explore some of Northumberland’s hidden gems while also supporting the hospice at the same time.”
Last year’s event was hugely successful, with over 3000 people attending and raising over £35,000. The hospice team hope for the same success this year.
A spokesperson added: “Funds go towards the running costs of clinical services for people in North Northumberland living with life-limiting illnesses. All services are free at the point of delivery, so events like these are essential to help fund care.
“This year, we hope to reach more people and spread awareness of what the hospice does and who benefits from its care.
"We hope to generate as much money as possible for the care of people with life limiting illnesses and the provision of dementia and bereavement support and drop in cafes within North Northumberland.”
Other upcoming fundraising events include the Foxton Charity Golf Day on April 5 followed by Wooler Charity Golf Day on September 26.
Shakespearian drama group, the HandleBards will also perform As You Like It at Pallinsburn House, Cornhill-On-Tweed on Tuesday, August 4, followed by a performance at Rock Hall on August 6 and Felton Park on August 7, to raise money for the charity.