Electrical engineering firm pledges ongoing support to hospice

Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd has extended its support of Overgate Hospice, an independent charity based in Elland, which strives to help those living with a life-limiting illness.

Costing £4.6m per year to run – the equivalent of £11,600 per day – Overgate Hospice has been supporting patients within Calderdale for over 35 years. However, the organisation suffered a significant loss of income due to a disrupted calendar of summer events following the pandemic.

The rescheduled event – which would ordinarily take place in June – has been running for 14 years and raised over £156,000 for the charity since 2007. Last year’s fundraiser generated £40,000 – but that’s only a fraction of the £3.2m the centre needs to raise each year in order to remain open.

As such, Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd will sponsor the charity’s golf day – now due to take place on Friday 18 September at Bradley Hall Golf Club.

Dave Ogden, managing director of Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd, said: “Overgate Hospice is local to Smith Brothers and relies heavily on contributions from the local community to ensure its care is available for future generations. The work they do there is invaluable for both patients and their families, so I am delighted that we are able to contribute to this latest round of fundraising.”

Rachel Lumb, challenge and events fundraiser at Overgate Hospice, added: “Like many similar organisations, COVID-19 has had a massive impact on our calendar of events and in turn, our fundraising capabilities. While we receive £1m from Calderdale Council each year, it costs £11,600 per day to keep the hospice open – leaving us with a significant amount to raise each year.

“It is the continued support from businesses, such as Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd, which enables us to provide care for those who need it now – as well as for future generations who may use our services in the years to come.”

Striving to improve the quality of life for patients, Overgate Hospice offers specialist palliative care, comfort, and support, completely free of charge, to patients and their families.