Added 28th May 2019
Asking a bride to bring forward her wedding plans so her groom could play rugby would not usually be the ideal start to married life but for Phyl and Tony Pratt it’s just one more golden memory of their 50 years of happiness together. And by asking friends for donations to Springhill Hospice instead of presents the couple have spread their happiness even further.
Going back 50 years, to the 1st March 1969, it was quite a hectic wedding day. Former Rochdale Hornets player, Tony was set to join the line-up to play Wakefield Trinity in The Challenge Cup later that afternoon. On Friday 28th February 1969, Phyl and Tony were asked to bring forward their wedding ceremony from 3pm to 11am. After some discussion, both agreed and Hornets took over the arrangements for the wedding.
Their special day drama continued however, when Tony, along with fellow Hornets player Mike Ratu, ran directly from the ceremony to the team coach to travel up to Wakefield for the game. The result was a draw at 10-10 causing Phyl and Tony to return from honeymoon for the replay at Hornets old Athletic Ground stadium where 15,000 spectators watched, only for Hornets to unfortunately lose the match.
Jump forward 50 years and Tony with fellow members of the Rochdale Hornets Ex-Players Association visited the Hospice to hand over more than £1,200 raised in donations. The happy couple also celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary with a party at Rochdale Golf Club surrounded by family and friends. Thanking all concerned for their generous contributions, Tony said, “Springhill Hospice plays an important part in so many people’s lives. Phyl and I would like to thank everyone who has made it possible to donate this money to such a good cause.”
Director of Clinical Services at Springhill Hospice, Sheila Johnson, thanking long-term hospice supporters, Tony and Phyl, said, “We are incredibly grateful for this wonderful donation. Their continued commitment to the work of the hospice is very much appreciated and plays a vital part in keeping this wonderful place open after thirty years.”
Our supporters are the reason we can care for local people and their families suffering from incurable diseases.
Make a differenceContinued supporter of Springhill, Amanda Chadwick, is crowdfunding for the Hospice as she is worried about the impact Coronavirus will have on our facilities.
Read more12 teams competed in the brand new challenge which launched in August. The teams taking part were given a £30 ‘loan’ from the Hospice and they were tasked with making that money grow to raise as much as they could.
Read moreLast week our Chief Executive Julie Haliwell was presented with a cheque from Frank Smith, the head of the Order of the Secret Monitor Freemasons in East Lancashire.
Read moreFormer Trustee and Director of Fundraising, Ken Davies, passes away.
Read moreSpringhill Hospice was delighted to receive a grant of £23,000 to invest in specialist equipment to support its patients. Thanks to funds donated by the Morrisons Foundation, the Hospice has been able to install a new bath, replacement beds and hoists, all of which help increase the comfort and provide care to people with life-limiting conditions and their families from Rochdale and the surrounding areas.
Read moreThis year Springhill Hospice celebrates its 30th Anniversary. We spoke to Chariman, Robert Clegg about his memories of the Hospice.
Read moreCity and Guilds Group has announced that Springhill Hospice has been commended by the 2020 Princess Royal Training Awards, for their education and training programme.
Read moreThe grant will fund the purchase of 3 special Rise and Recline Chairs for our patients.
Read moreSpringhill Hospice received a very special visit this week from BBC Northwest.
Read moreOur Hospice Education team won a national award for their innovative training programme for health and social care staff.<br><br>The Skills for Care Accolades award ceremony took place in London on Wednesday 22nd January, where the team were…
Read moreThe grant will help provide much needed renovations
Read moreSpringhill Hospice volunteers have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Read moreSpringhill Hospice has been awarded the High Sheriff Special Recognition Award for its outstanding contribution to the community during the pandemic.
Read moreSpringhill recently won an award for most welcoming organisation.
Read moreSuperstar fundraiser, Ella, will be able to help buy a very special chair for Springhill.
Read moreThis Volunteers' Week we spoke to one of our volunteers, Carole, about her experience at the Hospice.
Read moreOur famous Springhill Hospice Christmas Fair returns on 24th November at a new location, Kingsway Park High School from 11am-4pm.
Read moreAmazing fundraising efforts reach a fantastic total thanks to Giancarlo and family.
Read moreThe Men of Rochdale gathered once again for their annual celebration at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 22 November to support Springhill Hospice.
Read moreAn annual memorial event for local businessman and restauranteur, David Ferguson, has this year raised a record amount of money for Springhill Hospice.
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