John Dalzell to brave another Newry winter for Hospice | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

John Dalzell to brave another Newry winter for Hospice

For over 28 years John Dalzell has dedicated one whole week of his life to standing out and collecting money for our local hospice in the run-up to Christmas – usually in the coldest, wettest weather, when almost everyone else is buying and wrapping Christmas presents. 

He has now gathered a whole team to assist him, known as the “Sit-out Team” and together they collect every Christmas all across Newry, while John retains his usual spot on Hill Street in the city. 

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Back in 2016, John, who was almost 76 years old at the time, stated that it would be his last year doing the sit-out as he wasn’t as “able” as he used to be. 

But he had planned for this and his team would continue with their fundraising on his behalf.

 

 

John has been a part of Christmas in Hospice for so long it was almost impossible to think of it without him in his red suit on Hill Street. John has since decided that he would like to continue his work, stating, “I know I’m not as young as I used to be, but who is? 

“So I have decided that while I am fit enough to continue with my work for the hospice that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Last year we raised almost £80,000 and I know the hospice really needs that money to look after the patients and that’s all I need to motivate me to keep going until I really can’t, and thankfully that’s not this year. 

“We have been raising money together for the hospice for so long and I really want to thank you all  – £1.6million. That’s some money to have donated and I am so proud of us and I hope you are all too, thank you, thank you all for making my sit-out the success it is today,” he added.      

 

 

John’s 28th consecutive sit-out will take place at its usual spot in Marcus Square on Hill Street, Newry where his familiar trailer will be stationed from 14 – 24 December from 8am until 5pm each day.

Regional Marketing Officer for the Hospice, James McCaffrey, said, “I have known John for a few years now and it is no surprise to me he has decided to continue on this wonderful Sit Out for yet another year.

“John and his dedicated Sit-Out team are an incredible example of the spirit of giving at Christmas.

 

 

“The amount of time and effort that they put into this collection for the Hospice each year is truly amazing and it is an honour to work alongside them.

“To date, John has raised a staggering £1.6million for our cause. On behalf of all of the patients and their families and friends who have been touched by our services in the past 28 years of Hospice Care I would like to sincerely thank John and his team and everyone who continues to support them,” he added.

As well as John’s Sit Out on Hill Street, collections will take place around the city at Fiveways Shopping Complex, The Quays Shopping Centre and B&Q so keep an eye out for them when you are out and about.

John has also organised a concert this year in Newry Town Hall on Wednesday 18 December to celebrate 30 years of Hospice. The Hospice staff choir will also be performing on the night.

If you would like to make a donation to this appeal in aid of Southern Area Hospice Services please come down to John’s Sit Out on Hill Street, make a donation to one of his collectors around the town or send your donation to:

 

 

SOUTHERN AREA HOSPICE SERVICES
ST JOHN’S HOUSE
COURTNEY HILL
NEWRY
BT34 2EB

 

 

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=68185

Posted by on Dec 5 2019. Filed under Community, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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