Local Hospice supporter
606. Audrey Hall
Audrey Hall is a longstanding supporter of the St Giles Hospice in Whittington, which provides support for people living with cancer and other serious illnesses across the local area.
Audrey, from Lichfield, has been a dedicated supporter of the St Giles Hospice, following the death of a close friend there over twenty years ago. A keen actor, Audrey has staged fundraising productions of Shirley Valentine as well as raising awareness of the Hospice’s work through public talks. Audrey has now given over 300 talks and performances, raising more than £23,000 and reaching over 15,000 people across Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
In a personal letter to Audrey, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“By raising funds and awareness for the St Giles Hospice in memory of your friend, you are supporting a vital service which gives people dignity, respect and care when they need it most”.
Audrey said:
“I feel very honoured that my fundraising for St Giles Hospice has resulted in my receiving a Points of Light award. I am totally amazed, but absolutely delighted. It is very humbling when I look through the list of extraordinary people who have received the award in the past.
When I started fundraising with my drama productions in 1996, it was because of the death of a friend and fellow actress, Rebecca Chard, who had wonderful care at St Giles Hospice in the last few weeks of her life. I realised how much the hospice had to raise every year and decided to help them through my drama.
The people I entertain are very generous with their donations and through my talks have become more aware of the incredible work of the hospice. I am proud that this has inspired others to become involved.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister, Theresa May, for recognising me in this way and will continue with my fundraising for as long as I can.”
Audrey’s MP, Michael Fabricant, said:
“By taking to the stage in memory of her friend, Audrey has done so much to support St Giles Hospice with its important work providing palliative care for people in Whittington. I’m delighted she is being recognised with a Point of Light award by the Prime Minister.”
Emma Hodges, Chief Executive at St Giles Hospice, said:
“We are delighted Audrey has received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in recognition of all her efforts for St Giles Hospice. This honour is richly deserved. We are incredibly grateful to Audrey for all her support over the years. Not only has she raised thousands of pounds to help fund our care for patients living with cancer and other serious illnesses, but she has also done so much to raise the profile of the work we do within the local community.”