By Isle of Wight Observer
Mountbatten Isle of Wight has been chosen as Red Funnel’s 2019 Charity of the Year following a public vote, succeeding the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary – 2018’s designated charity.
Working in partnership, Red Funnel and Mountbatten aim to raise at least £50,000 over the course of the new year through a range of fundraising activities including Walk the Wight, which Red Funnel has supported since 2010.
This year’s online poll set a new record with over 12,000 members of the public voting for their favorite charities. The two other shortlisted candidates were Naomi House and Home Start.
Mountbatten provides expert medical, nursing and domiciliary end of life care across the Isle of Wight community for children, families and adults. On any one day, Mountbatten supports over 1,000 Islanders who are facing death, dying and bereavement, with the largest part of its work taking place in people’s own homes across the Isle of Wight. The Mountbatten at Home service is backed up by a 16-bed InPatient Unit at Mountbatten Hospice.
Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’d like to thank the whole community for once again showing their incredible support and voting for Mountbatten, particularly when we were shortlisted with two other very worthy local charities. Our thanks go also to Red Funnel’s staff who originally shortlisted us for the public vote.
This opportunity will allow us to both raise awareness of the growing need for our work, which this year has increased by 50%, and support even more Islanders and their families who are facing death, dying and bereavement. Each and every year, we must find £8 million to ensure we can continue to provide end of life care for free and Red Funnel’s partnership will undoubtedly be of considerable help in meeting the ever-growing need for our services.”
Fran Collins, CEO, Red Funnel, said: “On behalf of us all here at Red Funnel I would like to extend huge congratulations to Mountbatten Isle of Wight, as well as to thank everyone who took the time to vote. I have spoken with many Red Funnel staff and customers who have very touching, personal stories about the support they have received from Mountbatten. The impact it has made in the community is immeasurable and this really is a charity that is near and dear to our hearts. We are humbled and honoured to say that we will be helping Mountbatten continue its incredible work in 2019 and I’m looking forward to a wonderful fundraising partnership.
