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Overgate hospice has said it is overjoyed after smashing its target for the Leap Year Campaign.

The appeal managed to raise a whopping £23,321 - more than double the initial £11,600 target needed to cover the costs of February 29.

Every day of care at the hospice costs a staggering £11,600. With 2020 being a leap year, the hospice called upon the community to help them fund the extra day’s care.

The Overgate team leaping with joy. Photo by Bruce Fitzgerald.

Chief Executive Janet Cawtheray said: “Working at the hospice, I know how important each minute is and I spent my extra day with my family.

“However our nurses spent the day providing loving care to families in Calderdale in our care.

“This was only possible due to the overwhelming generosity of our community and everyone who donated to our Leap Year Appeal. On behalf of all of our staff, volunteers and the patients we are caring for, thank you.”

The Overgate team worked tiredlessly organising fundraisers throughout the month, culminating with a series of pop up stalls and bag packs around Calderdale last Saturday.

Claire Howard painting Max Hartley, for Overgate Hospice Leap Year final fundraisers, at the Piece Hall. Photo by Bruce Fitzgerald.

“What a fantastic leap day we had on Saturday. From all our wonderful volunteers who worked so hard to raise as much money as possible, to the families who joined us in the Piece Hall to have a chat, a hot drink and get their face painted or buy one of our lovely items for sale.

“We are so proud of the efforts that the people of this community have gone to, throughout the month of February, to help us fund that extra day, and that effort shows in the incredible amount raised.

“Thank you so much to everyone who was part of this campaign, your support has made all the difference to our patients and their families,” said Claire Sullivan, Individual Giving Fundraiser.

The additional funds raised (over the £11,600 target) will contribute to the ongoing cost of providing care to patients and their families in Calderdale.

Becki Marren, visited by her parents Philip and Rosina Marren, at Overgate Hospice Leap Year final fundraisers, at the Halifax Borough Market. Photo by Bruce Fitzgerald.

February 29 may be taken care of, but Overgate still need to find the funds to cover the cost of care for the rest of the year.

It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and paint Calderdale red! The first ever annual Dance-a-thon for the Elland hospice will take place at Lightcliffe Academy this Saturday.

Daredevils and thrillseekers can partake in a sponsored sky dive on Saturday March 14.

Fashionistas can strut their stuff at the Spring fashion show on Thursday March 19.

Jim Bridge and Claire Sullivan, with customers Roger and Christine Cocker, at Halifax Asda, for Overgate Hospice Leap Year final fundraisers. Photo by Bruce Fitzgerald.

The annual Garden Party will take place on Sunday May 10.

On May 16 hikers can conquer the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

The vibrant Colour Run returns on Saturday July 11 at Savile Park, Halifax.

If running isn’t your thing, then why not give the Midnight Walk a go? Now in its thirteenth year, the night time challenge takes place on Saturday October 12.

For more information on Overgate’s upcoming events and fundraising opportunities, contact the Fundraising Team on 01422 387 121 or email [email protected].

Overgate Hospice raise over £23,000 for their Leap Year Campaign