Flintoff drops in to Overgate Hospice

Hospice ambassador Neil Hurst is staring in the Fat Friends stage show with Freddie in Leeds and asked the cricket star to visit the hospice.

Staff and patients sat and chatted with the star, who also signed autographs.

Ange Walton, clinical services director said: “We were thrilled to be able to welcome Andrew and Neil here at the hospice.

“There was a real sense of excitement for the team and our patients who enjoyed sitting and talking to the star and asking all about his career.

“Andrew was really relaxed around all our patients taking the opportunity to ask them about their stay at the hospice and the care they are receiving.’

The fundraising team chatted to Freddie about the hospice’s increasing running costs and the events they hold to raise funds including their annual Light Up A Life appeal.

The appeal gives everyone the chance to dedicate a light on the hospice Christmas tree and attend a switch on memorial service.

Freddie lent his support to the appeal and visited the special tree in the hospice grounds.

Neil Hurst, Overgate ambassador, said; “It was so humbling to visit the hospice and bring Freddie along to see the amazing work this wonderful place and people do for the people of Calderdale

“I am so proud to be an ambassador and like to support where possible.”

The Light up a Life appeal runs throughout November and December and dedication forms are available from the hospice or by visiting www.lightup.overgatehospice.org.uk.

Overgate provides specialist palliative and end of life care for adults suffering from progressive, life-limiting illnesses.

The care provided at Overgate Hospice is completely free of charge to the user.

Care is funded partly by the Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group but largely by the Calderdale community.

The fundraising team need to raise £6,800 every day to keep the hospice open.