Thousands handed over to Overgate Hospice’s Big Build Appeal after “hugely successful” year of fundraising

Todmorden’s Town Crier, Antony Law, chose the hospice as his charity of the year for 2025/26, and recently presented a cheque for £4,418.50 to James Gibson, Fundraising Manager at Overgate Hospice.

Throughout the past year, Antony has championed the hospice’s Big Build Appeal through a series of community fundraising events, bringing local people together in support of the appeal.

Once complete, the appeal will see a new 16-bed in-patient unit created at the hospice, as well as upgraded day hospice facilities.

The public phase of the appeal launched in April 2024, and construction officially started on site in March last year.

Antony said: “It has been a hugely successful year of fundraising for a charity that needed every bit of support in its final push.

“I was lucky enough to be invited to the groundbreaking ceremony, where I watched the very first spade go into the ground.

“Over the last 12 months, I have fondly followed the hospice as it has expanded.

“Once open, this wonderful new facility will provide a purpose designed space for respite and end of life care across the wider unit.

“What is especially moving is the care and thought that has gone into every detail; the designers and developers have worked meticulously to ensure that those using the service will receive seamless care, with dignity at the very heart of everything.”

Thanking those who donated, Antony added: “Without the generosity and kindness of local people, it would never have been possible to raise almost four and a half thousand pounds.

“Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to me, but more importantly, I know these funds are going towards a truly wonderful cause; a charity that is so close to so many people’s hearts, not just here in Todmorden, but right across our beautiful valley.”

Antony’s charity of the year for 2026/27 is the Todmorden Hippodrome and its Raise the Roof campaign, which will see a new extension created, providing new performance, rehearsal and exhibition spaces.