Stockton Mayor Raises Record £46K for Hospice and Rehab Center

Mayor Stephen Richardson of Stockton didn't just cut ribbons this year. He rallied his community to raise £46,108 for local charities, setting a new record for mayoral fundraising in the town.

Two organizations received the lion's share of the donations. Butterwick Hospice and the Moses Project each got £20,055, while four smaller community groups split £1,000.

The funds came from events that brought the community together: a mayor's ball, parmo and salsa nights, and charity walks. One £5,000 donation was matched through the Big Give program, doubling its impact.

Butterwick Hospice provides end-of-life care for patients and families facing terminal illness. The hospice reopened its adult inpatient unit in 2023 and now operates eight beds with a generous staff-to-patient ratio that includes two nurses per unit and several healthcare assistants.

Director of Care Allana Massingham explained the money arrives at a crucial time. "In the current climate a lot of hospices are having financial challenges," she said, noting the donation helps maintain their high standard of care while they work toward an "outstanding" rating from the Care Quality Commission.

The Moses Project tackles a different kind of crisis. Founded 15 years ago by husband and wife Brian and Stella Jones, this "drop-in with a difference" helps men struggling with addiction and homelessness get their lives back on track.

Their track record speaks volumes: over 700 men sent to rehab, more than 650 men off the streets, and over 200,000 hot meals served. Nine paid staff and 16 volunteers keep the center running.

Jim Purdie, 55, came to the Moses Project after a family bereavement. "Since I've been coming here I've been doing great," he said. The project helped him get his own flat, furnished it, and supported his recovery program.

Kevin Lewis, 59, credits the center with turning his life around. "I was knocking about with the wrong crowd, getting into drugs and drink," he said. "Since I've been coming here I've felt a lot better and kept out of trouble."

The Ripple Effect

The donation couldn't come at a better time for the Moses Project's expansion plans. Brian and Stella are looking into housing to accommodate clients and exploring support programs for homeless women.

Volunteer Michaela Garvey highlighted the everyday needs the money addresses: tents, sleeping bags, and daily meals for men who sometimes go all weekend without eating. "The lads come in on a Tuesday and they haven't eaten all weekend," she said.

Trustee Laurence Waters sees the ultimate success in the men who disappear from the program. "You see people recover and disappear, a lot go back into a normal life," he said. "They get jobs, get married and move on."

Mayor Richardson thanked the staff and volunteers at both charities for their dedication, calling the Moses Project "a shining example of compassion" and Butterwick Hospice "a truly special place." Sometimes the best leadership means getting out of the way and letting a community show what it's capable of.