FAMILIES have raised thousands of pounds for local hospice care this summer by holding a Big Get Together.

Run by St Barnabas House, the hospice for Worthing, Adur, Arun and Henfield, The Big Get Together encourages local people to gather with friends, family or colleagues to have fun and raise money for charity at the same time.

Emma Sage from Littlehampton held a fête in her garden and invited family and friends, raising £1,424 for the hospice.

She and her sister-in-law, Charlotte Sage, arranged a tombola in memory of Emma’s grandad Tom Brooks who loved the tombola and going to fêtes, and family friend Pat Cocksedge.

They also held a raffle and organised other fundraising activities on the day, raising a total of £712 which was then doubled by Halifax where Emma’s cousin works.

Emma said: “My gramps was a very proud man and always paid his way so I’m really happy that we can give a little back to the hospice.

“No money or words can ever really thank the staff at St Barnabas enough for the love, care and dignity they gave our gramps and also the support they gave us as a family, but I hope this might help someone else’s nan or grandad.

“We will continue to support St Barnabas as often as we can.”

Jenny Murrell, Community Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas House, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the Sage family for holding a fantastic event to raise vital funds for the hospice.”

To find out more about holding your own Big Get Together visit www.stbh.org.uk/tbgt.

Or you can contact the St Barnabas House Fundraising Teamon 01903 254777.