When our ‘Raise a Smile’ partnership with Sue Ryder began in February 2014, our goal was to make sure incredible hospice care could reach more families and communities across the UK. Just two years on and we are thrilled that our partnership has reached the £5 million milestone. Thanks to the vital funds raised by our customers, colleagues and suppliers Sue Ryder has been able to recruit over 100 additional expert nurses and support workers, who in turn provide more than 123,550 extra hours of care a year to patients and their families in communities across the UK.
The Morrisons-funded Online Community and Support has also welcomed over 17,000 visitors since launching in June 2015 and means we can offer support and advice right across the UK, 24 hours a day – seven days a week.
Sue Ryder Chief Executive Heidi Travis said: “This incredible achievement has only been possible thanks to the dedication, enthusiasm and generosity of Morrisons colleagues, customers and suppliers.”
“Our partnership means that specialist teams have been able to reach out beyond our Sue Ryder hospices to provide crucial care and support to patients and their families in the comfort of their own homes. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Morrisons and all their customers for making this possible.’’
Colleagues and suppliers have cycled across borders, hiked the world’s biggest mountains and organised sponsored walks and static cycle challenges in stores to raise money. They’ve hosted tea parties, tombolas, raffles and fancy dress days, which have been supported by customers and colleagues. Customers have also donated at the checkouts and purchased Sue Ryder scratchcards, Christmas cards and Morris, the Raise a Smile toy.
Morrisons CEO David Potts said, “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone for a great cause. Our colleagues, customers and suppliers have combined to support Sue Ryder and we are all very proud the difference that is being made together. I’m looking forward to what we can further achieve in 2016.”
We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved for making an incredible difference to our patients and their families. To read more about Sue Ryder and Morrisons £5 million celebration visit sueryder.org/thankyou