Fundraise & Get Involved

We need to raise over £8 million every year to provide outstanding Hospice care to the local community. To get involved with our fundraising activities, design your own, or make a donation, use the information on this page.

Nicole's Story

Nicole first experienced the work of Hospice in the Weald when her father-in-law, Robert Turner, was admitted to the In-Patient Ward in 2013.

Nicole with Robert

“After the tremendous care they took of him, I knew I wanted to fundraise so my then husband and I ran a half marathon in his memory. Since then, I have seen many people I know be touched by the Hospice and their invaluable care and support that they offer to families, and as a result, have been inspired to continue fundraising.”

“After my father-in-law’s stay, a very dear friend, Robert Spurgeon, who was battling lung cancer, spent the last few weeks of his life at Hospice in the Weald. I had known him since I was 17. In our youth, we would dance the night away: he had a huge passion for life and fun, and was always the life and soul of any party. Whilst at the Hospice, Robert was able to have his two dear dogs at his side. His family and friends were able to spend quality time with him and he spent his time listening to the music that we, his friends, had put together for him. He was very much at peace when he passed away.”

Nicole daughter Elodie with Nicole Dad

Sadly, this wasn’t to be Nicole’s last visit to the Hospice. In the same year 2018 as well as losing her dear friend Robert , she visited again with her sister and brother, when planning to move her own father, Michael, there. “He had been very ill for some time and after having many operations, he became very weak. He was in and out of hospital and my family and I were trying to get him moved to the Hospice. However, our father always liked to do things on his own terms and true to type, he passed away peacefully, (surrounded by family, myself included), an hour before we were due to go to the Hospice.  Dad never got to experience the Hospice like Robert and Robert: he would have adored the beautiful surroundings and friendly staff – he always loved to make people laugh and was a total chatter box!

Seeing first-hand the impact the Hospice had on her loved ones at the end of life made a difficult situation more bearable.  For Nicole, there was no question when choosing a charity for her event, Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race, to support.

“The Hospice supports so many families and we are so lucky to have one in our home town. Anyone who has been touched by terminal illness or seen the trauma it can cause to families and friends knows that the support the Hospice gives before and after the awful event of a loved one dying is just amazing – and without our support they can’t do it.”

Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race arose from Nicole and partner Garry’s wish to plan a unique and truly captivating event for the Hospice in the very heart of Tunbridge Wells, in memory of Nicole’s father Michael, and Garry’s mother, Jean. Karts, built by West Kent College and designed and decorated by a multitude of local businesses, race down the hill in Dunorlan Park, competing to win the ultimate speed title, whilst raising money for charity.

Last year over 6,000 people from the local community watched 40 karts whizz around the course, including a fire engine, a fluffy pig and the Only Fools and Horses yellow van. This year, the event is set for even more excitement, with all-day entertainment from celebrity chef Rosemary Schrager and actor Tom Swift from Wicked Productions, and a Kids Zone with giant inflatables, Car Village, VIP area and Food and Drinks Village.

Please join us on the 8th June for this incredible event, come to fruition only thanks to Nicole and Chatty Hatter’s hard work. Guarantee yourself a day filled with family-fun and exhilarating soapbox races.  Buy your tickets now: www.crazyjeansevents.com