Hundreds dress in red to support work of hospice

Hundreds of people took part in the annual Ruby Red charity day to raise much-needed cash to keep the Purbrook hospice running.

Pupils at Glenwood School in Emsworth learned about the hospice and each donated £1.

Pupil Stephen Walker, 15, said: ‘The hospice is important because it helps people who are at the end of their lives.’

Assistant headteacher Carole Finch said: ‘Everybody has lost somebody as they often spend their last days at the hospice. The amount of care it provides is phenomenal.’

Pupils and staff at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Portsmouth got involved, combining raising money with lessons about healthy living.

Assistant headteacher Gemma Comerford said: ‘It’s a big part of our school ethos to help people who are in need.’

The IT team at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust took part, raising £182.60.

Operations manager Peter Martin said: ‘It’s a great cause and my colleagues and I were delighted to be taking part. Many of the staff taking part know first-hand about the amazing support which The Rowans provides, as they have had family members receiving care there over the years.’

Ruby Red Day started in 2010 when The Rowans launched its ‘hospice at home’ service with a Dorothy’s Dream fundraising appeal. Rowans spokeswoman Amanda Mahoney said: ‘It was so fun and easy that we decided to have it every year.’

The appeal raised more than £1,500 last year.