Sobell House Hospice Celebrates 50 Years with '50 for 50' Campaign
As Sobell House Hospice prepares for its official anniversary month in May, the organization is buzzing with activity through its '50 for 50' fundraising initiative. This campaign invites individuals and groups to participate in creative ways to honor the hospice's 50th year, with celebrations extending throughout the entire year. The flexibility of '50 for 50' allows participants to engage in virtually any activity to raise funds, from hosting bingo nights with 50 people to tackling 50-kilometer challenges or baking 50 cakes.
Exciting Fundraising Events Across Oxfordshire
A variety of events are already underway, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for supporting this vital cause.
50 HYROX Challenge at Didcot's Fitness & Wellbeing Hub
On June 28, the Fitness & Wellbeing Hub in Didcot will host a 50 HYROX challenge, aiming to raise £500 by having at least 50 people complete 50 HYROX courses. HYROX is a popular fitness program involving intense exercises like wall balls and sandbag lunges, interspersed with 1-kilometer runs. Participants can choose their preferred activities and contribute at their own pace, with the event open to both members and non-members. While entry is free, donations are encouraged.
Gym owner Tom Shaw is personally motivated to organize this event, as his family benefited from Sobell House's care when his grandmother, Annie Smith, was diagnosed with cancer. He shared, "My Nan was an amazing woman who always supported charities, especially local ones like Sobell House. She would have loved this event and would be cheering everyone on." To join, sign up at fitnesswellbeinghub.com/events.
Orders of St John Care Trust Involvement
The Orders of St John Care Trust is actively supporting the '50 for 50' campaign in May, with care homes across Oxfordshire planning creative activities. Examples include a 50-question quiz at The Meadows in Didcot, a clay mural shaped like 50 at Westgate House in Wallingford, and a 50-person choir at Marston Court. Other initiatives involve delivering 50 iced cookies, releasing 50 lanterns, reading 50 poems, and committing to 50 squats daily throughout May.
Renata Crisostomo, Oxfordshire director at OSJCT, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to support Sobell House, which provides essential care to our community. Our residents and team are excited to raise funds and have fun, even if the squats are challenging!"
50 for 50 Summer Swims at Queenford Lakes
Queenford Lakes near Berinsfield will host a series of 50-minute swims on the last Sundays of June, July, and August at 8:30 AM. With a £15 entry fee, £10 goes directly to Sobell House. These swims not only promote fitness but also highlight how 50 minutes can make a difference, such as providing fast-acting medication for symptoms or facilitating music and art therapy sessions for patients. To participate, register for a free account on Swimscan to book events.
50 for 50 Illuminations by That Event Company
Throughout 2026, That Event Company plans to illuminate 50 iconic buildings and spaces across Oxfordshire in celebration of the hospice's anniversary. The organization is seeking businesses and groups to offer their buildings for this initiative, aiming to raise awareness and funds.
Recent Community Contributions and Hospice Updates
Recent support includes Donny's Classic Cars Society, which visited with a selection of cars for patients and staff, and Adwell House, which raised over £2,000 through its annual daffodil event. At the hospice, patients in the Living Well service have been creating woven artwork as part of the Art Bag project, with a growing display of these pieces.
Sobell House continues to engage the community with events like Forever Flowers, inviting Oxfordshire families to remember loved ones, and promoting a year of golden anniversary celebrations.
