Salisbury Hospice marking 40th birthday year

The celebrations will begin with a virtual balloon race in the New Year.

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 23rd Nov 2020

2021 marks 40 years of Salisbury Hospice so events are already being planned to honour the anniversary.

They'll start on New Years Day with a virtual balloon race.

That's asking supporters to design and release their own 'birthday balloon', with real time weather data used to assess which would travel the further within 7 days if they were released for real.

We can track our balloon along the way online.

The Virtual Balloon Race was seen as a way of backing the charity while being environmentally friendly and maintaining social distancing

Abi Blake, Events Fundraiser at Salisbury Hospice said:

"After the huge success of our first virtual balloon race back in June, we thought in the current circumstances there is no better way to bring our supporters together again to celebrate the start of our 40th birthday year than with another virtual balloon race.

"The balloon race is a fun, interactive and educational activity to do with the whole family, work colleagues and friends - with tremendous prizes up for grabs. We received such amazing feedback from participants last time that we wanted to offer this engaging, safe and 100% eco-friendly fundraiser once again. We hope that as many people as possible will buy a balloon to celebrate our 40th birthday year."

HOW TO TAKE PART

The virtual balloons can be sponsored for £5 each, with the race itself 'launching' from Salisbury Hospice on New Year's Day at 6.00pm, lasting 7 days.

If your balloon travels the furthest, you will win a cash prize of £500.

There will also be prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.

We can sign up through the Salisbury Hospice website.

Will your virtual balloon travel the furthest, while raising money for Salisbury Hospice?

This event is proudly sponsored by Smith and Williamson - and Managing Partner Lisa Ball, said:

"We are thrilled to support this fantastic cause alongside such a great activity. The 100% eco-friendly virtual balloon race provides some fun for all during such a difficult time for everyone. I know it will definitely create some healthy competition across our office and many others. The hospice does some amazing work and we hope the funds raised can make a difference to such a fantastic local charity."