Alice House’s Julie Hildreth (Fundraising Senior Manager), Nicky Haggan (Co-CEO) and Greg Hildreth (Business & Communications Senior Manager) with Amey-Rose McGrogan (Principal Economic Growth Officer at Hartlepool BC) and Simon Corbett (chair of the Hartlepool Business Forum and Orangebox CEO). Picture: Rephrase
Hartlepool Business Awards 2024 was not only a night of celebrating local enterprise but also a shining example of community spirit to help raise almost £4,000 for charity.
Alice House Hospice, which provides crucial care and support to those facing life-limiting illnesses and their families, was named the Best Charitable Business, sponsored by The PFC Trust, on an incredibly inspirational evening at Sedgefield’s Hardwick Hall.
As the winner of that category – chosen ahead of similarly brilliant contenders Harbour Support Services and Hartlepool Carers – Alice House were awarded the £3,990 raised on the night in the Coleman Suite.
This recognition, coupled with the substantial donation, highlights the vital role Alice House plays in the local community.
Nicky Haggan, CEO at Alice House, said: “It is a huge boost for our services to receive this cheque and the money will go back into supporting local people and families.
“We are delighted to be recognised among the leading businesses in Hartlepool and we would like to thank everyone on the night for their generosity and warmth shown towards us when we picked up the award was incredible.
“The messages of congratulations and support, as well as everyone’s reaction and generosity on the evening has been incredibly warming. It was really emotional for the team.
“We would also like to congratulate everyone else on the night, from the organisers to all of those shortlisted and, of course, the winners. It was such a fantastic evening to be part of.”
The funds were raised through guests, demonstrating the collective goodwill of the 300 people gathered to celebrate the achievements of local businesses.
Simon Corbett, co-host of the awards and chair of the Hartlepool Business Forum, said: “There were three outstanding charities in the category who all deserved to win and receive the generous donation from the money raised on the night. All charities are winners in my eyes.
“I’m here now handing over the cheque to Alice House, knowing all about the work the staff here do every single day and it really reinforces the need for donations like this.
“The business community in Hartlepool has done the town very proud.”
The generous donation will contribute to the huge fundraising push Alice House Hospice goes through every year to ensure it can provide its essential services.
Alice House ensures those facing difficult times receive the care and support they need.
The Awards, hosted by Christine Hall, the vice-chair of the Forum, and Simon, welcomed Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash and Hartlepool Borough Council leader Brenda Harrison, among others.
Fittingly, Lorna Jones was also recognised for her outstanding achievement as such an integral part of Alice House organisation since it was founded by her mother, Alice Bendle, MBE, in 1980.
The Hartlepool Business Awards was achieved through sponsorship support from Vestra Homecare, Orangebox Training, RTC, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Tilly Bailey & Irvine, Mark Lloyd Master Goldsmith, The Big League, Tees Valley Labs, Waltons, Tees Valley Expertise delivered by Orangebox, and Hellens. There was support from Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Team and media partners Rephrase, Hartlepool Life, Vove and Artistic Solutions too.
Credit: Paul Fraser and Rephrase Media.