Saffery charity poker night benefits hospice

The Prospect Hospice has been chosen as the beneficiary of funds donated at the sixth annual “poker for fun” event hosted by Saffery Geneva.

The event sees Saffery team members and intermediaries compete for a cash prize of CHF1,600 – donated by Saffery – for their nominated charity. This year’s winner, Senior Trust Officer, Aidan Tarran-Jones, said The Prospect Hospice, was a charity close to his heart.

“The Prospect Hospice provides peaceful end of life care to patients, which included my mother-in-law. The volunteers and staff were all kind and caring people, and I know that she was at peace before she passed. Like many charities, The Prospect’s finances became particularly strained by the covid-19 pandemic, so I was grateful for the opportunity to be able to give something back by making the donation,” said Aidan.

The charity provides services to all individuals with a life limiting illness, which includes delivering care both in patients’ homes and at the hospice in Wroughton, England.

Prospect Hospice Supporter Liaison Officer, Melanie Dicker, said that the donation – which equated to £1,260 – would be used to support the charity’s running costs.

“Our funding remains greatly affected from the lack of overall fundraising income we were able to generate during the pandemic. Over two years of cancelled fundraising events and nearly a year with our shops closed, compounded by no increase to our 25% statutory funding, has left us with a gap in income. We are therefore so very proud and humbled by all the continued and new support given to us by so many people in our community,” said Ms Dicker

“Aidan’s support, at a time when income has been so badly affected, means a huge amount to us and plays a crucial part in ensuring that we can continue to provide the expert clinical, emotional and practical support that our patients and families need.”

Although the “poker for fun” event was in its sixth year, it was the first time Aidan had entered.

“I played a bit of poker at university, and on a trip to Las Vegas last year, but haven’t played much recently, so it was a surprise to win,” he said.

“The event was great fun, and I will definitely take part again next year. I know the rest of the attendees are all keen to take part again too. It’s fantastic that Saffery continues to host such a positive initiative to support charitable causes.”

You can find out more about The Prospect Hospice, or make a donation, here: Prospect Hospice | End-of-life Care Services (prospect-hospice.net)