Hospice fundraiser Ted hits his target
One of Severn Hospice's most dedicated fundraisers has hit his £25,000 target just days before the doors open for in-patients in Telford.One of Severn Hospice's most dedicated fundraisers has hit his £25,000 target just days before the doors open for in-patients in Telford. Ted Cowling, from Shawbirch, has sold hundreds of books and continually raised cash since losing both his daughters to cancer. When the Severn Hospice began an appeal in 2004 to build a site in Telford, the 88-year-old was among the first to lend his support. In just three years, he has raised £25,000 and this week presented his final donations to the Severn Hospice. The hospice is already open to day patients and out-patients, but will next week open its in-patient ward offering 24 hour care. In July 2005, Mr Cowling and his friend Ken Ballantyne published The Journey, a personal account of his life, including his experiences during World War II. The book was an instant bestseller and the pair embarked on a punishing schedule of talks and signings. Read more in the Shropshire Star
One of Severn Hospice's most dedicated fundraisers has hit his £25,000 target just days before the doors open for in-patients in Telford.
Ted Cowling, from Shawbirch, has sold hundreds of books and continually raised cash since losing both his daughters to cancer. When the Severn Hospice began an appeal in 2004 to build a site in Telford, the 88-year-old was among the first to lend his support.
In just three years, he has raised £25,000 and this week presented his final donations to the Severn Hospice.
The hospice is already open to day patients and out-patients, but will next week open its in-patient ward offering 24 hour care.
In July 2005, Mr Cowling and his friend Ken Ballantyne published The Journey, a personal account of his life, including his experiences during World War II.
The book was an instant bestseller and the pair embarked on a punishing schedule of talks and signings.His fundraising has been boosted by grant applications, public appeals and personal requests to high profile individuals.
Mr Cowling's fundraising milestone has been marked by an invitation to meet The Queen at a Buckingham Palace garden party on July 22.
Mr Cowling undertook the campaign in memory of his daughters Susan, who died in 1992, and Felicity, who died six years ago at the Severn Hospice in Bicton Heath.
He said: "I feel very proud, and it's all in memory of my daughters. From 2006, I've given 124 talks around the country to different clubs. I first of all talk about the hospice and how they want funding, and then about my book."
Hospice chief executive Paul Cronin said: "For Ted to reach his target of £25,000 is a fantastic achievement. We rely on people like Ted to support us."
Fundraising manager Lucy Proctor said: "He's an inspiration to a great number of people. He has put his heart and soul into his appeal and it is fitting that it is coming to an end just as we open the first beds at the Telford site." Copies of The Journey are still available to buy and talks can be arranged by calling (01952) 223931.
