A New Minibus for ellenor, Courtesy of Generous Donation

by | May 5, 2018 | Dartford Charities

ellenor hospice was absolutely delighted to receive a very generous donation of £40,000 from Coniston Construction to allow the charity to purchase a new minibus to transport its patients.

The volunteer driven minibus is used on a daily basis to transport patients to the hospice at Gravesend to access a range of service, such as day therapy, as well as enabling the charity to provide outings for some of its younger patients.

Claire Cardy, Chief Executive says: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity that Coniston Construction has shown.  Thanks to their amazing donation of £40,000, we are able to continue our extremely valuable minibus service in helping our patients who may be very ill, have mobility problems or might be elderly or frail to access our services.  This will make a real difference to the patients and their families who receive our care at the hospice”.

Coniston Construction specialises in high end refurbishment, renovation, remodelling and conservation works throughout London and the South East of England. Their clients include The British Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Old Royal Naval College, Somerset House, The Metropolitan Police, Ministry of Justice, and the NHS.  They have been long term supporters of ellenor, donating the proceeds of their Christmas raffle annually as well as giving up a table at their Christmas party for an ellenor family and staff to enjoy a night out.

John Rathbone, Managing Director of Coniston says: “I have always believed very strongly in the positive difference a charity can make on individuals, families and communities and when I first met Graham Perolls, founder of ellenor in 1980, I was hugely inspired by his vision to provide a breadth of hospice services locally.

Coniston has been involved from inception to date and we are delighted to continue our support for ellenor to both help increase awareness and generate funds to support the hospice in the future. Their contribution in the local community is invaluable and this minibus will enhance the work they already do.”

Linda Trew, Director of Income Generation: “We are just so grateful for their long term commitment and this recent gift of a new minibus is just remarkable.

A leading provider in specialist palliative and end of life care, ellenor is the only charity in Kent providing hospice care for people of all ages in their place of choice, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and Children’s Hospice at Home services.

Bluewater to change name to Zoowater as Disney celebrates Zootropolis 2

For the first time ever, Bluewater is rebranding and will be known as Zoowater in a landmark collaboration with The Walt Disney Company to celebrate the upcoming release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootropolis 2. The centre’s iconic logo, which features a...

Christmas colouring competition winner ready to help light up Dartford for Christmas

Dartford’s Big Christmas Switch On is set to dazzle the town on Saturday 15th November, following the selection of this year’s Christmas Colouring Competition winner. After reviewing a host of wonderful entries from primary schools across Dartford, Maya, aged 8, was...

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: ellenor Hospice Launches Dartford Art Trail with Ana Zoob’s Hero Bear

For Sussex-born artist Ana Zoob, lockdown was the turning point that pushed her from printmaking into painting. Now, just five years later, her latest commission – the Hero Bear, named Blum – will take pride of place in ellenor’s Wild in Art Trail, a large-scale...

Kent councils reveal draft business cases for new unitary councils

Earlier today, councils from across Kent and Medway published a series of draft business cases to help inform the next steps in the government’s biggest shake up of local councils in 50 years. These business cases, compiled with the help of experienced advisors KPMG,...

THREE MONTHS TO GO: Major railway upgrades at Dartford will affect travel for passengers over the February half term next year

Rail passengers are being asked to plan ahead of a major upgrade at Dartford Junction. With just over three months to go, rail passengers in south east London and Kent are being reminded to plan ahead as the line is closing for essential track repairs in Dartford...

Local school receives large investment from Dartford Borough Council

Dartford Borough Council has approved an investment of £4.5 million from its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund to support the expansion of Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy in response to rising pupil demand and population growth in the borough. The funding will help...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET PARIS SMITH

Last Saturday saw Dartford take on Welling United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke to versatile attacker Paris Smith, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: If you cast your minds...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET JOE TENNENT

Last Saturday saw Dartford take on Welling United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke to defender Joe Tennent, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Joe Tennent arrived at the...

The Ice Rink and Winterland to return to Bluewater this Christmas

Bluewater has announced that its Christmas activities, the Ice Rink and Winterland, are set to return for Christmas 2025.  The Ice Rink will return from Friday 7th November until Sunday 4th January 2025, whereas Winterland will be open from Saturday...

Rail regulator decision paves the way for return of international services to Ebbsfleet and Ashford

Dartford Borough Council remains committed to bringing international rail services to Kent, following today’s announcement from the Office of Rail and Road. A report released today by the rail regulator stops short of offering direct support to reopen services via...