Ashgate Hospice patient persuades company bosses to donate furniture

Peter Stockton, from Chesterfield, was spurred into action when he heard that the bennches outside the day hospice, which he attends every week, needed replacing.

A former employee of Sheffield’s Samuel Grant Packaging, Peter still has strong relationships with the directors of the recycled furniture company Marmax, who are part of the Samuel Grant Group.

He asked them for a replacement bench. However, Marmax went above and beyond what Peter had asked them for, and donated a number of low maintenance benches and tables that will last more than 30 years.

Sarah Kerry, day hospice sister, said: “We’re so grateful for the generosity of Marmax and to Peter for liaising with them on our behalf. The money saved will mean that more funds can be directed to caring for patients like Peter.

“Our patients love being able to go outside, especially in this lovely weather. Along with the new greenhouse and polytunnel, which have been built as part of the horticultural project to give patients the opportunity to do some gardening while they’re here, the outdoor furniture offers patients the chance to relax outside and also provides somewhere comfortable for families to sit when visiting loved ones, something we know is very important to our visitors.”

Peter said: “I am very pleased to donate these benches and chairs on behalf of Marmax. I worked in Sheffield for Samuel Grant Packaging, a family run business, for 20 odd years.

“They look after their staff very, very well. They’ve always looked after me in the best possible way and, in particular, anything they can help me with through my illness, they will always do. I thank them all very much, especially Matthew Grant, because the Samuel Grant Group and the Grant family have always been very close to my heart.

“The company are leading the way ethically, in that they like to support charities, and also in their environmentally friendly and sustainable products. All the furniture donated to the hospice is made from recycled milk bottles.

“Regarding the patients and families, I hope that everybody will really enjoy the comfort of the seats.”

Peter has been endorsed as a fundraising ambassador by the specialist team at the hospice which has enabled him to contact other companies to ask them to donate items.

He said: “I will do my best to get other things donated for the patients to make their stay at the hospice as comfortable as possible.”