Bristol Bears spread festive cheer at St Peter’s Hospice
Bristol Bears Rugby Club paid a special visit to St Peter’s Hospice in Brentry as part of their annual ‘Giving Back Day’ to spread festive cheer and strengthen community ties.
The visit is part of the club’s Christmas campaign, where the Bears visit local organisations to carry out good deeds and learn more about the impact of the services they provide.
Hugh James, psychological support worker at St Peter’s Hospice, led player Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and Gethin Watts, Head of Recruitment, on a tour of the Hospice to see its work firsthand.
They also met CEO Susan Hamilton to discuss the hospice’s mission to provide compassionate care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
“Visits like this are a great opportunity for the players to see the work we do at the hospice firsthand,” said Hugh.
“The players’ generosity and kindness make a real difference to the atmosphere here.
“Sharing mince pies, writing messages on a memory star for our Christmas tree, and spending time with patients in the Inpatient Unit helps bring our hospice community together during this special time of year.”
Bristol Bears CEO, Tom Tainton, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we have built through the Bears Giving Back Day initiative. It’s a day of volunteering for players and staff that underlines our commitment to our community, which is core to our club strategy.
“The players lead the way in organising fundraising, visiting schools, hospitals and community programmes – it’s so unique in professional sport and one of the most special days in the Bears calendar.”
Bristol Bears are a professional rugby union club based in Bristol, competing in the Gallagher Premiership. They are known for their strong community engagement and commitment to promoting rugby and inspiring local fans.
All care at St Peter’s Hospice is provided free of charge but the charity relies on gifts in wills, donations, fundraising and money raised through its retail shops to deliver its services to people in the Bristol area.
