Inspired By Care For Childhood Friend, Hospice Volunteer Manager Urges Others to Get Involved

Evora Hospice launches its Big Bucket Collection 2026, calls for volunteers to come forward

26.02.2026: As Evora Hospice prepares for its Big Bucket Collection 2026, bringing volunteers into towns and villages across Armagh, Down and Tyrone to raise vital funds for specialist palliative care, its voluntary services manager, Rosie Teggarty, reflects on the dignified care her childhood best friend received, an experience that inspired her to dedicate her career to hospice care.

The Big Bucket Collection is one of the hospice’s flagship fundraising campaigns and plays a vital role in sustaining its specialist palliative and end-of-life care services. This year’s fundraising drive will take place on Friday 20^th March in the Newry area.

Volunteers are central to the success of the Big Bucket Collection and Evora Hospice is encouraging people aged 16 and over to consider giving just a couple of hours of their time to support the campaign in their community.

Reflecting on her own experience of hospice care, Rosie shared why the campaign is so close to her heart.

“Several years ago, my childhood best friend was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Until then, I had never truly understood what hospice care meant. Seeing the care and compassion she received had a profound impact on me, and it’s one of the reasons I now work at Evora Hospice.

“Sadly, most of us will know someone living with a life-limiting condition. At Evora Hospice, we’re here not only for patients, but for their families and carers too. The Big Bucket Collection is about the local community coming together to support care that truly makes a difference.”

Evora Hospice’s fundraising manager, Siobhan McArdle, added: “If you can spare just one or two hours to help collect in your town you’ll be helping patients and families in some of life’s hardest moments because it’s your generosity that enables us to be there when your community needs us most.”

Funds raised through the Big Bucket Collection will help Evora continue to deliver vital services in people’s homes, wellbeing centres and inpatient facilities, supporting almost 1,000 patients each year.

For more information about volunteering and to sign-up to support the Big Bucket Collection, visit www.evorahospice.org/big-bucket/ or call 028 3026 7711.

ENDS