Tuesday, 29th November 2016
Local sporting superstar, Olympian Sophie Hitchon made a flying visit to Inside Spa to help launch its Christmas fundraising appeal for Pendleside Hospice.
Sophie, 25, who won Team GB’s first Olympic medal with a bronze in the hammer-throwing during this Summer’s Rio Games, was the first person to place a charity star on the Spa’s Christmas Tree as part of the fundraising campaign for the hospice.
Sophie was making a brief visit home to Burnley, before jetting off for training in San Francisco in preparation for next year’s world championships in London. For this talented sportswoman, who made the transition from former ballet dancer to Olympic athlete, the chance to visit Pendle Leisure Trust’s sparkling new £500,000 Spa facility was irresistible.
“When I was asked to support this fundraising campaign, I was only too pleased to say yes. The hospice is close to my heart,” revealed Sophie. “I am away such a lot training and had no idea that Nelson now has such a fabulous new Spa at Pendle Wavelengths. I am deeply committed to encouraging people of all generations to be active and lead healthy lifestyles.
“I was always active as a child and in fact Wavelengths was a favourite place for me. I was always there. I only wish I could now spend time at the new Spa, it looks amazing.”
The Inside Spa Festive Appeal aims to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice by asking Spa clients to make a donation in order to place their own gold star on the Christmas Tree. In the New Year, the owner of one of the stars will be chosen to enjoy a complimentary Inside Spa Wellness Experience.
Sophie also generously donated one of her signed Team GB Olympic shirts as a further raffle prize. Pendleside Hospice fundraiser, Vikki Bazeak, said the hospice was “thrilled and delighted” that Sophie has given her support to the hospice appeal.
Inside Spa Manager, Beverley Hinnigan, said: “We appreciate just how busy Sophie is and thank her for taking time out to help launch our appeal. It means such a lot to our team at Inside Spa and to the people of Pendle.”
Alison Goode, Pendle Leisure Trust’s Chief Executive, added: “It is so encouraging to see one of our own achieve such incredible success. We really appreciate the fact Sophie made time to visit Inside Spa and help launch our Pendleside Hospice appeal.”