A Leamington legal firm is celebrating two years of supporting the vital work of the Zoe’s Place children’s hospice in Coventry.
Blythe Liggins has hosted several events including a quiz night, raffles and drinks receptions, which alongside other fundraisers two of its partners have been involved in, has raised nearly £38,000 for the charity in that time.
Most recently, partner Kevin Mitchell took part in Coventry Golf Club’s ‘dawn to dusk’ golf challenge in July, where he is a member. All participants played 72 holes between sunrise and sunset and raised an amazing £26,000 for Zoe’s Place.
The team at Blythe Liggins have a strong personal connection to the cause as partner Lois Zapasnik’s three-year-old daughter Elsa suffered from a rare genetic mutation that created profound disabilities and which ended her life far too soon.
Lois, who is known by her maiden name Harrison at work, became a trustee at Zoe’s Place in 2024 as a fitting tribute to the charity which did so much for her family in their time of need.
She arranged a fundraising summer fete in 2024 which raised more than £11,000, and says attracting donations is vital for the hospice’s ability to operate.
A nurse costs £23 per hour, one session of animal therapy is £200 and one session of music therapy is £220 – while the cost of opening the hospice for one day is £8,013, and £166,927 for a full month.
Lois, who lives in Rugby, said: “Without people putting their hands in their pockets and helping us, the doors just would not be open.
“Every time somebody gives a donation, it really does help – whether it’s a large fundraising effort or just a few pounds.
“One of our biggest challenges is the misconception that Zoe’s Place is a huge organisation which is somehow connected to the NHS, so funding won’t be a problem.
“In reality, it relies heavily on donations, fundraising events and community backing. It’s why we’re incredibly grateful for contributions of any size, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”
Following her own experiences, Lois said her family network had taken the hospice’s cause into their workplaces and suggested it as a charity to support, which has proven to be another vital means of spreading the word about its work.
“We're incredibly grateful for everyone who chooses to support Zoe's Place. Not only does their support raise vital funds, it also helps to spread awareness about the work we do and the challenges children's hospices face,” Lois added.
Speaking about the golf day, Kevin said: “The challenge had been for each team to raise £1,000 and everyone bettered that – it was closer to £2,500 each, which was fantastic.
“Zoe’s Place is a great charity for us to support, both at Blythe Liggins and at the golf club too. It feels like we have taken it to heart at the club, and it has become our major charity to support.”
Zoe’s Place, which also has a baby hospice in Middlesbrough, cares for babies and young children with life-limiting, life-threatening or complex conditions.
It is a registered charity and it is proud that all of its care is free of charge to families who need it.
For more information about Zoe’s Place, visit www.zoes-place.org.uk.
For more information on Blythe Liggins Solicitors, visit www.blytheliggins.co.uk.
