Newcastle United Assistant Coach and Hospice Ambassador Graeme Jones has organised a Sports Dinner to raise funds for St Oswalds Hospice, in memory of his mother, Rita.

St Oswalds Hospice is close to Graeme and his family's hearts as Rita received end of life care on our Inpatient Unit thirty years ago when Graeme was just 20 years old. Graeme has enjoyed a successful football career, first as a player and now in management, which has taken him all over the country. It was a return to his native North East to join the coaching team at Newcastle United that saw him reconnect with the Hospice three decades after the death of his mother.

Graeme said:

My wife Debbie and I never forgot the care that my mam received at St Oswalds Hospice. The staff looked after us all at what was in incredibly difficult time and I had always planned to work with the hospice in some way, to show my support and help them to raise funds.

Now that I am back in the region, it seems like the perfect time. I am proud and delighted to be working with the St Oswalds Hospice team to support their fundraising events and raise awareness of their vital work in our North East community. This Sports Dinner is a perfect way for me to show my support. I would be so grateful for any donation you could make to this wonderful charity. Thank you."