How GB Skips Is Supporting St Clare Hospice: An Interview with Our Director Patrick
At GB Skips, community has always been at the heart of everything we do. As a long-standing family-run business, we believe in giving back to the people and places that have supported us over the years. This year, we’re proud to announce our ongoing partnership with St Clare Hospice, a local charity providing compassionate care and support for individuals and families across West Essex and East Herts.
We recently sat down with our Director, Patrick, to talk about why St Clare Hospice means so much to us, how the partnership began, and what the future looks like for our involvement.
Here’s what he had to say.
Why St Clare Hospice? A Cause Close to Our Hearts
When choosing a charity partner, GB Skips wanted to support an organisation that truly resonates with our team. Patrick shared the deeply personal reason behind this year’s choice:
“A former colleague of ours, Georgina, spent some time at St Clare Hospice. A few of us visited her there, and we were blown away by the incredible work they do. It’s an amazing place run by amazing people. Supporting them just felt right.”
St Clare Hospice made a real impact on those who visited, offering not only exceptional clinical care but also comfort, dignity, and warmth at a difficult time. Their compassion left a lasting mark on the GB Skips family.
What Makes St Clare Hospice Stand Out?
While there are many excellent local charities, St Clare Hospice holds a unique space in our hearts.
Patrick explains:
“I haven’t compared St Clare to others, but the impact it had on us was profound. The moment you walk through their doors, you can feel how special it is. The personal touch they offer is unlike anything else.”
This authenticity and human connection—qualities that aren’t easily measured—are exactly what made St Clare an obvious choice for GB Skips.
How the Partnership Reflects GB Skips’ Values
GB Skips has always been built on loyalty, teamwork, and supporting one another. Patrick sees these same values mirrored in St Clare’s extraordinary work.
“We didn’t choose St Clare because their work is similar to ours—we chose them because of the love and care they showed our colleague. When no one else could help, St Clare was there. That stays with you.”
Supporting St Clare is more than a corporate initiative—it’s a heartfelt commitment from the entire GB Skips team.
Getting Involved: Fundraising, Events & Community Spirit
Our involvement with St Clare Hospice goes beyond donations. The team has already taken part in several fundraising events, and Patrick is excited about expanding our efforts.
“We’ve held a couple of successful fundraisers, and we’re looking at other ways to get involved. St Clare run a lot of events—business networking, golf days, and more—which we’d love to support. Anita is even hoping to run the London Marathon next year for St Clare!”
Whether through company events or individual challenges, GB Skips is passionate about raising awareness and contributing however we can.
Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Partnership
This isn’t a short-term commitment. Patrick sees the partnership growing for decades to come.
“We’ve been around for 53 years, and we hope to support St Clare for at least the next 53. There’s no reason why we wouldn’t continue long-term.”
Our goal is to help St Clare Hospice continue offering life-changing support to local families for years to come.
A Message to Other Businesses
Patrick had some powerful advice for companies considering supporting a hospice or local charity:
“Until you’ve experienced a hospice like St Clare, it’s hard to understand the work they do. The staff are local people doing incredible jobs—often driven more by passion than pay. They’re superheroes in their own way.”
Supporting local charities fosters stronger communities, deeper relationships, and real, meaningful impact.
Getting Involved: Fundraising, Events & Community Spirit
Our involvement with St Clare Hospice goes beyond donations. The team has already taken part in several fundraising events, and Patrick is excited about expanding our efforts.
“We’ve held a couple of successful fundraisers, and we’re looking at other ways to get involved. St Clare run a lot of events—business networking, golf days, and more—which we’d love to support. Anita is even hoping to run the London Marathon next year for St Clare!”
Whether through company events or individual challenges, GB Skips is passionate about raising awareness and contributing however we can.
Thank you so much, Patrick, for sharing your insights and the meaningful connection GB Skips has with St Clare Hospice. For those inspired to support this incredible cause, you can make a donation directly to St Clare Hospice. Every contribution helps provide vital care and support to those who need it most.