AN £8,000 lottery grant has been awarded to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, to help staff, volunteers and patients share their stories.
The Sharing Heritage Grant will go towards the Mountbatten Memories project, to compile interviews exploring the history of the hospice and the stories of those involved in the charity over the years.
In the year the hospice celebrates its 35th anniversary, volunteers will visit its shops around the Island to record the interviews. Anyone who would like to contribute a story can do so at the Ryde shop between 10am and 4pm on March 27, Lugley Street, Newport, on March 28, Wootton on March 29, Cowes on March 30, Ventnor on March 31, Freshwater on April 3, Bembridge on April 4, Riverway, Newport, on April 5, Shanklin on April 6, and East Cowes on April 7.
Stories from staff, past and present, volunteers and supporters will be featured in an exhibition, which will tour the ten hospice shops and other anniversary events throughout the year.
Chief executive Nigel Hartley said: "I am delighted we have been awarded this lottery grant, which will help us capture the history of our Island’s hospice in a unique and engaging way.
"The hospice belongs to our whole community and I hope that everyone who listens to these stories feels connected to the hospice, whether that is through shared experiences and being involved in the Island’s heritage, or by contributing and supporting us into the future."