Two St Michael’s Hospice fundraisers got more than they bargained for while collecting donations in Hay-on-Wye after coming face-to-face with music legend Bez.
Elaine and Amy, members of the Hereford hospice's Hub team, were taking part in St Michael’s Hospice’s Big Bucket Collection when they enjoyed a surprise celebrity encounter with the Happy Mondays and Black Grape star.
The pair were fundraising in the book town on Thursday when they bumped into Bez, the renowned dancer, DJ and maraca-playing mascot of iconic Manchester rock band Happy Mondays.
St Michael’s Hospice shared news of the encounter on social media, describing it as a “Happy Thursday” for the two team members.
The charity said: “It was a Happy Thursday for Elaine and Amy from our Hub team, who had a little celebrity encounter while bucket collecting in Hay-on-Wye yesterday.
“The pair bumped into music icon Bez while raising vital funds for St Michael’s Hospice as part of our Big Bucket Collection.”
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Elaine and Amy were among a wider team of volunteers and staff members who spent time out in communities across Herefordshire over the weekend, raising money and awareness for the hospice’s services.
The hospice thanked those taking part in the fundraising effort and encouraged members of the public to stop and speak to collectors when they see them out and about.
St Michael’s Hospice said: “They were just two of the many wonderful people out and about in the community over the weekend, helping to raise awareness of hospice care and support local patients and their families.
“If you spot one of our bucket collection teams, please stop for a chat and say hello!”
St Michael’s Hospice, based in Hereford, provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for adults living with life-limiting conditions across Herefordshire and surrounding areas.
The charity supports patients in its hospice, in their own homes and within the wider community, while also offering emotional and practical support to families before, during and after bereavement.
Since opening in 1984, St Michael’s Hospice has provided free care to thousands of local people, helping patients receive compassionate, person-centred support while ensuring families have access to guidance throughout some of life's most difficult moments.
The charity says its distinctive approach, known as the “St Michael’s Way”, focuses on delivering expert care grounded in knowledge, integrity and respect, enabling patients and families to make informed decisions about their care.
Meanwhile, Bez remains one of the most recognisable figures in British music, having found fame as a member of Happy Mondays before later performing with Black Grape alongside frontman Shaun Ryder.
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