Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Hospice says: "You're hired" to Ruth Badger

Ruth Badger is set to become an ambassador for Wolverhampton’s Compton Hospice.

The businesswoman shot to stardom as the clear favourite in The Apprentice before narrowly missing out to Michelle Dewberry.

Now, with typical determination, Wolverhampton-born Ruth is “without a doubt” lending her support to the hospice and has pledged to do all she can to boost its coffers by appealing directly to businesses to put their hands in their pockets.

During the show, Ruth proved her business savvy to the nation. She’s now using her wealth of experience in improving profits and productivity to drive her own consultancy business forward – and to help the hospice.

Her passion for the specially-created role of ambassador was sparked by experiencing first-hand the care given to family members.

And while Ruth may have stood her ground when faced by the wrath of Sir Alan Sugar, she admits she couldn’t do the work of staff and volunteers at Compton.

She says it’s her admiration for their compassion, care and understanding that has fuelled her dedication to this new-found voluntary role.

Ruth said: “It’s a privilege for me to become an ambassador and I’ll be doing all I can to bring in funds and highlight the wonderful work done at Compton Hospice.

“I want to remind people that charities still have to operate in business terms. Profit and loss is just as relevant to the hospice as it was to Sir Alan.

“In some ways the hospice faces greater difficulty in generating money, because people don’t always see the service they are paying for. I want to let them know, if ever they did need the service, they would be glad they helped keep it going.

“I may come across as a tough cookie but I couldn’t do the job that the dedicated staff at the hospice do. I admire them so much.”

Ruth is already planning what hands-on help she can offer with fundraising and awareness campaigns for the organisation.

She will join in with already-planned sponsored activities, like abseiling and firewalking, but is also keen to “get cracking” on urging businesses to up their financial support.

Tracy Marsh, head of fundraising and communications at the hospice, said it was marvellously fitting to have Ruth on board because of her outstanding business acumen.

She said: “To stand any chance of maintaining the services we provide, we have had to up our game in terms of our business-like approach to fundraising.

“In the UK, 40% of adult hospices run at a loss. We want to expand our presence in the community and cannot afford to ever stop pushing for more money. Having Ruth on board to help us remain in the public eye and boost our business-sense is phenomenal.”

To donate to Compton Hospice, or find out more about its services, call 0845 2255 497.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Ruth has requested to respect her family’s privacy by not identifying which relative was treated at Compton.


PHOTO CALL:

Ruth Badger will be given a full tour of Compton Hospice on Friday, June 23 at 2pm and will be available for interviews and photos.

For more info contact Tracy Marsh on 0845 2255 497.

Issued by Katie Love, Passionate Media, 01902 791809, on behalf of Compton Hospice.