Please donate today – your gift will change lives

“I’ve used the beds a couple of times. Once I was just at the end of my tether, the pain was too much and I was praying for it to go away. The nurses did an incredible job; they’ve given me my life back!” – Raj, patient

Last week our dedicated team of doctors and nurses were faced with the heartbreaking reality of not being able to provide a hospice bed for some patients who were in a critical condition. Sadly four of them later died in hospital – it was not where they wanted to be. In every case it was a personal tragedy and something I doubt the patients’ families will ever forget.

The economic downturn or ‘credit crunch’ has meant that we have seen a shortfall in funding we need and as a short term measure we have reluctantly had to close ten of our beds. Our community nursing teams will be able to reach most of the people who need support, but not everyone will get the care most appropriate to their needs. As hundreds of patients like Raj can attest, intensive specialist care can be vital and we hope to be back operating at 100% capacity very soon. For that to happen we need your support now.

That’s why we’re asking you to give a donation of £5, £10, £20 or whatever you can afford, you will be touching the lives of local people affected by life limiting illness. It’s probably the most important gift that you will give this year.

As you can imagine, we’re desperate not to restrict access to our in-patient unit because that’s where we provide care for the most ill patients with highly complex needs. However, with the economic climate as it is we have found ourselves faced with some tricky decisions. We don’t have a limitless pot of funding and we simply can’t gamble with the future of your hospice.

Whilst our small but talented fundraising team has been delivering great results against the odds, there are areas of income that have inevitably suffered. Gifts left in people’s wills have typically gone down in value and NHS contributions have been smaller than expected. In addition there have been fewer spontaneous donations. We’re working harder and smarter than ever to make up the difference and you can play your part by donating today.

If you want to know what it means to be able to use a hospice bed when you need it then a patient’s voice has the greatest authority. Raj has been championing the cause and he’s personally approaching friends and contacts to ask them to help.  In his words:

“It’s devastating to think that other people may miss out on the fantastic care that I was lucky enough to be given.”

Please follow his inspiring example, give what you can and help spread the word.

Help us reach our £250,000 target and write the next chapter in the incredible local success story that is Saint Francis Hospice. Thank you in anticipation of your very kind support.

Yours sincerely

Jane Sutherland
Director of Patient Services at Saint Francis Hospice