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
Raised:
28%
Raised so far: £72,130.00
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Donation by John Pye on 31/01/10 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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In memory of Mrs Pamela Bassford. Lost at hospital with little warning. Sadly missed by her family and friends. Donation by Richard Easey on 31/01/10 |
£60.00 + £16.92 Gift Aid |
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My mum lost her battle with cancer in January 2010 and sadly died at the hospice. Luckily they had a bed for her and took great care of her. Donation by Gary Collins on 17/01/10 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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My Mum lost a painful battle with cancer in St Francis in September 2008. I cannot thank them enough for the care they gave her in her final days. Donation by Sharon Frankfurt on 31/12/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Saint Francis helped look after my Nan and made her last days comfortable when she had Leukaemia. Thank you SFH. Donation by Sarah Hughes on 28/12/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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My Dad received hospice at home care but should he have needed a bed I just can't imagine there not being one. The hospice do the most amazing work. Donation by Laura Hanley on 24/11/09 |
£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid |
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St Francis cared for my Dad at home when he was dying, and supported the whole family. Scandalous that they were refused funding by the government! Donation by Pete on 01/11/09 |
£100.00 |
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My husband Doug spent two weeks in the hospice, it gave him a new lease of life, even though it was for a short time. Thank you all. Donation by Ruth Curry on 19/10/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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I worked at the St Francis' Hospice as psychiatrist and I have seen how good is the care for the patients and the heart of the staff. Donation by Giovanni Borghini on 09/10/09 |
£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Patricia Donnelly on 06/10/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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i know this is only a small amount but every little helps Donation by janet wakenell on 06/10/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Steven Godfrey on 11/09/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Rebecca Tomalin on 22/08/09 |
£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 11/08/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Irene on 05/08/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Good luck with the appeal. You do a wonderful job. Donation by Brenda Holland on 01/08/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 30/07/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Donation by John P Delaney on 26/07/09 |
£10.00 |
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Donation by roger williams on 26/07/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Donation by DAVID CASSIDY on 26/07/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Chris on 25/07/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 25/07/09 |
£20.00 |
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Sorry it's so late Barbara! Donation by Katherine Garner on 07/07/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £740.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £71,390.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £72,130.00 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £172.05 |
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how much it is and what we do for it.