September 2014
Your Hospice
The Gentlemen’s Club
Find out what they get up to in day hospice
Colour our world Sign up to our Flying Colours Run
Paws for a cuddle
How dogs are helping our patients
Welcome Cotswold Care Hospice has been looking after the people of Gloucestershire for 26 years. Now the charity is preparing for the next 25.
Deiree Massey, shop manager Kez Kurg and Prue Bosdet at the launch of the hospice’s refurbished shop in Bath Road, Cheltenham.
Cotswold Care Hospice is an independent charity providing specialist care for people living with or affected by a life-limiting illness in Gloucestershire. It is through the generosity of the community that we are able to provide our vital care and support free of charge to the people of this county when they need it the most.
Published by: Cotswold Care Hospice, Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL5 2PQ T: 01453 886868 F: 01453 885282 E: info@cotswoldcare.org.uk www.cotswoldcare.org.uk Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB, OM Registered Company Limited by Guarantee. Number 2213662 Cotswold Care Hospice is a registered charity. Number 298627 Written by: Damselfly Communications Ltd Designed by: Melanie Wood Design Pictures by: Thousand Word Media Printed by: Severnprint
Front page: Michael Vaggs in the art room at Cotswold Care Hospice. Picture: Thousand Word Media.
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Our experienced senior management team are working with the trustees to develop strategies for the next five years. In plain English, they are looking at what services are needed by people with life-limiting and longterm conditions and how we, as a charity, can meet that need. As part of that work we, as an organisation, need to understand why people may not seek our support. We have been carrying out research to better understand what people think of Cotswold Care including people who have used our services and those who have not. The term “hospice” is often misunderstood. It conjures up a place where one goes to die, a place you never leave. Whilst we do support end of life and that is a very important part of the charity’s work, we do far more than that. So we are working hard to break down those barriers, to be more accessible. With that in mind we are launching a new website and are planning pop-up Art for Health sessions. We face some exciting times ahead. In February we will be sending you more information about how we plan to break down the barriers and our future plans to provide more support to people in our county. Thank you for your continued support.
Norman Dadd, Chair of the Trustees
Reaching out with art
O
ur Art for Health is one of Cotswold Care Hospice’s most popular and growing services. Now the hospice team is developing plans to take that support on the road to reach even more people in Gloucestershire. The charity hopes to launch in the coming months pop-up Art for Health sessions in the community with a focus on those who have respiratory diseases or circulatory conditions. “We are keen to work with people with a respiratory condition or heart failure as both can be long-term and life limiting but are often an under represented group accessing our services,” said Helen Corner, day services manager. “We want more people to see the benefit of art as a therapeutic activity and show people how creative work can support them.” Art for Health therapy helps provide people with a focus and an outlet for their feelings and emotions. By creating a piece of art a person concentrates and the therapy can aid breathing and relieve anxiety and stress. “Our day hospice patients and outpatients tell us the benefits of Art for Health. We want to take it out to a larger group of people.” Maggie Sage attended day hospice following treatment for cancer. She found Art for Health a way to express herself though she wasn’t so sure to begin with. “I discovered new hidden talents I never knew I had. I hadn’t touched a paintbrush since school in the 70s but I really enjoyed the art space.”
Richard Howe.
Log on to our new website Cotswold Care Hospice is launching a new website so that it is even easier to find out about our services and how people can support the charity. The new website can be found on www.cotswoldcare.org.uk and will be live this autumn. Log on and let us know what you think. We would be delighted to hear from you. 3.
Dogs help
chase away the blues
W
hen patients visit Cotswold Care Hospice they can now have a cuddle with a therapy dog. The hospice is working with the national charity, Pets As Therapy, to introduce a pet therapy service aimed at improving patients’ well-being and to help them relax. Pets As Therapy (PAT) provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, special needs schools, nursing and care homes using volunteers with their pet dogs. Every fortnight the PAT dogs visit the hospice allowing day hospice patients to stroke, hold and talk to the animals. Helen Corner, day services manager at the hospice, says research shows that interaction with animals helps lower blood pressure, elicit calm and relieve anxiety and depression. “The visits from the PAT dogs provide a connection to the outside world and creates happy associations with home comforts,” said Helen. “Having a life-limiting illness can be incredibly lonely and stressful. Many patients experience pain, poor sleep and concerns about the future, all of which can impact on their well-being and recovery.”
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There are more than 4,500 active PAT dogs working throughout the UK. The charity also works with practitioners to help people with stroke rehabilitation
and overcome dog phobias and with children to help them improve their reading skills. PAT volunteer Iris Trask, who is a member of the hospice pastoral care team, brings her flat coated retriever Tia to visit patients. Tia is her third PAT dog. “It fulfills a need in people. Watching people sit and stroke her can make one rather weepy,” said Iris from Stroud. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for people who love dogs and may no longer be able to keep them to have a cuddle.” Day hospice patient Judy Powell, from Stroud, agrees. She has Multiple Sclerosis and was referred to Cotswold Care by her doctor. “I’d love to have a dog but I can’t manage it,” she said. “So being able to enjoy one here at the hospice is wonderful. Tia is a gorgeous dog.” Fellow patient Chris Harris, from Eastcombe, agrees. “I have a dog of my own so it’s nice to be able to come to the hospice and spend time with a dog. It’s a wonderful idea.” All dogs are welcomed as PAT dogs. They need to have been with their owner for at least 6 months, over 9 months of age and to pass the temperament assessment. To find out more about the charity visit www.petsastherapy.org or call reception on 01844 345445.
Penny Perkin with one of her pieces that she has created in the Hospice art space.
Roger Stimpson, Judy Powell and Catherine Palmer.
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Rainbow Warriors
Sign up for Gloucestershire’s first ever
Flying Colours Run and brighten up someone’s life.
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Photograph courtesy of 78photographyTM
Runners will paint Kemble Airfield For those aged three to six there will blue, red, yellow, green and pink on be a 1k Little Paint Dash at 12.30pm. Sunday 5 October. Registration is £20 for adults for Organised by Cotswold Care Hospice, those who agree to raise a minimum the event is a no-pressure 5km run £50 in sponsorship and £8 for children with groups of people showering (aged 6-16) who agree to raise a you in powdered colour (skin - and minimum £20. environment - friendly). For those who simply want to take To get the best results, participants will part in the run, registration is £35 for sculptor JimofMilner be given When a white T-shirt as part their accepted adults andthe £12commision for children. to registration. At the finish line you’ll be a create a piece of sculpture for The Cotswold Care Hospice he Little Paint Dash is free to vibrant human kaleidoscope. never thought it would receivechildren the royal approval.by a whoseal are of accompanied Proceeds raised from the Flying Colours fee-paying adult. Run will help Cotswold Care Hospice provide vital support to people with Register online at life-limiting illnesses. The Run is open to anyone from aged six upwards as long as under 16s are accompanied by an adult.
www.cotswoldcare.org.uk
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Debbie Waggett.
Kathleen Wallis.
I promised to look after mum
T
he last promise Debbie Waggett and her husband Graham made to her dad, was that the family would take care of her mum Kath when he was gone. A few years after Gordon died, Kath moved to Stroud to be near Debbie and her family. Kath and her daughters were always very close and Kath loved living in Gloucestershire. Sadly, Kath was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in October 2013 and she moved in with Debbie and her husband Graham.
provide for us. Looking after mum was something that my sister Wendy and I, would have done anyway, but mum was strong and healthy and we thought she always would be.” Debbie says the support of Cotswold Care Hospice at Home nurses made a huge difference. “The nurses were fantastic, they were so supportive and mum loved to see them, they were like family.” Having MND affected Kath’s speech and eating. As Kath loved to talk before her illness, she would write notes to communicate and had a bell to ring when she needed something or became anxious and couldn’t sleep.
Debbie gave up her
Debbie grew up in Derby job to care for her with her mum Kath, dad Gordon and sister Wendy. mother. “I just felt Kath and Gordon had shared a love of music, dancing, travel and bowling, “Once summer arrived nothing got done in the house,” Debbie laughs. “They had a fantastic social life. “Our mum and dad had worked all of their lives to
that I needed to look after my mum, there was no doubt that she would live with us and thanks to Cotswold Care Hospice I was able to do just that and keep my promise to dad.”
Cotswold Care Hospice at Home nurses supported Debbie and her family throughout these difficult times. “Having the Cotswold Care Hospice nurses watching over mum let us get some rest and their presence made everything that bit easier.” Kath died at home on April 4, 2014. She was 84.
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Meet our men in a van Every Wednesday friends Geoff Fitch and Rick Bond hit the road with the Cotswold Care Hospice van.
During their day they visit the charity’s shops across the Cotswolds, transporting donated stock between shops and the warehouse near Nailsworth. “All the staff and volunteers in the shops are very good to us. If we accepted every cup of tea offered to us we’d never finish until late at night,” says Rick. Cotswold Care is appealing for more volunteer van drivers to support the charity’s 14 shops. Property consultant Geoff, from Westonbirt, started volunteering for Cotswold Care Hospice thanks to his wife Cheryl who is a volunteer cook at the day hospice.
It’s the rock in the middle of the week. It’s the banter and the humour I enjoy and being together with Geoff for the day. 10.
“She came home and said she had found the perfect job for me and that I could take a friend.” The two men have been friends for 39 years. Rick, from Kingscote, whose wife died in 2009, says he looks forward to the day on the van. The third member of their team is Geoff’s dog Tholo. “He stands in for Rick and I get less yap from him,” jokes Geoff.
WANTED Volunteer drivers need to be between the age of 25 and 74, be able to lift and carry heavy items and have a clean and full driving licence. To find out more about how to volunteer, contact Suzie McDonnell on 01453 886868 suzie.mcdonnell@cotswoldcare.org.uk
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The
Gentlemen’s Club Once a week ten men would gather at day hospice for a day of camaraderie and support.
Three of the men tell their stories... Every Thursday you would find them in the art room – ten men all in deep thought as they tap into their creative sides. One thing unites them. They learnt that they can be creative – and enjoy it! Julian Biddle was determined to finish his pieces of stained glass before he completed his 12-week course. For him the hospice has helped him turn his life around. 12.
“Everything was getting on top of me and I was in a really bad place when I came to the hospice. Since coming to Cotswold Care life is getting better and better,” says the 47-year-old. Julian was 24 when he was diagnosed with Gorlin Goltz Syndrome, an inherited medical condition which makes sufferers prone to developing skin cancer. Julian has ongoing photo therapy and laser treatments to manage the disease.
“My dad died of it at the age of 59 and now my two daughters have been diagnosed with it,” explains single dad Julian. “I never stop worrying about my kids. They are my life.” Julian, from Minchinhampton, thought the hospice would be depressing but has found it to be a life-saver. He has also made new friends with some of the fellow men at day hospice. “It’s an amazing place. When I first started coming here I was worried about my life. The counsellor has turned me around and I’m ready to face life again. “The hospice chills you out. It’s so peaceful and tranquil. I’m surprised at how much I have enjoyed everything. I will miss it.” Don Brown admits there was even a bit of friendly rivalry among the men in the art room. “The art gave me something to focus on and gave all of us a great sense of satisfaction. We would have a look and see what the others were doing.
I came to the hospice in a wheelchair and came out walking on crutches. Now I go out and even Julian Biddle go into Stroud if I want. Being able to depression but the get about again is comprehensive physiotherapy fabulous.
“Some of the things were brilliant. I did a charcoal picture called the Lonesome Tree and I was delighted when it was put up on the wall in the art room.”
Retired engineer Don says he has left day hospice a different man. Not only has the stay helped him deal with his
treatments have improved his mobility.
The 74-year-old who was once football mad in his younger days had to use a wheelchair to get around. The paralysis in his legs was a result of his prostate cancer. 13.
During his 12 weeks at Cotswold Care Hospice Don had weekly physiotherapy. “I came to the hospice in a wheelchair and came out walking on crutches. Now I go out and even go into Stroud if I want. Being able to get about again is fabulous.”
Sometimes I feel like a person looking out and watching the world go by. I’m trapped in a bubble seeing all the things I want to do.” “The hardest thing is that I can’t even go fishing with my son, who is 13. The only way I can show him that I love him is to give him a hug.”
“I was a bit down when I started at the hospice. It has lifted my spirits and I feel like a different person now.” For Trevor Marshall the art was the highlight of his two programmes of support at the day hospice. Trevor remembers vividly when his world changed forever. At 36 he was told he had a tumour in his chest and that the cancer was life-threatening.
The illness leaves him housebound and Trevor battles against depression. His GP recommended Cotswold Care Hospice. For Trevor it was a big step It gives a sense of as he goes through long satisfaction and periods of not going out achievement when you and had lost some of make something. It is his confidence. something that I can have a go at myself which is important. It’s a space where you can forget everything for awhile. My cancer and my heart condition is always on my mind. In the art space I can just forget and enjoy the art.
“You put on a brave face. I walked out of the hospital and then collapsed in the car park,” says Trevor.
That was four years ago. Chemotherapy has shrunk the tumour but Trevor’s heart has been damaged. Now even the smallest amount of physical activity leaves him exhausted. He is constantly in pain and walking is a struggle. “People look at me and assume I am healthy but it is just the opposite. 14.
“I was really struggling with things and suffering from depression. Coming to the hospice has helped my mindset and I feel more positive.”
“Going to the hospice gets me out and gives me something I’ve got to do. It’s good to have something you have to do, something that you have to make an effort with because there are times when you just can’t be bothered.” Trevor is hoping to keep in touch with some of the men and plan an outing with them. “The hospice has been a refuge for me and being with the men has been brilliant. I have a laugh here and that’s made such a difference.”
Don Brown with volunteer Liz Bentley.
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What's in a name? C
otswold Care Hospice is looking forward to the next five years and what services the people of Gloucestershire will need. As part of that review the charity also needs to understand how people – both patients and supporters – perceive the hospice and its services.
word hospice is a barrier to asking for support. The research shows there is confusion about the range of services a hospice provides. For many it is perceived as a place to go to die. That you must be near-death to benefit from its services. As one patient said: “If you go to a hospice, that’s the end”.
That perception changes completely Why is that so important? We know once patients experience our support. there are far more people in the county “I wanted to cope but I realised I who could benefit from our services. As couldn’t,” explained one patient. a charity we need to understand how “My whole idea of what a to reach those people hospice is has changed. It’s and make sure they get “I wanted to cope not a place to go to die. the support they need. but I realised I It’s a place to go to learn couldn’t,” explained Sixty-three per cent of to live.” people who die in one patient. “My whole Thanks to medical Gloucestershire could idea of what a hospice advancements people are have benefited from services the hospice is has changed. It’s not living longer, including those diagnosed with life-limiting offers. Of these we a place to go to die. It’s or life-threatening illnesses. currently only see a a place to go to learn With the advancement of age small proportion of we are more likely to develop these people. to live.” health complications. Respiratory and heart disease patients As a result more and more of us will often do not get all the care they need benefit from the services a hospice offers. – care which the hospice could provide. In order to provide that support, we, as a We carried out a series of indepth charity need to make it easier for people interviews with patients and supporters to seek that care. to better understand what Cotswold Care In February we will be contacting our Hospice means to them. supporters about how we are going to change our messaging to reach the people What we found out re-enforced what who need our support. patients have told us in the past. The 16.
What does the word ‘hospice’ mean to you? As part of our communications review, we asked patients and family carers how they perceived what hospice provides for patients and families - both before and after they were engaged with Cotswold Care. This is a snapshot of patient and carers’ views.
“For people who had cancer and went to die,” Alan, a carer.
“Somewhere to go to relax and talk to others in a similar position,” Alan, a carer.
“Somewhere to go and die a peaceful death” Clemency, former patient.
“A place to go and be away from everything in life. Time to think about you and be selfish,” Clemency, former patient.
“I had this perception it was only somewhere you went to die with dignity with expert care,” Chris, former patient.
“It is one of the most remarkable places I have ever been to,” Chris, former patient.
“If you go to a hospice, that’s the end,”Penny, former patient.
“It’s a place to go to learn to live,” Penny, former patient. 17.
What’s on... 27 September
Dursley Male Voice Choir concert at Bingham Hall, Cirencester. Organised by Cirencester Soroptimists International in aid of Cotswold Care and Sue Ryder. Doors open at 6.45pm and the concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and are available from the hospice shop, Sue Ryder or Visitors Information Centre in Cirencester.
5 October
Flying Colours Run at Cotswold Airport, Kemble. Gloucestershire’s first ever Colour Run event. More details on pages 6 & 7.
11 October
Motown Night at Jubilee Hall, Cirencester. From 9pm. Motown sounds include music from DJ Pete French and the 13-piece band Soul Destroyers. Tickets are £5 and are available from Greg Power Will Writers Ltd, 24A Dyer Street, Cirencester. Telephone 01285 653880. 18.
22 October
Film Night at The Dolphin Hall, Tetbury. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tetbury Supporters Group holds its annual film night showing Saving Mr Banks with Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks. Tickets cost £8.50 and include a glass of wine. To book contact Mrs Barbara Ball on 01666 504656.
25 October
Craft Fayre at Coaley Village Hall. 10am-4pm. Organised by Cam and Dursley Supporters group, the fayre includes crafts, wood turning, jewelery, glass, cane furniture, dressed teddies, needlework, cakes and much much more. Admission is free and there will be teas and cakes available.
30 October
Luncheon at Rendcomb College. 12.30pm for 1pm. Organised by the Cirencester Supporters Group. Enjoy lunch and a talk entitled ‘Only Fools and Corsets’ in the
stunning dining room. Telephone 01285 652552 or email eh@cirenit.co.uk
30 October
Le Beaujolais Charity Dinner, 37 Castle Street, Cirencester. 7pm for 7.30pm. Enjoy a three course dinner and entertainment from Tweedy the Clown and singer Lucy Rees. Tickets cost £25. £10 from each ticket sale will be donated to Cotswold Care Hospice and Macmillan.
2 November
Cheltenham Vintage Wedding Fayre at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham. 11am-3pm. Entry £1 on the door, children free. Door donations go to Cotswold Care Hospice.
22 November
Charities Fayre at Wotton Civic Centre. 10am-4pm. Wotton Supporters Group will have a stall selling toiletries and a raffle to win a hamper.
22 November
Coffee Morning at Parish
Discover Adventure Fancy an adventure of a lifetime? Cotswold Care Hospice has just signed up with Discover Adventure, a company which specialises in fundraising trekking and cycling. It has helped individuals raise more than £60 million for many worthy causes.
There are lots of experiences to choose from cycling in Peru and tackling the three summits of Morocco. To find out more visit www.discoveradventure.com or contact Steve Hodsman in the Fundraising Team at steve.hodsman@cotswoldcare.org.uk Centre, Gosditch Street, Cirencester. 10am-noon. Come and join the Cirencester Supporters Group for a coffee and a chat and a chance to buy Christmas gifts and cards. Contact Elaine on 01285 652552 for further details.
6 December
Craft Fayre at the Tythe Barn, Frampton-on-Severn. 10am-2pm. Enjoy cakes, coffee, plants and a variety of stalls. Severnside Supporters Group will hold a Christmas-themed tombola in aid of Cotswold Care.
7 December
Light up a Life service at St Mary’s Church, Wotton-under-Edge. 3pm. Remember loved ones in this special service organised by Wotton Supporters Group.
9 December
Light up a Life service at Minchinhampton Parish Church. 7pm. More details on page 23. 19.
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Mark French from Lloyds Bank.
In the business of helping ur army of corporate volunteers play a huge role in the running of the hospice. There is a good reason why the hospice grounds look so amazing – actually there are 77 good reasons. That’s the number of corporate volunteers who have generously given their and energy this year to support Cotswold Care Hospice. Not to mention the scores of others who support fundraising events either by taking part or acting as volunteer helpers. Fifty employees from one department at Ecclesiastical pitched in to help tidy up the hospice garden. They pulled up weeds, laid bark chippings on flower beds, and chopped down branches. Kelly Holder, underwriting team manager at the Gloucester company, said: “Gardening is not usually my idea of a good day, I don’t do my own gardening at home, but it was fantastic to get out of the office for the day and do something useful for Cotswold Care Hospice.” Thirteen employees from Lloyds Bank’s Barnwood offices cleared a bank of stone and debris, laid railway sleepers and replanted it. “It wasn’t an easy task – pick axes, shovels, loppers and copious amounts of rocks and soil were involved – but everyone mucked in and worked really hard as a team to achieve results,”
said Sam Gardner, mortgage fraud investigator. A group of 14 Lloyds Bank employees based at Bristol Harbourside, also spent a day working in the gardens. Corinne Godding, head of facilities at Cotswold Care Hospice, said: “Our patients and their families get great pleasure from our gardens. Many say it is a haven, a place to sit quietly and reflect.” ‘Without the help of our volunteers, especially the corporate ones, this garden would simply not exist. It would cost us tens of thousands if we had to pay for that labour and it would take much needed funds away from what we do – that is supporting and caring for people.” A team of men from GE Aviation in Cheltenham acted as volunteer marshals for our Solstice Walk. Other companies, including Coventry Building Society, raise money for the charity.
o find out more about how to volunteer, contact
Suzie McDonnell on
01453 886868 or email
suzie.mcdonnell@cotswoldcare.org.uk 21.
Thank you so much What some of our supporters have been doing to raise money for Cotswold Care Hospice The newly-formed Severnside Supporters Group raised a fantastic £1,196 at their first tea party. Sophie Harrison and her Smooth Collie called Bindi walked the 164km Cotswold Way. Bindi works as a therapy dog at Cotswold Care Hospice. The duo have raised almost £5,000. Alan Simmons, his son Jonty and friend Ross Venus raised £4,417.25 by cycling 100 miles at Ride London. Kenny Milliner also took part in the challenge and raised £975.
Mark Thomas, from Stroud, ran seven marathons in seven months to raise £1,300. The 48-year-old completed the Coastal Trail Series which included demanding coastal trails in the Gower, Dorset, Anglesey, South Devon, Northumberland, Exmoor and Pembrokeshire.
Vikki Best did a skydive and raised £1,292 in memory of her brother Andy who was supported by Cotswold Care.
Dave Shaylor, Gary Browning and Steve Louks drove 1,200 miles in their Mercedes banger from Stroud to Prague and raised £1,281. They took part in the Czecheap Challenge, driving non stop in the car they christened Jaws which has a fin on its roof and legs sticking out of its bonnet.
Iris Ter Haar did a Himalayas trek and raised £1,336. The trek was tough and challenging but Iris had an amazing experience.
The Harrison Clark Rickerbys Charitable Trust donated £500 in support of the hospice’s counselling services.
Anne Wilde, along with five friends, is walking the Cotswold Way in memory of their friend Candice Allen.
Dave Shaylor (left) and Gary Browning with their car Jaws.
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Leanne Horsley held a memorial football match at Forest Green Rovers Football Club in memory of her mum Julie and raised £1,280.
Dedicate a star Join Cotswold Care Hospice and remember your loved ones at a special celebration service. The Light Up a Life service will be held on December 9 at 7pm at Minchinhampton Parish Church. It will be an evening of music, readings and remembrance. People can dedicate a star, for a small donation, in memory of a loved one which will be included on the Christmas tree at the church. “We all keenly feel the loss of a loved one when they die but that sense of loss seems to be more acute at this time of year when we celebrate with friends and
family,” said Sian Cole, head of care services at the hospice. “This service is an opportunity to gather with others who understand your sense of loss and to celebrate the lives of loved ones. It is a service for anyone wishing to remember someone special regardless of whether they were supported by Cotswold Care Hospice.” Following the service people will be invited to enjoy Christmas refreshments. The dedicated stars will remain on display at the hospice throughout December. Money raised from the Light up a Life appeal will go to providing more vital services in the county.
To dedicate a star visit www.cotswoldcare.org.uk/star
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!
Your details Title Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/other _________ Forename ___________________ Surname ____________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________Postcode______________________ Telephone ____________________________________________________________________________ Email ______________________________________________________________________________
Please return this slip to our freepost address: RTJZ-BHBX-SUTE , Cotswold Care Hospice, Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton, GL5 2PQ
Donate online at www.cotswoldcare.org.uk
Reg Charity No: 298627