Your Hospice Matters Issue 14

Your

HOSPICE MATTERS ISSUE

14

Caring for patients in the community Page 2

Make your Tree of Love dedication Page 6

www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk

Choose your 2021 challenge Page 7

@CynthiaSHospice CynthiaSpencerCharity

Cynthia Spencer Hospice CynthiaSpencerTV

Support for our wellbeing patients continues!

O

ur wellbeing service has been continuing to take referrals and support patients and carers to help them feel just as supported at home as they would do if they were attending their usual sessions at the Wellbeing Centre. We’ve all had to quickly adapt to new technologies and ways of doing things but so far it’s going well judging by the feedback we’ve received!

L

ora Fowler’s experience of the care given to her Mum, Jenny Starnes in the hospice in 2014 made an indelible impact on her, so much so that she has now become a Healthcare Assistant on the inpatient ward where her Mum was cared for.

Lora’s memories of her Mum’s care are very special to her: “During her last two weeks Mum was virtually in a coma and I stayed at her bedside the whole time, sleeping in a chair by her side so

The special moments of Mum Jenny’s care that Lora will never forget she wasn’t alone. Being in the hospice means that, as a daughter, I could really feel part of Mum’s care and spend precious time with her.

On the day she died I helped wash her and dress her in her favourite nightie with pink teddy bears, I painted her nails and sprayed on her signature perfume. She has always taken great pride in her appearance, so it was important

The overwhelming support from Cynthia Spencer nurses took our stresses away

F

or Matthew Robinson and his mum Pauline the care provided to Dad John took away much of their worry and stress so they were able to simply be there as a family for him.

John was diagnosed with cancer in April this year and by May his melanoma had become untreatable so following a GP referral he began receiving palliative care. Pauline recalls: “When the referral to Cynthia Spencer was made I was told about the support we were going to get. I’d been denying we were going to need it but once I accepted it, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the support we were entitled to.”

I was able to do this for her.”

Lora’s family wanted to raise money to show their support for the care Jenny received and organised ‘Jenny’s Moments’, a musical event in March 2016 which raised a fabulous total of £5,437 from ticket sales, donations and a bucket collection run by hospice volunteers.

Jenny sadly passed away in October 2014.

“Maxine, one of the palliative care nurse specialists helped arrange everything we would need for John’s care at home. She helped book hospital appointments, applied for blue badge access and arranged visits from the doctors to ensure John’s pain was being managed.”

Matthew recalls a special time he shared with his Dad: “I will fondly remember the last time I shared a beer with him listening to a re-run of England winning the One Day Cricket World Cup (Dad was passionate about sport) and also giving him a Turkish style wet shave which was a humbling and intimate moment I will always treasure.“ John passed away at home in June with Pauline, Matthew, his two other sons and daughters-in-law by his bedside. Pauline concluded: “We’re glad John didn’t suffer long but had he been ill for longer I know more amazing support was there if I needed it.”

To give his thanks to the hospice Matthew took on a challenge to cycle round Rutland Water as many times as possible raising over £3,000 so far. If you’d like to support his fundraising efforts you can still sponsor him www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ rutlandwaterultraride

Wellbeing programm es

Our programmes have adapted as follows: Breathlessness Management support takes place through one to one telephone appointments or virtual one to one meetings and community visits where the patient requires it. If help accessing and using technology is needed we’re happy to provide it too so patients get the most benefit out our virtual sessions.

“Its’ just so nice to see the group again”

“Really not sure about using technology to join the group, but we learned very quickly. And now I really enjoy the group”

NEW

Online seated Tai Chi – Our brand new online seated Tai Chi is now running! Participants will have an online individual assessment first to get set up with access to Microsoft Teams and ensure the group is appropriate for them. A brand new set of instructional videos are now also available and will be sent direct to patients so they can practice at home.

“Great to see peoples’ faces, more of a connection than talking on the phone”

Fatigue Management again is offered through one to one telephone appointments and supporting information packs sent to individual patients.

Online groups are being set up to share hints and tips on fatigue management, to create similar group setting we would normally have in the wellbeing lounge, just virtually instead.

NEW Online Get Active Group – This activity based group will meet via Microsoft teams and is aimed as a warm up ahead of when we can get back together and start face to face exercise again. The programme will consist of 6 weeks of discussions, advice and goal setting around increasing activity levels appropriately for participants.

NEW Social support – We understand that the social benefit of attending wellbeing sessions is incredibly important so we have put a programme together to ensure our patients have regular social contact over the telephone with either a member of our team or a volunteer. Calls will be made either once or twice a month and where possible by the same person.

We will also send out monthly packs including entertainment and activities and regular advice on various aspects of our patients’ wellbeing.

If you or a friend or relative would benefit from our Wellbeing services then please speak to your healthcare professional, such as your GP or nurse, and ask for a referral directly to us.

Or to discuss a particular programme you can call our team on 01604 678144

Gifts in Wills

Could you consider leaving a gift in your Will for the hospice? Visit www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/getinvolved/leaving-a-gift-in-your-will/ to find out more.

Have a story you’d like to share?

Contact Victoria on 01604 973347 or email victoria@cynthiaspencer.co.uk

“What wonderful care it was!”

T

revor has left a gift in his Will for the hospice as he wants to make sure that the community care his wife Ros received can continue for future generations.

“When diagnosed with advanced cancer in hospital in 2016 after she began suffering from severe pain, Ros was referred to Cynthia Spencer

by a community nurse at the hospital. A nurse called Lisa, one of the Palliative Care Nurse Specialists in the community team, then came into our lives and was a revelation! Lisa cared for Ros at home from March 2016 until January 2017 with regular phone calls and home

visits. Ros and myself both felt so much better after her visits. To make us both feel happier was miraculous. What wonderful care it was!”

“Perhaps, I knew for a long time that a gift in my Will would be the way that I could say thank you to the hospice from both of us and I hope it will help people to have the care and support given to Ros and me.”

Hospice News Education team with us “every step of the way” to Gold Standard

F

or Jane Boland and her team from Rathgar Care Home the expertise of the Northamptonshire End of Life Education team was critical in achieving the Gold Standards Framework accreditation which aims to improve the quality of care of people nearing the end of life.

Rathgar, a 23 bed residential care home in Northampton which specialises in dementia began the accreditation in 2017 after hearing about the coaching support provided by the Education team led by Amanda Taylor.

The Education team act as one of the Gold Standards Framework UK regional training centres so supported

Rathgar through every stage of the process. This included structured training sessions and assistance in preparing the extensive portfolio the care home had to put together as evidence of the systems they have put in place.

Jane said: “It’s a long process which took three years to complete but now we have our Gold Standard to prove we have implemented systems and training which apply to every single employee. From care staff to our cooks, cleaners and maintenance team, everyone plays their part in ensuring our residents receive the highest standards of care. Amanda and the team almost held our hands through it all and were with us every step of the way”.

Thank you for being a Hospice Lottery Hero

We have all celebrated the extraordinary dedication of key workers throughout this pandemic and shown our gratitude for the heroes of Covid-19. We now want to turn the spotlight on all our lovely lottery players!

Can you support us?

T

he last six months has been difficult for everyone and the hospice fundraising team has certainly felt the impact of many months of cancelled events and lost fundraising opportunities. Fortunately the generosity and talent of our local community has shone through with events like our Lockdown Live Lounges which brought together so many talented local artists, online, to raise money for the hospice.

Facebook fundraisers have also been a crucial way for our supporters to show the hospice their love and dazzling Mavis Davis (aka Karen) who shaved off her beautiful locks to achieve a hair raising final total of

£2,870 and prove that facebook fundraisers are a great way to ask all your friends and family to help you fundraising!

Set one up yourself by visiting www.facebook.com/fundraisers/

But supporting the hospice isn’t just about donations and raise money. Giving your time and skills are just as important! Whether it’s by making a #pledge4cynthia by letting us know how you’re

planning to support the hospice at a time that’s right for you, Could you give up volunteering time to help us some time to support

get our Donation Station open the hospice?

Please again, or lending us your email sarahoconnor@

technical skills to create some cynthiaspencer.co.uk great marketing you’re all stars or call 01604 973340 and we couldn’t do what we to find out more

do without you.

Your Hospice Lottery wants to hear from you…

We want to celebrate all our amazing lottery players and the difference you make to families coping with life-limiting illnesses both now and into the future, just by playing the lottery. We would love for you to share your story to be included in some very special posts on the Your Hospice Lottery Facebook page.

What motivates you to play? Perhaps you have won a prize, or you just want to help out your local community. Has the hospice helped a loved one or are you a volunteer? Whatever your story, we want to hear from you!

Simply send an email to marketing@ yourhospicelottery.org.uk with your story or a little quote. You can even send in a quick video or photo if you like! Keep an eye on the Your Hospice Lottery Facebook Page to see your story and more!

To sign up and play Your Hospice Lottery in support of Cynthia Spencer Hospice visit www.yourhospicelottery.org.uk/hospices/cynthia-spencer-hospice.aspx or call 0800 285 1390

Join us to light up a life at our virtual Tree of Love Celebrations

Pick a UK challenge for 2021

UK Challenges

We have a great choice of UK based challenges ready for 2021 if you’re thinking of doing something spectacular to raise money for the hospice in memory of someone special! Here are just three of our favourites that we think you’ll love!

you how much believe just know It’s hard to one even though you me can miss so e by your sid they’re still

This Christmas more than ever it’s going to be important for us all to remember those loved ones we have lost either over the years or more recently.

Our virtual Tree of Love celebrations on 10th and 15th December will be broadcast live on facebook and You Tube, giving you the chance to come together, safely, to remember the people you will be missing this Christmas. By making a donation you’ll also be showing the hospice and our care teams how much you love and appreciate the care they give throughout our community. Though we won’t be able to be together in the Cathedral this year we will bring you performances and readings that will reflect the special magic of our traditional services for

you to enjoy together as a family at home.

My favourite memories of my Mum and Dad are from spending time doing the simplest things but doing them together with g time spendin g all the about hin is s ri e as h Christm u love and c yo those s you make e memori

Make your dedication by visiting www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/treeoflove.

Alternatively you can call 01604 973340 and make your dedication and donation over the phone. If you would like to receive a dedication form through the post which you can complete and send back to us please let us know by calling 01604 973340 or emailing fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk

When you make your dedication, and hopefully a donation, we will also invite you to purchase a special Tree of Love pack containing a tea light, tea light holders and readings so you can also light your own candle and celebrate your loved one.

Our tree will still be lit in the Cathedral, with each light representing a life that is being remembered, and will remain lit up could cover one from 1st December through to twelfth night. hour of vital nursing support In addition, trees of remembrance in our inpatient unit bearing a light lit for each loved one together with a list of their names, will be displayed will be displayed at The Brampton could pay for Halt pub, Chapel Brampton and other venues an occupatiobal therapy around Northamptonshire. session for one patient These trees will be available to visit at any time between 10th December and 5th January, (depending on opening hours) could cover Visit www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/ one home visit from a treeoflove to find out more and to hospice@home nurse make your dedication and donation.

£ 15

£ 36

£ 47

SNOWDON NIGHT TREK 22ND – 23RD MAY 2021

YORKSHIRE CHALLENGE 17TH – 18TH JULY 2021

LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS CYCLE 24TH AUGUST - 5TH SEPTEMBER 2021

Trekking Mt Snowdon (1,085m) during the daytime forms a great challenge, but by using torches to light our way and having the moon as our backdrop, summiting at night brings another sense of achievement to an already recognised charity trek.

Take on the new 100km Yorkshire Challenge in the beautiful Nidderdale area, on the south east edge of the Yorkshire Dales. With half, quarter, and 10 km distance options also – there’s a Yorkshire Challenge for everyone!

Registration fee: £49 Sponsorship: £290

Registration fee: tbc Sponsorship: tbc

Cycling from the rocky cliffs and pounding seas of Land’s End, through the rolling hills of Dartmoor, passing the stunning mountains of the Lake District and along the Lochs of Great Glen to our finish at the northernmost point of the UK mainland.

Registration fee: £349 Sponsorship: £1485

To register for any of our challenges and get your 2021 off with a bang visit www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/challenges or call 01604 973346

Thanks to our virtual fundraisers!

Andrzej Mialkowski and Step by Step Dance School

£1,577

T

Telephone: 01604 210941 Email: fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk

Lou Angel

Total raised

hank you so much to everyone who helped us raise money during lockdown by getting involved in our virtual fundraising activities. Special thanks to all our Lockdown Live Lounge performers and sorry we couldn’t include all of you here! Thanks also to Andrzej from Step by Step Dance School for getting the whole school involved in virtual fundraising for the hospice!

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity The Fundraising Office Cynthia Spencer Hospice Pondwood House, Pondwood Close Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6RT

That Joe Payne & Tramp Daddy

Total raised

£265

Total raised

£140

Total raised

£1015

Reggae Rae

Cynthia Spencer Hospice

@CynthiaSHospice

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity

Your Hospice Lottery www.yourhospicelottery.org.uk

Amii Dawes

CynthiaSpencerCharity Cynthia SpencerTV

Registered Charity Number 1174402 Company Number 10934348

This newsletter is produced twice a year and is sent to over 10,000 supporters. If you have any comments we would very much like to hear from you. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email or not to receive it at all please either email, telephone or write to us at the address shown on the left.

Make a gift

We rely on your support to help fund the work of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Please consider making a gift today and help us continue providing care for our patients and their families.

I/We would like to make a difference and enclose our donation of ÂŁ I/We enclose a cheque payable to Cynthia Spencer Hospice OR

Please debit my credit/debit card

Card Type Card Number Valid from

Security Code /

Expiry date

/

Signature Title

Date First name

Last Name

Address Postcode I opt in for email contact by Cynthia Spencer Hospice

Email

For every donation we receive, we send a letter acknowledging receipt and thanking the giver.

We are delighted to do this, but if you prefer us not to send an acknowledgement please tick this box.

Data Protection: Cynthia Spencer Hospice will not share your details with any other organisations.

We would however, like to keep in touch occasionally with news of our work and fundraising activities, using the contact details you have supplied. If you would prefer not to be contacted this way please call us on 01604 973340 or email fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk

Increase the value of your donation without spending a penny more!

Registered Charity No. 1174402 Company No. 10934348

I want to Gift Aid my donation and want Cynthia Spencer Hospice to reclaim 25p of tax for every ÂŁ1 that I have given on this date, in the past four years and in the future. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

Title

First name

Last Name

Address

Postcode Signature

Date

Please return this form to: The Fundraising Office, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Pondwood House, Pondwood Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6RT