Your Hospice Matters Issue 15

Your

HOSPICE MATTERS ISSUE

15 Pages 4

Inpatient care made Fae’s family feel ‘held and supported’

to 5

Join the Northampton half marathon page 9

Page 8

www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk

@CynthiaSHospice Cynthia Spencer Hospice CynthiaSpencerCharity CynthiaSpencerTV

e m o c l e W On behalf

of my colleagues at the hospice Your donation can

may I wish you a warm welcome make a real to the Spring 2021 issue of Your Hospice Matters. I wanted to give you all a little difference update on how our care teams are doing now we’re more than 12 months into our new ways of caring for patients and restricted visiting. My team, the could give wellbeing community and hospice at home teams, our Wellbeing service and therapy team patients access to virtual support including relaxation techniques, have had to adapt in order to help patients feel supported and know that they’re seated Tai Chi and fatigue not alone. This has been tough for everyone and particularly for families and

management carers who have not been able to enjoy the usual open visiting hours to come and see their loved ones. Visits to patients’ homes by our community teams have continued but with staff wearing PPE - a challenge when all you want to could buy the resources for a child to start do is smile at your patient and put them at ease! Wellbeing at Cynthia Spencer creating a memory box to sessions have not been held in the centre, but we have been able to remember a loved one implement virtual sessions and special guided videos to cover relaxation, seated Tai Chi and fatigue management.

Our colleagues in the charity have also had a very challenging year. With the could help fund cancellation of live events they have had to quickly adapt in order to create virtual a counselling session for a and online fundraising opportunities. It’s also been tough for our retail department patient or their loved one to support them at a with shop closures meaning they’ve been unable to raise money over the counter

challenging time or accept donations into the Donation Station. On page 12 we’ll update you on how we’re going to be welcoming customers back.

Despite the restrictions we’re under, we’re all still planning to celebrate the could pay for an overnight stay by a Hospice@Home nurse at hospice’s 45th birthday in every way we can! Sadly our coffee shop won’t be a patient’s home buzzing with cake sales, choir performances and get togethers with our many wonderful volunteers on hand to help as it did for our last big celebration five years ago, but there are still many ways you can feel part of could pay for our big milestone. Whether you fancy throwing a birthday party for us, signing 10 visits to a patient from a hospice@home nurse up for a skydive or abseil or raising money with your colleagues at work there are so many ways you can be part of our fundraising journey this year.

On pages 4 & 5 we’ll share some of your memories and introduce some of could pay the members of the team. We’ll also have some lovely words from our Patron, for eight full days of Lord Spencer who reflects on his family’s long association with the hospice care for one patient in the inpatient unit named after his Grandmother.

£ 4 .50

£24.50

£45

£145

£450

£4,500

Sarah Knaggs Inpatient Unit Matron

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity The Fundraising Office Cynthia Spencer Hospice Pondwood House, Pondwood Close Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6RT Telephone: 01604 210941 Email: fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1174402 Company Number 10934348

2

Cynthia Spencer Hospice

CynthiaSpencerCharity

@CynthiaSHospice

Cynthia SpencerTV

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity

Your Hospice Lottery www.yourhospicelottery.org.uk 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 opposite.

Hospice at home team gave Mark’s Dad back his dignity

M

ark Allen decided to walk the 90 mile Hadrian’s Wall Virtual Challenge to raise money for the hospice in memory of his Dad, Jim after our hospice at home team “gave him back his dignity at the time when he needed it most” Michael James Allen, better known as Jim, was diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) in 2017 and was reliant on oxygen permanently to enable him to breathe. Jim had also had preexisting diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis and Bipolar disorder back in 2015.

Mark begins his story in August 2017 when Jim was receiving home visits and support from Age Concern and the Rocket Team. “My dad’s health really started to decline in early August of 2017, and he became bedbound and had to have a catheter fitted. He had been on oxygen therapy for some time by this point and had been in hospital off and on for the year prior to his passing with bouts of Pneumonia.

Once it was clear that he was on the final part of his journey the hospice at home team became involved and were a massive support to him, my mum and indeed all of the family for the last few weeks of his life.

“The hospice at home care team treated my Dad with dignity and care, they gave him back his humanity in what was for him, always a proud man, a time when he was feeling humiliated by his failing body.

I witnessed nurses putting him at

ease when he was anxious, calming him, holding his hand, talking to him and telling him not to worry or stress, that we his family, were there… even when he was heavily sedated by the morphine for his pain relief. The nurses were just as patient with us, always caring and understanding, always taking time to talk to us and letting us know how they thought my Dad was doing, right until the end.”

Mark also recalls fondly how personalised the care was to Jim and his entire family. Both during his illness and after he had passed away: “There was a lovely nurse who was at my Mum and Dad’s home when my Dad passed. She made sure that my Mum and my youngest brother, who lived in the home with my Dad, were there with him when he took his last breath.

She also ensured that they were OK until the rest of the family arrived and spoke kindly to us all before leaving us.

“After my Dad had passed my Mum had a visit from a member of the hospice team to follow up after my Dad’s death and ensure that my family were coping as well as could be expected after his loss.

The younger grandchildren were all given memory boxes. I remember how very kind the team was, showing a lot of compassion and empathy with us all during a very difficult time. My Dad’s passing was not an easy thing to witness but the support we had from the hospice at home team really helped a lot.

“Cynthia Spencer gave my Dad back his dignity at the time when he needed it most, the care, support and personal touches they bought to his care and the continued wellbeing of our family during and after his death were incredible.”

Mark concluded.

To show his gratitude for the care Jim received, Mark began a 90 mile virtual challenge in February to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall using the app based Conqueror Virtual Challenge technology to track every mile. At the time of going to print he was well on his way to his fundraising target of £1,000 after not thinking he’d be able to raise more than £100! Doing his bit for the environment too, this challenge donates towards the planting of a tree for every 20% of his challenge Mark completes.

You can donate to us on our website: 3 www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/donate

Celebrating 45 years Lord Spencer, our Patron shares some of his memories of the hospice “Cynthia Spencer Hospice has always been part of my life.

My first memory was of the hospice being opened by the Queen Mother. It was a very important family occasion for us to have Cynthia Spencer named after a much-loved member of my family. The hospice is something I’ve always felt connected to, particularly since around 1989 when I started to become more directly involved. 45 years is certainly an anniversary to be celebrated and I congratulate everyone who has worked, and still works, at Cynthia Spencer. I think it must be a wonderful team to be part of.

I’ve heard many times from people that they have had so much understanding and support from the hospice at the most difficult of times. I think it’s important for people to realise how vital their work is. It really does mean an enormous amount to people when they are at their most vulnerable.”

W

e’re delighted to be sharing our 45th birthday with you and celebrating together the huge part the hospice has played in our community for 45 years.

Though our official birthday is 15th May we want to make every day of our 45th year count, just like we strive to make every day count for our patients and their families. The uncertainties around social distancing restrictions has meant that we’re not able to throw a huge party as we would have loved to do so instead we want you to share with us what you’re doing to celebrate!

ice team

he hosp Meet some of t

Bhav

Consultant

In memory of

In memory of

Michael McManus “Our father, Michael McManus was cared for in Cynthia Spencer Hospice back in 2005.

We cannot thank all the staff at Cynthia Spencer enough for the care and devotion they give to each and every patient.”

4

Diane Moulds “We run the Colour Run in memory of my Mum to give others the love and care she received from the hospice, the memories that will last a lifetime. ‘We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.’”

Lora

Healthcare Assistant

“Cynthia Spencer is a place where I truly look forward to coming to work every day. I work with like-minded people who leave no stone unturned to provide comfort to a person’s life and will do everything they can to provide holistic (physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual) care for the person they are caring for.”

“When Mum was a patient at the hospice I said to her “I’d love to care for people in here”. Little did I know, 6 years after Mum passed away in 2014 and then Dad died in 2017, I’d be able to now care for other families like the hospice cared for mine.

I believe I have found my vocation in life.

Working at the hospice caring for extremely poorly patients is what I was born to do!”

“As a Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist in the community I feel it is a real privilege to work with people through their most difficult and personal time.

Being welcomed into people’s homes and ensuring their wishes are met is what makes this role so rewarding.”

Debbiere Clinical Palliative Ca Nurse Specialist

Send your photos to fundraising@cynthiaspencer. co.uk and share them on social media using the hashtag #45yearsofcynthiaspencer and help us spread the love and the ‘virtual’ party spirit!

We’re also encouraging as many of you as possible to raise money this year and hopefully you’re seeing plenty of inspiration as you read through this special newsletter and you can also visit www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/ celebrating45years to find out more.

Laura

Staff Nurse

Mary

“Working at Cynthia Spencer Hospice I get to meet so many inspirational patients, all showing immense strength. I will never forget my first Christmas and New Year shifts which were magical because I get to work with such a wonderful team who always go above and beyond for all our patients. They have welcomed me into their work family and I have never felt so supported.”

“I am now lucky enough to work full time as Ward Administrator at the hospice and I absolutely love my job. I love meeting the patients and their families and being able to support them. I work alongside some wonderful people, who never cease to amaze me in the compassion and care they show to patients and families.”

ator Ward Administr

We asked you to share your memories of the hospice over the years and you certainly didn’t let us down, here’s just a few: “My Dad, Alan Stocker, had to come to the hospice on quite a few occasions for one reason or another but it was never a sad place. The radiance of care and kindness always shone through. All members of staff are angels from the Consultants right down to the cleaners. They are all a family and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the care, patience, love and support that you showed.”

Natalie

1976 2021 “It makes me immensely proud to lead our current inpatient unit nursing team and reflect back on the teams that came before us who paved the way for how we deliver our care now.

We’re hugely grateful to everyone in our community who supports the hospice with donations, volunteering and fundraising, particularly during these difficult times.

You all make such a huge difference and we couldn’t provide the care we do without your help.

And to our volunteers, we really miss you and can’t wait to see you all again as you make such a difference to our care!”

Sarah Knaggs Inpatient Unit Matron

“The Hospice staff are amazing, nothing is too much trouble. They offer so much love, care and support to the patients and their families at a difficult time.

Thank you for all you do.”

Annette “My Dad spent his last two months in Cynthia Spencer 42 years ago and my husband spent his last seven weeks there two years ago. Through the years the building has altered, but the care remains the same, so helpful, patient and kind to all family and patients.

They were both well cared for to the end. Thank you to all the staff past and present and may you continue all the good care you give to the patients.”

Ann

5

Fundraise your way

Julia, who owns a live business selling women’s clothing, decided to use her contacts, spare stock and selling skills to hold five raffles over five weeks, with all donations coming to our grateful Hospice.

Can you use your hobby or passion to raise funds for our wonderful Hospice?

M

any of our wonderful supporters like to use their own talents, passion and hobbies to create a fun filled fundraiser to raise funds for our Hospice.

If you want to create your own fundraiser to raise funds for our 45th Birthday, contact our community team and they can help you find the perfect way to support our Hospice.

Here are some of the ways that our Supporters have used their talents to support our Hospice:

Talented Dancer Rachel, whose mum Lorna was cared for by the Hospice, used her dancing skills to host a Virtual Dance Along

In memory of Stuart Eke Angela raised £555 from various coffee mornings in memory of her brother, Stuart Eke

6

Raffle of a birthday hamper and raise £145 for our hospice

Thank you!

Golf Marathon 10th May to 21st May 2021

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the businesses who have supported us with fundraising, donations and volunteering during a very difficult period for business owners and employees.

To know you’ve been with us, and are still with us, means a huge amount!

O

ur Golf Marathon is a brand new event for 2021!

Taking place from 10th to 21st May at the fabulous Collingtree Golf Club, each four ball will complete 45 holes to mark 45 years of our hospice caring for the Northamptonshire community. After being stuck inside for months on end, it is time to get your team together and get back on the golf course for a few practice shots.

The event is FREE to enter, and we are asking each team to raise £1,000 for the hospice which would go a long way towards supporting our patients and their families. Refreshments will be provided on the day, ensuring you are well fuelled to complete the 45-hole challenge. www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/event/golf-marathon

Fancy volunteering and making a difference? We have lots of ways corporate teams can volunteer and we have full safety measures in place.

You could come and process donated items, prepare items for sale online, do bucket collections at local supermarkets or gardening and site maintenance at the hospice. For more information on how you can support the hospice at work please do get in touch nina@cynthiaspencer.co.uk or 01604 973348

Accumulator Challenge September 2021

Help us raise money by celebrating

Host a birthday tea party and help us reach our £4,500 total target

Corporate News

Become one of our 45 fundraising groups who raise £450 each

Contact community@cynthiaspencer.co.uk or visit www.cynthiaspencer.co.uk/celebrating45years for more information

F

ollowing on from the success of the Franklins £50 Challenge which has raised over £85,000 in total, we’re pleased to launch a brand new corporate team challenge! Join our Accumulator Challenge and your team will be given a start-up investment of £45 and then it’s over to you to invest and re-invest the £45 to raise as much as you can in eight weeks!

The team which raises the most will be honoured as the accumulator challenge champions at our awards ceremony in 2021 (other prizes for best team name, creativity, most innovative idea etc are also up for grabs).

All the money raised will go towards caring for people suffering from a life limiting illness across Northamptonshire and supporting their families.

“We used the challenge as a team bonding exercise as it encouraged a few colleagues to join in with things they wouldn’t ordinarily join in with. It is also a good opportunity to network with colleagues, friends and other businesses too.”

Danny Roberts, DFA Law

www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/event/accumulatorchallenge2021

7

Challenges Abseil

A

lexis’ story is not only one of losing Fae, her “vibrant, stylish, articulate and loving mother” but of truly learning about the special nature of hospice care: “I wasn’t familiar with hospice care and I had no idea what to expect. What I did find were professionals with time to explain to us what was happening, a calm peaceful environment and people who knew how to make my Mum comfortable during the days which were obviously going to be her very last ones.”

In mid January 2017 Fae was diagnosed with lung cancer. This was very sudden and unexpected for her family and within days of her

8

diagnosis Fae could hardly talk, walk or function. Alexis explained to us that once Fae came under the care of the hospice they later learned from the hospice doctors this very rapid deterioration was due to a rare poisoning of the body by the cancer.

Inpatient care made Fae’s family feel “held and supported” Alexis said: “She was so rapidly longer aware of us, her dignity was losing her cognitive ability that always at the forefront of her care.” soon we realised that we were “On the 23rd January, just 10 days floundering with trying to keep after that heart-breaking diagnosis her safe and look after her. I can’t of lung cancer we were gently told remember who I called, but I that all the family should come called someone sobbing down the together and that my Mum’s passing phone trying to explain that the was imminent. Staff quietly checked deterioration was overwhelming on my mum in those final hours our ability to care for her. The next and we were given privacy in a safe day we were told that an ambulance space which mattered more than we would be arriving to take my Mum to actually knew at that time.”

Cynthia Spencer.”

Following Fae’s death her family Quickly Alexis and her family asked for donations to Cynthia began to feel the embrace of Cynthia Spencer rather than flowers at her Spencer’s care and how funeral as they feel it was a fitting personalised it is to each way to say thank you. Alexis added patient: “At the hospice we that “since my Mum’s death I will were held, supported and sometimes send donations to the enabled to carry on loving Hospice in lieu of her birthday and my mother at the end of her Christmas presents which gives life as much as we had loved me comfort.” her during it. We were invited At the time that Fae passed away, to stay for as long as we her granddaughter Katie, Alexis’ needed, but also encouraged daughter, who she was extremely to get some rest and felt close to was reassured that there was six months time to leave her bedside. pregnant and When Mum was no longer Fae’s first able to communicate with us great-grand she was still washed, and cared for by daughter, the staff. Before she became ill she Bella Fae was was always immaculately presented born in April and staff respected that and that year. would comb her hair and change her nighties.

Although she was no You can donate to us on our website: www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/donate

J

“Abseiling down Northampton lift tower should be added to everyone’s bucket list. I was able to relive memories of over 60 years ago when I first abseiled during my National Service in the Royal Artillery.”

Brian Tennant, aged 81

Dates throughout 2021

oin the party and become one of our 45th Birthday fundraisers. At a staggering 418 feet (127m), the National Abseil Centre in Northampton is the tallest permanent abseil tower in the world and you could be abseiling down it for FREE. Raise the minimum sponsorship of £200 and then take the plunge.

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a great way to develop yourself and seek that new thrill.

Could you pledge to go over the edge so we can continue to care for another 45 years! www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/ challenge-event/abseil-2021

Scan the QR code to register

Northampton Half Marathon Sunday 26th September 2021

G

Scan the QR

et involved and run 13.1 miles to support another 45 years of code to register hospice care in our community. The route starts at Guildhall with a tour of Northampton’s heritage, before heading out of town for some picturesque countryside running. Wear yellow and blue with pride as you cross the finish line at Delapre Abbey. Receive a commemorative top and unique custom medal on completion of Northampton’s Half Marathon.

Register for FREE and become part of #TeamCSH! www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/challenge-event/northamptonhalfmarathon21

Virtual Northampton to Paris 1st June to 31st August 2021

P

edal to the medal, from Cynthia Spencer Hospice to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Cycle 450 miles across the summer months to raise proceeds towards making sure our nurses can continue to care for the community for another 45 years.

Scan the QR We’ll provide post cards for each major milestone you reach on your code to register virtual journey, as you travel down to Dover Port past Windsor Castle and across the English channel to Calais.

It’s FREE to enter we just ask that you try to raise a minimum of £450 - that’s £1 per mile. By raising £450 in your challenge, you’ll receive a Northampton to Paris medal and goody pack to celebrate your achievement on completion.

On the way to reaching your target, raise £145 and we’ll send you a free CSH Events top to help keep you motivated! Whilst we may be apart, we ride together! www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/event/VirtualN2P

Date for

In memory of

Irene Williams “My wife Irene loved volunteering for the hospice and we made so many friends together helping out at collections and raising a lot of money! Fittingly, Irene spent her final days in the care of the amazing staff and her family and I will always be grateful”

your diary

9

Our Supporters and

Clodagh Healy, aged 10 completed the Edinburgh Marathon Virtual Challenge, running 26.2 miles over Christmas in memory of Nanny Healy, raising a total of £3,014 for the Hospice “

Hospice at home team talked to Mum ‘like a friend’

Oscar Tyrrell, age 10 cycled 25 miles for Virtual Cycle4Cynthia in memory of Great Pappy, raising a total of £1,592

Inclusive dance school, Born to Perform, took part in Virtual Colour Run and Spencer’s Mission 28, fundraising a total together of £932 for the hospice

Metro Bank used some of the quiet periods in their branch to volunteer at our Donation Station helping pack items sold on eBay so they could be sent out to customers

10

Nicola & Zoe formed #TeamBettsWorth and joined Virtual Spencer’s Mission 28, completing their miles in Leicester and London, together raising a total of £1,336

Matthew Robinson cycled 15 laps of Rutland Water, totalling 213 miles on his birthday in memory of his father, John Robinson, achieving a fundraising total of £3,697

Jason Brooks has raised over £700 with two Facebook fundraisers, one to mark the 4th anniversary of his wife Janice passing away and the second to celebrate his own 50th Birthday

M

ary only became aware of our hospice at home service in August 2019 when our nurses began caring for her Mum, Nancy. Nancy had had a history of melanoma since 2005 and had also been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia in 2015.

She moved down to Brackley in Northamptonshire from Liverpool in 2016, so Mary could be closer to her and help with her care.

Over the next couple of years Nancy began to develop malignant lumps in her arm which despite removal in hospital, began to return and started to spread to other areas of her body. It was in the summer of 2019 the family discovered that Nancy’s cancer had really started to spread.

District Nurses started to make daily visits in September and they suggested that Nancy be cared for by our hospice at home team. Mary admits that: “At first I did nothing about making contact as I was caught up in a whirlwind of calls to GPs and care agencies, amidst sleepless nights. Then after a few days, I decided it might be worth a phone call and I spoke to a lovely lady called Julie who came out to visit very promptly. We agreed to accept the offer of two to three

hour slots of respite care several times a week, whenever they could fit us in.

“We remember all the nurses from the hospice were very helpful and supported us emotionally. All were expert in their knowledge of palliative care, willing to listen and

answer our questions. We often had repeat visits from the same ladies, so we got to know them, and they showed kindness, not just to Mum but to us too. It was a huge relief to have these visits and to know we could completely trust each member of staff with Mum’s care.”

Music played a big part in Nancy’s life and Mary told us how the hospice nurses put on her favourite pieces and songs which became

a huge source of comfort to her.

“The staff positively encouraged us playing Christmas carols in September! Early on, the care staff soon picked up on how Mum had a great sense of humour and shared jokes, they also reacted and talked to her about her past and were always interested to hear her stories. When she became weaker and right up to the end when she was no longer able to converse, the ladies were exceptionally attentive and would still talk directly to her like a friend.”

So how would Mary summarise our hospice at home service?

“The friendly, professional caring service provided by the hospice far exceeded our expectations. We had no idea what an emotional rollercoaster it is to care for someone in their final weeks and days and the ladies from Cynthia Spencer gave us invaluable support and guidance. Mum passed away at home on 5th October 2019 and we made a donation to the hospice at home service in her memory following her funeral.”

You can donate to us on our website: 11 3 www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/donate

Dear Customers

W

e look after eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and the warehouse on Moulton Park in Northampton.

We’ve had a tough year, losing both our shops at St Leonards Road and Market Walk due to Covid and the downturn of footfall on the high streets.

But, we’ve taken this time to regroup and come back stronger! Our eBay clearance outlet, furniture and electricals warehouse and our Donation Station are under one roof meaning we can bring you more great quality products including top brands that you’ll love! You can also shop through our Facebook Marketplace where you can find some incredible household items at fantastic prices! “

We’re so pleased to have a new addition to our retail family. Georgia has joined us as Shop and Donations Manager:

“I am so pleased to be part of such a hardworking and wonderful team. We’ve been busy getting all our donations out on the shop floor, ready to re-open mid April! Our eBay outlet store really has been filled to the brim and I can’t wait for everyone to come down and enjoy all of the hard work that’s been put in behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone that donated or supported us this year, your continued generosity is immensely appreciated!” - Georgia

Donations & Collections

I know a lot of you have been holding onto your donations waiting for a reopening date. We’re hoping this will be

mid April when donations can be dropped in on an appointment basis to keep everyone safe. Each donation drop off slot has a limit of how much you can bring - up to six bags/boxes. Please don’t bring more than this as we have to quarantine stock for 48 hours for safety. If you have more than six bags/boxes, simply book more than one slot.

To book your donation drop off appointment please visit our online shop www.cynthiaspencershops.ecwid.com/ or call 01604 973349.

We’re now collecting furniture! Slots for collections are very limited though! Make a furniture collection booking by calling 01604 973349 and speaking to Dax, our van driver.

Volunteering Fancy volunteering with us? We need help with: • Picking & Packing • Sorting donations • Listing items on eBay • Photographing stock • Helping out with Facebook Marketplace Visit www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/volunteer vacancies or email charlotte@cynthiaspencer.co.uk to find out more.

We just can’t function without our volunteers and we thank everyone who has helped out in the past. We look forward to seeing new faces in the upcoming months!

“After being furloughed I decided to volunteer twice a week as a way of giving back. The work the charity does is amazing and it’s very close to my heart.

I love volunteering, it’s a great opportunity to meet and chat to new people in such a fun and relaxed environment” – Lindsay

We hope to see you all soon, stay safe Charlotte, Retail Manager

Cynthia Spencer’s ‘bright and cheerful’ feeling changed Carly’s perception of hospice care

W

hen Carly’s Mum, Michelle came into the Cynthia Spencer Hospice inpatient unit in April 2019, not only did she receive wonderful care but the whole family discovered first hand what hospice care truly involves.

Carly said: “As soon as Mum arrived the staff were lovely and made sure she was OK and settled.

The staff are all so friendly and still manage to have a joke with patients and family. Our perception of what a hospice is has definitely changed.

The décor at Cynthia Spencer is also lovely, so bright and cheerful. It is not a dark and morbid place at all. “ Though Michelle was only in the inpatient unit for a few days the family said how much they felt at home and supported by the care team: “We were able to stay overnight in Mum’s

room and having the kitchen and family room there to use made it so much easier for us to be close to her.

The first Christmas after Mum passed away myself and my sister came up to the hospice with a hamper of food for the kitchen as we were so grateful of it at the time, being able to sort ourselves out with drinks and food. We also gave the nurses a tin of chocolates and they were so grateful and very caring to us, asking how we were doing.”

When Michelle passed away the hospice helped the family by providing bereavement support to both her husband and grandchildren. Carly recalls: “Mum’s youngest grandson was given a cuddle bear and my own children were so pleased to receive comfort quilts from the Palliative Care

Family Worker. Initially they went everywhere around the house with them and now have them on their beds at night.”

Recalling how much the care meant to her family, Carly said: “We definitely felt Mum’s wishes upon her death were achieved and we were able to spend as much time with her as we wanted to while friends and family were also able to visit. One of the healthcare assistants gave my mum a goodnight kiss and sat with her when she was scared which we thought really showed how much the staff care about their patients.

“We’d say to anyone who is frightened of coming to the hospice, you’ll be in the best possible place” Carly concluded.

You can donate to us on our website: 11 13 3 www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/donate

Gifts in Wills

B

Take part in Make Will Month 2021 and make your gift extra special to celebrate our 45th year

y leaving a gift to Cynthia Spencer Hospice in your Will, you will help us to carry on the vital work we have been doing for our community for the last 45 years.

Just imagine the future generations your lasting gift could help over the next 45 years!

that will make a real difference to the lives of our patients.

If there’s anything that the Coronavirus crisis has shown us it is that life is unpredictable and precious which is why now is a good time to make a Will if you don’t already have one in place. Making a Will is the only

How to make an appointment To take part in our Make a Will campaign you will need a Make a Will pack from us, which you can get by contacting the Fundraising Office Trevor left a gift in his Will to the hospice on 01604 973340 or by emailing following the death of his wife Ros and the fundraising@cynthiaspencer.co.uk . care she received from our Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist team: “Perhaps, Once you have received your pack, call I knew for a long time that a gift in my Will your preferred solicitor from the list would be the way that I could say thank you provided and make an appointment to the hospice from both of us and I hope during May, quoting ‘Cynthia Spencer it will help people to have the care and Hospice Make a Will’. Your donation is support given to Ros and me.” then given via your solicitor and you can be safe in the knowledge that way of ensuring that your estate your affairs are in order for you and Since our humble beginnings passes to those you would like to your loved ones and that you’ve made in 1976 the number of people benefit including any charitable gifts a donation this year to celebrate 45 we have cared for has increased you would like to leave. When no Will years of wonderful care throughout significantly and that figure is going exists, it can cause stress and upset our county. Please note that our to continue to grow, particularly in participating solicitors only have a the community. Your gift will help to to those you love at a time when they are least able to cope with it. There small amount of free appointments support the future of hospice care are several important reasons why you each so please book early to avoid in your local community and help should make or update your Will – if disappointment. to provide a vital source of income you’re getting married, buying property For more information visit or even becoming grandparents. www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/ Our Make a Will makeawill Month gives you an “Leaving a gift in my opportunity to make will is a way of giving or update your Will something back, to say with one of our thank you for the way participating solicitors, the hospice cared for DFA Law, Franklins Dad. If everyone gave Solicitors and Tollers a gift in their will, no Len Locke Solicitors for free. matter the size, it would “As a family and friendship group we make a huge difference.

Instead of paying the started supporting the hospice after my father, Len and a friend, It’s a wonderful solicitor for their Matthew both passed away in 2012 way of ensuring the expertise, they just and 2013 respectively. We are hospice is here for the ask that you make very aware of the amazing support Northamptonshire a donation instead the hospice gives many of the community, our children Northampton community.” to Cynthia Spencer and grandchildren, long Hospice. into the future.”

Mark the hospice’s 45th birthday with a Facebook fundraiser

J

oin us in celebrating our big milestone with a Facebook fundraiser. They’re really easy ways to raise a great sum of money for the hospice with very little effort as the fundraising is all done on social media!

Over the last six months, £7,760 has been raised by our fabulous Facebook fundraisers and here’s how you can join them!

All you need to do is visit www.facebook.com/fund/cynthiashospice/

Ideas for your Facebook fundraiser:

• Your birthday • An anniversary • In memory of a loved one • As part of an event you’re holding

Even more chances to win with Your Hospice Lottery

In memory of

14

In memory of

Single tickets for weekly draw now available!

Jane Ridnell “As a family we were pleased to be able to personally hand over donations of over £1000 and thank all the wonderful staff who cared for Jane during her final few days.”

W

e have great news for our wonderful lottery players! Our prize fund has increased again!

So for every number you play you’re not only donating directly to helping us continue our fantastic care, you’re increasing your chances of winning big cash prizes!

We’ve added: • A second prize of £250 • An extra 10 runner up prizes of £10 So, the new weekly prize fund available to be won now stands at: • 1 x £1,000 jackpot • 1 x £250 • 185 x £10 and £500 rollover up to £25,000 Please note the minimum age for playing the lottery has changed to 18

Buy your single tickets to boost your weekly chances to win, or just grab them when you’re feeling lucky! £1 per entry. Buy by 9am on the Thursday before the weekly draw on a Friday.

Visit www.yourhospicelottery.org.uk/play/ play-our-hospice-fundraising-lottery.aspx to buy your single tickets now!

15

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 £ 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 £1 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