Care News October 2018

CARE NEWS OCT 18-JAN 19 www.isabelhospice.org.uk

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In the last year you helped us care for a record 1,555 people and their families.

‘Together we care’ is our strapline and this expresses perfectly the way we work in partnership with patients and their families, their GP, hospitals and other healthcare professionals in supporting them. It also captures the vital partnership with you, our supporters, who make our care possible.

I hope you are inspired by the stories shared in this magazine, including Natasha who has been attending our Living Well sessions in Thorley, Bishops Stortford over the last year and took part in our Bubble Rush in July. After 21 months of care, Natasha deteriorated over the summer, and I’m sad to tell you she died a short time before we went to print with Care News. We send our condolences to her husband, family and friends.

So we can continue to care for people like Natasha, we rely on your support to make that possible; your donations, fundraising, lottery tickets, items donated to our shops, legacies and the time you give as volunteers are all vital.

The challenge we face is that there are hundreds more people that could benefit from the care and support that Isabel provides but never find out about us, or sometimes only in the last few days. We are working with GPs to identify people earlier and with your help we will spread the word across our communities to our families, friends and neighbours.

And as we care for more people we are relying on you for the extra money to make this possible.

Thank you for your ongoing support – Together we care.

Robin Webb, CEO

Vitality Big Half £20 registration £300 minimum sponsorship Sunday 10th March 2019

©The Vitality Big Half

Visit www.isabelhospice.org.uk

2to sign up now! Only 10 places available!

www.isabelhospice.org.uk/montblanc

Registered Charity Number 1046826

The flight-inclusive holiday in this brochure is financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

Natasha

Catching up with Natasha

was an inspiring woman, and we are sorry to tell you that she died shortly before Care News went to print.

Our condolences go to her husband, family & friends

Last year we spoke to Natasha, a 42 year old, living in Bishop’s Stortford with her husband and much loved dog, Dax. Natasha, who has lung disease, had just started coming along to the Living Well sessions in Bishop’s Stortford after being rejected for a lung transplant. This summer we chatted to her again, and goodness, is she cramming it all in. She has been to Cologne to see the Christmas markets, South Africa to see her family, Budapest with her sister, New York with her husband, and just recently the Greek island of Skiathos.

However, in the last 3 months, I have deteriorated and sleep a lot with my little companion Dax. I’m on oxygen all the time now, and apart from around the house, I’m in a wheelchair or mobility scooter which Dax runs alongside. I am treasuring the time I have left with my husband Rob as I don’t think I’ll see another Christmas after this.

It’s now about pushing the boundaries, and making memories. Isabel Hospice is helping me to do both. I go to the Living Well sessions at Thorley once a week, where they are helping me write letters to family to read after I’m gone. My mood lifts when I’m there and I’ve made a firm, if unconventional friend with Roy, a former rodeo rider, private investigator and lorry driver, who is 85. Isabel Hospice is a wonderfully encompassing place, which for me has a focus on living as well as dying.

I have a funeral director phone app, and every now and then I go on, and add another thing

I’d like at my funeral; two white doves, everyone wearing my favourite colours. That will make it easier for Rob when the time comes.

I never thought my life would be like this, but Isabel Hospice is helping me make the most of what I have got. The staff and volunteers are the most amazing people and I am confident they will be there for me when the end comes.

My Amazing Nurse!

The support and knowledge that I have received from Nurse Gail during my time at the Living Well sessions has helped me in so many ways. Advising me and giving me ideas on how to manage some of my issues - Ideas that I would not have thought of if I had not been able to come to the Hospice.

Gail helps me to make decisions but doesn’t tell me what to do. Her input is invaluable and I will continue to look to her for support.

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If you are seeking a rewarding career and would like to join our Award Winning team where you can make a difference in your local community, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more visit www.isabelhospice.org.uk/jobs or email your CV to recruitment@isabelhospice.org.uk

Inspiring Hertfordshire Top Award

It was double delight at the Herts Chamber of Commerce, Inspiring Business of the Year Awards ceremony, when Isabel Hospice were awarded both the Community Champion and the Inspiring Business of the Year 2018 accolade.

One of the judges, Simon Speller from Hillier Hopkins LLP said “We came to the conclusion that Isabel Hospice were deserved winners. It became clear that the Hospice is not only essential in the local community but also relies on the charitable giving of individuals, companies and volunteers time. Congratulations to everyone involved. You really deserved the accolade despite strong competition.”

Robin Webb, Isabel Hospice CEO said “This is a fantastic reflection and recognition of the amazing work that every one of our staff and volunteers do every day.

Last year we cared for 1,555 people. The majority of those people benefited from care in their own home, something

which we are striving to increase, as well as caring for more people, earlier in their journey.”

We currently have retail vacancies and a number of opportunities in the following areas; Clinical (Healthcare Assistants, Nursing), Fundraising, Finance and Marketing.

Why you should consider joining our winning team!

Our Head Office and In-Patient Unit are based in Welwyn Garden City, one of the largest towns in the area, with good public transport links. We also have 15 shops around eastern Hertfordshire and we have ambitious plans to open many more shops in the next few years. We are continually recruiting for a number roles from shop mangers to assistants including e-commerce as well as clinical and support staff as we expand our services.

We value our staff and offer a range of benefits including: Flexible working • Free car parking* • Generous holiday entitlement • A commitment to training and professional development • Continuation of the NHS pension.

This is an exciting time to join Team Isabel as we work towards our strategic aims which are; * in some locations

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More support & care for more

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Reach people earlier in their journey, not just their last days

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people across more illnesses

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3

Educate to share our expertise in palliative care and encourage more conversations about death

Collaborate & build parterships to deliver expert palliative care

Shop Volunteers Urgently Needed As we expand our care services, we urgently need the help of people to volunteer in our shops.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, improve your skills and many of our volunteers use it as a springboard on to paid work.

Taster sessions are available, so why not give it a go!

Call Linda Wood on 01707 382517.

We have shops in: Bishop’s Stortford Buntingford Broxbourne

(opening before Christmas)

Cuffley Cheshunt Hatfield - 2 shops Hatfield Galleria Hertford (opening soon in Maidenhead Street)

Hoddesdon Sawbridgeworth Waltham Cross WalthamAbbey Ware Welwyn Garden City - 3 shops

Meet Sharon, a new volunteer in our Haldens shop

When did you start volunteering?

This July, just as your Haldens shop opened and I would really recommend it.

Where do you live?

In Welwyn Garden City. I live just over the road from the shop and that’s how I found out about it. I’m over the parade of shops every day, so when I saw the poster asking for volunteers I just went in and asked. I love the fact that as I’m local I know lots of the customers that come in.

It’s really social volunteering!

What do you do in a typical day?

Sorting stock, selling to the public, steam cleaning donated clothes, serving customers on the till, taking

donations, whatever you want to do really! It’s so flexible!

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering for Isabel Hospice?

Helping the charity and doing something useful. I know neighbours and friends who have needed the Hospice so it’s great to be helping.

Volunteer Counsellors Needed.

Do you have 3-4 hours a week to spare?

We are looking for volunteer counsellors to work within our family support team.

Andrea Tett, our Bereavement Services Manager said “When Princes Harry and William recently spoke about how the death of their mother affected them in growing up, the world stopped and took notice. It became more acceptable to seek bereavement counselling which is a really good thing.

As a result we have seen a large increase in people asking for help, and so we are now looking for qualified volunteer

counsellors to join our friendly, supportive Bereavement Support Team.

Here is what one of our new volunteers said “Following intensive training I joined the Bereavement Team last autumn. I am proud to be part of such a supportive, caring group, Our Waltham Cross who provide a fantastic service to volunteer team! the community.”

If you would like to find out more, 5 contact Andrea Tett on 01707 382511.

NEWS

New Isabel Hospice Shop opens in Haldens, Welwyn Garden City Isabel’s 16th charity shop was opened by the the Welwyn Hatfield mayor, Cllr Barbara Fitzsimons to a throng of eager shoppers.

The shop, at 84 Haldens, is full of quality men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, jewellery and accessories.

Hot on its heels was the Hospice’s 17th shop which opened in Broxbourne in October.

Robin Webb, our CEO said “We have ambitious plans for more charity shops to open in eastern Hertfordshire over the next five years. Charity shops are a vital income stream for us, enabling us to increase the number of local people we can care for, earlier in their journey.

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Without the donations from our supporters to sell in them, and the time given by local people to serve we would not be able to do this.

“If you’re planning on dropping by, please bring any pre-loved goods with you. We also need volunteers to work in all shops.

You can try some of our shop volunteer taster sessions to see if you like it before you commit.

Volunteering is a good way to give back to your local community and also can be a

springboard on to work as it looks great on your CV. If you could spare a few hours a week, please contact Linda Wood on 01707 382517.”

Stop press!

We will be opening a furniture and electrical shop in Hoddesdon in the next few months as well as a new shop on Maidenhead Street in Hertford.

Watch this space!

David & Margaret The Hospice Consultant told us ‘go live your life’ and that is what we did!

“Margaret had various treatments over the years as the cancer spread” explained her husband David. “Ranging from radioactive Iodine which she had to drink in a lead lined room, to an emergency hip replacement when we nearly lost her. In all that time, she never complained, and even sang in the UK Throat Cancer Choir, an amazing achievement.

In 2017 our oncologist suggested the Hospice was the next step as she was in a good deal of pain after a tumour was found in her left arm. Margaret had a spell in St Clare Hospice in-patient unit in Harlow, as it was near our home in Sawbridgeworth, however, on coming home, Nurse Tina, from the Isabel Hospice at Home team got in touch and we were seen

by Dr Pia, Isabel’s palliative care consultant.

We immediately felt very confident with Margaret’s care and her pain was reduced following their interventions. They were knowledgeable and kind and when Margaret was admitted to the Isabel In-Patient Unit we found her appetite returned and she became more mobile due to the physiotherapy she received there.

It really was a remarkable change.

I always felt, because of Margaret’s character we would have a window of wellness. Isabel Hospice gave

It was a small swelling on her neck which she saw whilst looking in the bathroom mirror that led Margaret to visit her doctor in 2009, age 63.

From then on it was a roller coaster of treatment and emotion after she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which was then removed, and a subsequent stoma fitted into her voice box. us that window. She went mood, appetite, going out, mobility, confidence and independence. into the In-Patient In Margaret’s final days, she was cared for at our home by Isabel’s Unit in a wheelchair Hospice at Home team. Dr Pia and walked out. came to see her and she passed Margaret was not keen on letting her family and friends know her diagnosis. Dr Pia had an extremely positive effect on Margaret though, and told Margaret to see her girlfriends. She told me to ‘go down the pub with your mates’ and she prompted Margaret to tell our children what was happening, something up until now, she had avoided.

Once Margaret was discharged from the In-Patient Unit our life was so much better. We went to Tesco and walked up and down the aisles as a way of getting exercise as we shopped. Margaret got her hair done every week after the volunteer hairdressers visited her in the Hospice and gave her the confidence to go out again.

The change in Margaret was amazing. The Hospice helped her achieve ‘wellness’ again,

away peacefully, with love and care surrounding her. We, her family, are forever grateful.

If you would like to hear Margaret reciting the poem, Hear My Voice, search YouTube for Hear My Voice

by Sara Brading (Shout at Cancer)

Our Amazing Nurse!

When Nurse Tina came into our lives we were at a low point. She made an immediate difference and made us believe that her team could and would make things much better. She ensured we got on top of pain control and popped up regularly, always with a cheery smile, encouraging words and warm professional guidance.

Tina kept up her visits right to the end and I know that Margaret regarded these as absolutely key to maintaining her positive outlook and fighting spirit.

I am exceptionally glad that we had ‘our’ Tina and I can never express my gratitude to her adequately. She exemplifies perfectly the patient-centred, human touch of Isabel Hospice.

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Living Well with Isabel,

Call us to have a friendly chat about how Living Well could benefit you!

Did you know that last year we cared for 1,555 people, of which 153 were patients at our In-Patient Unit. Most of our patients are supported whilst they are living with their disease at home by dipping into our care as the need arises, for many this includes attending our Living Well with Isabel sessions and courses.

Over the last year, our Living Well attendances were up by 60% with 224 patients attending 4,227 sessions.

Living Well with Isabel is run by a team of healthcare professionals and volunteers. Some people pop in to the Hub for a therapy treatment, some stay for a whole day of activities, or others attend a group or course. You may think Hospices are only for people with cancer, but many of

our patients have other illnesses such as end stage renal, heart, lung or liver conditions or complex neurological diseases such as MND.

Living Well with Isabel Team

Where can you find Living Well with Isabel Hubs?

We have four Hubs across eastern Hertfordsdhire: Thorley, Bishop’s Stortford, Wewlyn Garden City, Stanstead Abbots and a new Hub in Waltham Cross.

What’s on offer at Living Well Contact us if you’d like to discuss referring yourself to one of the sessions* Fatigue & Breathlessness Group - get the tools to best manage these troubling symptoms Coping Well course - emotional support and practical strategies for psychological challenges when living with a life-limiting condition Falls Prevention - giving you the tools to manage balance issues Neurological support group - for patients/families/carers with a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative condition,

Feel Good Exercise & Relaxation - supervised by one of our physiotherapists (pre-assessment required)

Pamper Sessions - try our taster treatments Feel Good Singing - singing has many benefits if you live with a life-limiting condition Tai Chi/Qigong - a gentle form of exercise with physical and psychological benefits.

Tuesday Group - a day of mixed activity, exercise, arts and crafts as well as a chance to catch up with our nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapist and complementary therapists. This is not a drop in session. *Not all activities are available at all locations.

To find out more contact:

livingwell@isabelhospice.org.uk or call 01707 382500

E A S E

EMPOWER

SUPPORT

ADVISE

EDUCATE

Making an Impact in Care Homes

We would like to share with you a new collaborative pilot project called E A S E It will empower staff in care homes to be confident in providing specialist palliative care, and result in happier residents who can freely express their future care wishes.

“Through training staff in palliative care, and empowering them to use it, the aim of EASE is to prevent care home residents going into hospital unnecessarily and to enable them to die in the place of their choice.”

Kirsty, the Clinical Nurse Specialist for EASE explained “This is part of our five year strategy which is to work in collaboration with, and spread our knowledge of, palliative care to other healthcare providers through education and training. We know that we are part of an increasingly elderly population living with multiple, often complex, health issues.

Many of us move to residential or nursing care homes where staff manage palliative care needs on a daily basis, caring for more people at the end of life than anywhere else.”

Kirsty added “Because care home staff work so hard and deserve the training invested in them, this project will undoubtedly have positive results for both staff and residents. I have started working with 4 care home teams, the GPs that support them, the residents and their families. We tackle subjects such as advance care planning, having difficult conversations, supporting families and reducing avoidable hospital admissions.

I spend a morning and an afternoon every week in each home. I provide opportunistic informal teaching, an advisory service and introduce processes and information reference files for the units. I go on GP ward rounds and empower the team and the residents to have a say in their care.

I am keen to celebrate the good work of care home teams and believe everyone has a right to receive excellent end-of-life care, and that should come from the people they are most familiar with and in the place they call home.”

Compassionate Neighbours – What does compassion mean to you?

Compassionate Neighbours pairs local people based on their shared interests and experiences and started at Isabel Hospice in April.

The team have been busy raising awareness with stands at Welwyn Garden City HealthFest, Hoddesdon YourTown 24hr Runathon and Glaxo’s Family Day in Ware. So far, 3 rounds of training have taken place resulting in 28 Compassionate Neighbours in the Welwyn area.

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The matching process has also had a good start and with more community member referrals being received from the east of

the county. We shall be establishing Compassionate Neighbours in Waltham Cross and Bishop’s Stortford soon.

The movement is gathering momentum so keep an eye out for Compassionate Neighbours near you!

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Neighbour, or having a Neighbour befriend you, go to www.isabelhospice.org.uk/ compassionateneighbours

Lottery update...

What an exciting few months it has been here at Isabel Hospice Lottery HQ. We launched our first face to face fundraising campaign in June, which is doing brilliantly.

So far we have recruited over 500 new players, which means that over the next five years, these supporters alone will raise an amazing £85,000.

This will help us to care for more people, earlier in their journey, ensuring that we are there for people in our community for as long as they need us.

Christm Super D as raw

£4,0ri0z0 e

It is also time to let you know that our new annual Super Draw on 14th December is fast approaching.

Enter the Super Draw and you could win the fabulous top prize of £4,000 or one of the other 37 cash prizes.

14th

top p could be yours!

Decemb

er

£1

per entry

To enter, simply complete the enclosed form or ring our lottery team on 01707 382594 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm)

A big thank you to all our lottery supporters and good luck in the Super Draw!

“In Paul’s at last weeksent some d. ce, I sp the Hospie with my husban tim bed amazingd a cuddle on his ep ha le e W fell as me. and I even m around with his ar ce The Hospime, as ter looked af ey looked th much as r Paul.” te af

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New Dementia Nurse starting at Isabel Hospice Isabel Hospice, in conjunction with Dementia UK, has created and recruited a new post for an Admiral Nurse.

We are delighted to welcome Charlotte Carder to the Hospice nursing team who joined us in midSeptember. Charlotte is a specialist dementia nurse who will work with and support families and carers of people affected by dementia.

They work collaboratively with

other professionals and use a range of interventions to help people live positively with the condition and develop skills to improve communication and maintain relationships. Charlotte will work in our In-Patient Unit, the patient’s home and nursing homes, to extend support across eastern Hertfordshire. She will also assist in the delivery of education to health professional on the subject of dementia and end of life care.

If you would like to contact Charlotte, call 01707 382500 or 07741841938.

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This is just a small snapshot of the amazing support we have had over recent months.

We could not continue our vital work without amazing people fundraising to raise money for us!

All the solicitors who supported Make a Will Week 2018. £20,000 was raised from donations thanks to Nockolds, HRJ Foreman Laws, Ewart Price, Curwens, Crane and Staples, Lever & Co, Longmores Solicitors, Braddon and Snow, Duffield Harrison, Tees Law, Breeze and Wyles, Salisbury Law.

Our Bubble Rush 5k sponsors PayPoint, Roche, Wilkins Kennedy, Volker Wessels, Mowers Food Service, Connect Scaffolding for helping us cover the costs of the fun run and a huge thank you to the thousands of runners who have helped us raise over £40,000.

Marion & Nick Darter at The Chequers at Woolmer Green for organising another amazing bike ride.

The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce chairman for donating £1,000 after we won the Inspiring Hertfordshire Business of the Year award (see page 4)

Our supporters, participants, volunteers and sponsors for our third Bridges of London Walk, our Autumn Golf Day at Brocket Hall and The Overtures. The events were hugely successful and we looking forward to seeing you all at future events.

Shirley Storey and her team who organised a Gin Festival at Hertford Cricket Club. Gins were sold and tasted and there was an auction and a raffle raising £4,550.

The Haley family who held an Elvis Tribute evening in memory of husband and dad Charlie Haley and raised a fantastic £4,950! The family also took part in Bubble Rush and Charlie’s grandchildren held a bake sale and raised £182.50 at their school Welwyn St. Mary’s. Family fundraising at its best!

Our courageous group of trekkers who took on the Canadian Rockies challenge in September. Well done for conquering this mighty challenge!

The team included Sophie Bacon, George Manock, Sharon Howell, Clare Grimsell, Emma Cook, Eleanor Newton, John Thorp and Megan Sparrey.

Best of luck to our Nepal Trekkers who flew out on 14th October for their challenge and Hospice project in Katmandu. The group held various fundraisers including a Tom Jones night, and a Grease & Elf cinema night in their bid to raise as much as possible for the Hospice. They are

The organisers of Billy’s Bright Star Ball which raised £3,400.

Clare Walters and family including husband Dale Walters, sister Nicola Hewitt, brother in law Nick Hewitt and uncle John Gowers who raised £1,070 after taking part in Chelmsford Inflatable 5k in June.

Laura Blight, Sue Andrews, Clare Trevillion, Mike Trevillion, Sue Sexton, John Sexton, Karen Saxena, Dr Helen Cooper, Jill Taylor, Julie Richards and Alison Ellis.

Organisers of the Phil Tebbutt Golf Memorial Day. The raffle raised £600.

Billy Byrne, a star from DIY SOS presented the prizes, with help from Phil’s grandchildren Isabelle and Fred and he is pictured below with Phil’s grandson Bobby.

Mrs D Knight and Denise and Bill Blackmore for donating this chair to the Maple Bay at IPU in memory of the Denise’s father, Raymond Knight.

Pictured are Denise and Bill Blackmore with nursing staff.

Our Prudential Ride London to Surrey 100 cyclists, who battled difficult weather conditions to complete the popular cycle ride.

This year’s team consisted of father and son, Graham and Rob Carter, Joe Dumont, Conrad Louis-Marie, Mun Liu and Andrew Carter who all completed the 100 mile route with Amie Hornegold completing the 46 mile route.

The team have raised just under £4,000 for Isabel!

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From trauma to triumph – an inspirational fundraiser

I lost my father when I was 21 in a car accident. It was tough to deal with for our family.

I particularly felt for my Mum, who had been happily married to my dad for 25 years. When she later met Pete, she found some happiness again. After only a few years together, he developed cancer. He taught me so much, and offered my mother a great companion after my Dad passed away.

Numerous times he spoke to me about Isabel Hospice, and how touched he was. On the 17th December, at peace, Pete lost his battle with cancer.

I’ve always dealt with death by trying to throw myself into something that pushes me. It’s my coping mechanism.

So I signed up for the Blenheim Triathlon. The biggest

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challenge for me was the open water swim. I had been on holiday and bathed in the warm seas of the Caribbean and learnt to dive in Thailand. But that crystal clear, bath warm, calm water spoilt me. I taught myself to swim in my local kiddies pool, and felt a little silly with my float in waist high water. Eventually, I was regularly swimming 2500m.

When the lakes opened for the summer, I thought I was ready.

I bought a wet-suit and headed down. The course was only 400m but it looked huge. I got in and the water was freezing.

There was no current, but the lake was deep and murky. What can’t I see underneath me? I set off. I had a panic attack. My heart started to pound and I was hyperventilating. The triathletes and helpers swept me up in seconds. I woke up the next day with the mind-set to go again. I went to an open water lido and got the wet-suit back on. Yes, it was clear water, and yes it wasn’t deep. But I put in 2000m and knew this was all in my head. Race day was a surreal.

I felt nervous, excited, a little sick. As I stood on the bank ready to jump in and start, it almost felt as if I was watching someone else.

The claxon went and there was a rush of adrenaline. Soon, I began to focus, and I began to think of all the love and backing I’ve had from my sponsors. “Put the effort in Matt. You don’t get another chance” was the voice in my head. The swim was over in the blink of an eye, I was out of the water and on my way onto my favoured discipline, the cycle. I settled into a rhythm – I pushed hard. I just hoped I had enough in the tank for the run. In

transition my legs felt like lead.

I sucked up a sugar gel and ran the best I could. When I saw the end and the faces of my loved ones, those pains went and I don’t even remember running down that last parade.

It felt like I flew. I finished 9th out of 527 over the weekend.

I was shocked, surprised, delighted, but bursting with emotion. This was my way of saying goodbye to Pete in my own way. I hope I have done him and Isabel Hospice proud.

Inspired by Matt?

We hope so!

To join Team Isabel and take on a challenge, call Megan Sparrey on 01707 382544.

Our Amazing Nurses!

Reet, Matt’s Mum said “Without Nurse Julia, things would have been so much worse. Pete was referred to her with stage 4 cancer and was in a great deal of uncontrolled pain. She took care to listen and took on board the fact that he had never been ‘ill’ in his adult life so did not have an understanding of the various medications. She explained things in a way to enable Pete to grasp everything.”

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For more information go to www. isablehospice.org.uk/events NOVEMBER 3rd November - Christmas Market Hatfield House, The Riding Stables, Hatfield Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Conservatives.

Entrance is £2. 10.30 am - 4.30 pm. Huge variety of festive stalls. Isabel Hospice have a stall selling Christmas cards 3rd November - Jumble Sale Thundridge Village Hall, SG12 0TU 2pm entry and 20 entry fee.

Great bargains to be had.

3rd November - Chairman’s Rock & Roll Night Memorial Hall, Sawbridgeworth. This promises to be a fun evening of 50s, 60’s and 70’s music by 5% Volume, a band run by ex-Kinks member John Dalton. Expect all the old Kinks tunes and many more hits! £12 per person from EHDC Chairman, keith.warnell@eastherts.gov.uk / 07427 646311.

17th November - Hatfield Lights of Love The Galleria. See back page.

17th November - Ware Lights of Love Van Hage, Great Amwell. See back page 17th November - Sawbridgeworth Lights of Love Bakers Walk, Bell Street. See back page 21st November - Christmas at The Manor The Manor of Groves, High Wych, Sawbridgeworth A Christmas Fair and lunch in this lovely venue.

Tickets £40 each including coffee on arrival and two course lunch. Book a table with friends and enjoy shopping at the stalls selling fashion, Christmas gifts, jewellery and Christmas goodies.

Bar open all day. This popular event will be a perfect day out in the run up to Christmas.

For tickets contact Barbara Doherty 01279 842140 / barbara@thedohertys or Suzanne Coleman rdsjcoleman@ gmail.com / 01438798869.

23rd November - A Christmas Night at The Musicals Thalian Hall, 64 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1JR. Welwyn Thalians present this fun night. Doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm. Get your family together and join us for this heartwarming musical! Tickets cost £16 and include a fish and chip supper! Please call Jan Leggetter 01438 716079.

24th November - Welwyn Garden City Lights of Love The Green, outside Campus West. See back page 30th November - Buntingford Lights of Love The Manor House, High Street. See back page

DECEMBER 1st December - Cheshunt Lights of Love Halsey Masonic Hall, Turners Hill, Cheshunt. See back page 1st December - Hertford Lights of Love Hertford Castle, Hertford. See back page 2nd December - Bishop’s Stortford Lights of Love Market Place, Bishop’sStortford. See back page 9th December - Festive 5 Stanborough Green, Welwyn Garden City Garden City Runners are hosting their annual Festive 5 event. This is a local friendly 5 mile route through the town where you can dress up, pop on a Santa hat and join in the fun! Working in partnership with Isabel Hospice, we would love you to sign up and raise sponsorship!

Just £6 as a member of an affiliated running club or £8 for unaffiliated runners. Over 18’s only.

Sign up at www.gardencityrunners.org.uk 18th December - Carols in the Chapel Haileybury College Chapel, Hertford Heath. Join us for a wonderful evening of carols in the beautiful candlelit chapel at the prestigious Haileybury, the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. This year, Ware Choral will be performing and we will be inviting the audience to sing along to their favourite Christmas Carols. They’ll be festive refreshments and a chance to win a luxury Christmas hamper with the lucky winner to be announced on the night!

Tickets www.isabelhospice.org.uk/carolsinthechapel

JANUARY 26th January - Jumble Sale Thundridge Village Hall, SG12 0TU. 2pm entry and £20 entry fee.

Great bargains to be had.

MARCH 29th March - An Evening with “Sporting Legends” Tythe Barn Tewin, Bury Farm Welwyn. Two course Dinner and speakers in this fabulous venue. Full details from Barbara Doherty 01279 842140 email: barbara@thedohertys.info

May 2nd May 2019 - Spring Golf Day Panshanger Golf Club Welwyn Garden City. A great day of golf and hospitality in the refurbished “The View” suite. Further details Barbara Doherty 01279 842140 barbara@thedohertys.info

Tribute to Michael Freeman It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Michael Freeman, Isabel Hospice Chairman of Trustees, 2006-2011.

Michael was appointed a Trustee of Isabel Hospice in 2002 and served as Chairman of Trustees for 5 years. It was obvious from the beginning of his involvement with Isabel Hospice that Michael would be a trusted and dedicated supporter of the Hospice, and so this proved to be over the years that followed.

Michael was a modest man, diligent and thorough, but kind and supportive to staff and volunteers, he knew them all by name and was adept at finding out about their lives and interests. His special interests of football, gardening, and in particular his allotment, made him good company and fun to be alongside.

After Michael was diagnosed with cancer he was still able to enjoy his beautiful garden at home in Watton at Stone. It was an honour to have known and worked with Michael, and for the Hospice to have been able to care for him in his last days. The thoughts of all at Isabel Hospice are with Debra, his wife and his many close friends.”

Barbara Doherty

Isabel Hospice President

Children in Need come up trumps In July we were thrilled to hear that our application to BBC Children in Need was successful! The funding will be used to continue the valuable work already being done in the Children’s Service and help towards a further Children’s Service Counsellor post to support in 1-1 support, Children and Teen Support (CATS) groups, therapeutic teen groups and activity work.

The generous award will cover 3 years of funding and is an amazing £117,269 in total!

In eastern Hertfordshire, an estimated 195 children have a parent die each year, with 1,245 children experiencing bereavement of a parent or sibling during their childhood. The Isabel Hospice Children’s Service supports bereaved children through oneto-one sessions, age-appropriate group work, social events, and art and drama activities. The Isabel Children’s Service accepts referrals from the Hospice teams of children who are facing an impending loss of a close relative or have already been bereaved. Isabel Hospice also

supports children from across the whole of Hertfordshire who have been bereaved by suicide, sudden and unexpected death or accident.

Children who have been bereaved experience a range of issues. Some of these become evident quickly – like sadness, anger and isolation.

Others become apparent as the child begins to understand the fuller implications of their loss, and their school work, attendance and behaviour may deteriorate. No two children experience bereavement in the same way.

Our CATS service helps children communicate with their families, managing their feelings and emotions allowing them to express them appropriately and in group sessions to meet other young people in similar situations.

It is fantastic that Children in Need have recognised our work for Children and Teenagers and through their generous grant enabling us to grow our service to reach more children.”

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At the Lights of Love ceremonies the lights on the trees are symbolic in remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones at this special time of year.

Each ceremony has a Book of Love, in which the names of loved ones are entered.

The book can be viewed at the ceremony, and then will be on display at the nearest Isabel Hospice shop until the beginning of January.

Lights of Love 2018

Hatfield The Galleria Shopping Centre Saturday 17th November at 4pm

Join us to remember someone special this Christmas and make a dedication in their name

Sawbridgeworth Bakers Walk, Bell Street Saturday 17th November at 4pm

Ware Van Hage Garden Centre Saturday 17th November at 5.30pm

Welwyn Garden City The Green, Campus West Saturday 24th November at 4pm

Buntingford The Manor House Friday 30th November at 6pm

Hertford Hertford Castle Saturday 1st December at 4pm

Cheshunt Halsey Masonic Centre Saturday 1st December at 4pm

Bishop’s Stortford

Fill in the form below, or make your dedication online at:

Market Square Sunday 2rd December at 4pm

isabelhospice.org.uk/bookoflove

Your Lights of Love Dedication Form 1

Your details

Title*

Donation details

4

First Name*

Surname*

Will you help Isabel Hospice provide vital care and support to East Hertfordshire families this Christmas?

Home Address*

Yes, I would like to make a donation of

Postcode*

£28

£36

£50

Other £

towards your ongoing work with patients and their families Telephone

Email *mandatory fields

2

Your Dedication

I enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to ‘Isabel Hospice’ OR

Campaign code

Please debit my credit/debit card (please delete as appropriate)

Dedication from:

Name on Card

I/We wish to make a dedication in memory of (please write full name in capitals)

Card No

1.

Expiry Date

2.

Gift Aid

5

3.

Security Code If you are a UK taxpayer, you can boost your donation by 25p for every £1 you donate. Please tick and date the box below.

I am a UK taxpayer. Please treat all donations I make or have made to Isabel Hospice for the past 4 years as Gift Aid declarations until further notice.

4.

Please remember to check that the spelling of your loved ones’ name is correct before you submit your dedications

Your relationship to those being remembered: Your connection to Isabel Hospice:

guest(s)

No, I am unable to attend but please do include my loved one(s) in the Book of Love at my chosen ceremony I am unsure at present

6

And finally, don’t miss out.

Help us continue to help people live well for as long as possible. Hear about how we do this, our fundraising campaigns and how you can support us to care for those with a life-limiting condition. Would you like to hear from us by:

On the day Yes, I will be attending with

Please let us know if you want to cancel this declaration, change your home address or no longer pay sufficient tax.

Date of declaration (dd/mm/yyyy)

Love I would like my loved one(s) to be remembered and honoured in the Book of Love showing in the town of:

3

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.

Email

Yes

No

Post

Yes

No

Text message

Yes

No

Phone call

Yes

No

Your details are safe with us! We will never share them with anyone else.

Check out our notice on our website for further information: isabelhospice.org.uk/privacy

Thank you for your dedication. Pop it in the pre-paid envelope and return to Isabel Hospice