Isabel Hospice Care News Spring 2023

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Tree-mendous response to recycling campaign

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MP visits IPU to hand over £3.6k donation

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End-of-life care is a lesson in love

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Claire’s story

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Gardening helps resilient volunteer blossom

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Award-winning compassion

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12 mountains, 12 months, 1 great cause

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Ready, set... fundraise!

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Green initiative wins gold

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Our top tips for shopping preloved

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Become a regular giver

From all of us at Isabel, thank you for your incredible support.

Tree-mendous response to recycling campaign

We wrapped up our annual Christmas tree recycling service back in January – raising £17,235 in the process.

Twelve local businesses supported by an army of volunteers collected a total of 1,200 trees over the course of one week, offering householders the chance to dispose of their trees in an environmentally-friendly way while supporting a good cause.

Our head of fundraising, Katy O’Sullivan, said: “We’re so grateful that our Tree-cyling initiative was so well supported again this year, helping to get our 2023 fundraising off to a fantastic start.”

Our grateful thanks to all you who decided to recycle your tree with us, the dedicated volunteers who distributed leaflets and posters to promote the scheme and the local companies who offered their time and services to collect and chip the trees for us. This project would not have been possible without this huge joint effort

The firms that took part this year were:

Mark Walker Grounds

Maintenance, Welwyn Garden City

Brian Robson Coachworks Ltd, Welwyn Garden City

N.R Rubbish, Hatfield

Cromerhyde Farm, Hatfield

Ace of Trees, Stevenage Slaters Trees, Hoddesdon

AT Bone & Sons Ltd, Hertford

Hatchett Farm, Ware

Pat Taylor Garden Services Ltd, Ware

Glendale Services, Buntingford

Much Hadham Landscapes Ltd,

Much Hadham

Janbor Ltd, Furneux Pelham

If you or your organisation could help Isabel Hospice to collect Christmas trees in January 2024 please get in touch by emailing fundraising@isabelhospice.org.uk

Muddy Mayhem causes a splash

Thank you to those who slipped, scrambled and slid their way around our Muddy Mayhem obstacle course at the beautiful Woodhall Estate in Watton-at-Stone in March. Thanks to your fundraising efforts we are on track to raise £10,000 for the Hospice, which we think is muddy marvellous!

Welcome to the Spring edition of Care News

As we welcome the Spring season, we are reminded of the renewal and growth that come with this time of year. As the flowers begin to bloom, and the days grow longer, we at the Hospice are invigorated by the fresh possibilities of the coming months. However, it’s important to recognise that this can be a difficult time of year for those living with a lifelimiting illness. As the world around us bursts into new life, it can be a painful reminder of what we no longer have, or what we may be losing. We understand this, and that’s why we are here to provide comfort, support and care to those in need of it, all year round.

Our dedicated team continues to provide our compassionate care to our patients, and the people who love them, supporting them to live well for as long as possible. This would not be achievable without the many ways you contribute to our work, and we are forever grateful for the unwavering support of our community. All that we do is thanks to you.

As we look forward to the lighter months, we are committed to our vision of outstanding palliative care for all. And as nature reawakens from the long winter, we are reminded of the resilience and strength that can be found in even the most difficult circumstances.

MP visits IPU to hand over £3.6k donation

Grant Shapps, the MP for Welwyn Hatfield, got to see first-hand how we are providing exceptional care for families within his constituency.

Mr Shapps, the former Home Secretary and now Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, met with our CEO Helen Glenister and clinical team during a visit to present the proceeds of a Christmas market at Hatfield Park organised by the Welwyn Hatfield Conservatives last November.

This generous donation of £3,647 raised will go a long way in supporting our mission of providing comfort and care to those in need.

We are incredibly grateful to the local councils and trust funds for the grants we have received in 2022/23. These include:  Welwyn Hatfield Council – Community and Warm Spaces

Grant • Hertfordshire Community Foundation – Workforce Development Grant

• Hertfordshire County Council – People and Community Wellbeing Team

• North Mymms Parish Council

• Gardening with Disabilities

• East Herts District Council

• The Annadale Charitable Trust

With warmest wishes

Helen Glenister

Marathon runners are raring to go!

Good Luck to our ‘Team Isabel’ runners who are taking part in the Brighton Marathon, London Landmarks Half Marathon and the London Marathon throughout April.

If you fancy following in their footsteps, then please get in touch to register your interest for these events in 2024 by emailing fundraising@isabelhospice.org.uk

A huge thank you to the Ware Joggers for raising an amazing £2,266. Thank you very much for your incredible efforts.

Jump in June!

Take on a skydive this June and experience the thrill of free-falling from 12,000ft whilst raising money for Isabel Hospice. We have various locations and dates available so jump to it! Please email fundraising@isabelhospice.org.uk for more information.

CEO, Isabel Hospice

End-of-life care is a lesson in love

In January, we brought together some of the world’s leading palliative care experts for our first-ever conference, Mind Over Matter.

Our virtual event explored how healthcare professionals can better support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients facing the end-of-life and was attended by more than 200 delegates from across the globe, including New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.

Mind Over Matter was organised by our Education team, which delivers a wide-ranging programme of palliative and end-of-life care training designed for health and social care workers in the NHS, nursing homes, community teams and acute care settings. The team is headed by our Learning, Development and Education lead Nicky Wood.

Nicky joined Isabel Hospice as a staff nurse in our In-patient Unit almost 26 years ago before being promoted to sister a year into the post.

“I loved working on the unit and the team were like my family. We looked after each other and through laughter, tears and finding joy in the small things, every day was different.”

Nicky was later seconded to the Community team and shortly afterwards became a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), working in the community for about 10 years.

“I didn’t think I’d like it as you had to work more autonomously, but it transpired that I loved it! The team, patients and their families really gave me the motivation to do the best I could for them. Seeing families torn apart was very hard, but all I could do was to try to bring them support at such awfully tough times.

“During my time as a CNS, I did a lot of teaching to community teams. As a result, I was offered a secondment into the Education team. Again, I said I wouldn’t stay as I loved my job as a nurse specialist, but it turned out to be a revelation for me. I loved that I was always learning from others and their experience.”

Nicky worked as a lecture practitioner and that led to her current role as our Learning, Development and Education (LDE) lead.

“We deliver a lot of training both externally and internally and I have a small dedicated team who really go above and beyond to ensure we provide the education support our teams need. Our aim at Isabel Hospice is outstanding palliative care for all, and through LDE we support this aim.

“One of my driving interests is around providing psychological care for our patients and their families, creating that safe space to be. As a result, we were really proud to run our first conference, Mind Over Matter, exploring the psychological support provided to our patients, their families and ourselves too. We had over 200 people attend and it was so exciting to have such an amazing line-up of speakers.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Nicky Wood Learning, Education and Development Lead

“So, although I have remained at Isabel for more than 20 years, I have never stood still. In the past few years, I have gained my Masters in Advanced Palliative Care and done a PGcert in higher education. I still try to work clinically as well, which is really important to me. I love working at the Hospice, I feel like this place is in my blood and I passionately care about the people I work with, but also what we do for our community.”

The team, patients and their families really gave me the motivation to do the best I could for them.

Claire’s story

Our Living Well with Isabel approach provides support for patients, and the people who love them, to adjust to the changes that come when someone has been diagnosed with a life-limiting or terminal condition.

Our team of specialist nurses and therapists are here to help patients manage the changes in their lives, enabling them to remain independent for as long as possible and to focus on the things that are meaningful to them.

Shortly before she died in December 2022, primary and secondary school teacher Claire Newman shared how our Living Well team were helping her savour some of life’s sweeter moments by helping her find the confidence to overcome some of the challenges of living with cancer. Without the generosity of our supporters, who through their donations enable us to enhance the palliative and end-of-life care services we are able to offer, this simply wouldn’t be possible.

The 49-year-old married mum-of-three, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2021, was referred to our Living Well with Isabel team by her consultant at the Royal Free Hospital after deciding against a second round of chemotherapy.

“I spoke to the Hospice team and was offered the eight-week wellbeing course and, I remember thinking at the time, is it worth it, or is it too late?” she said. “But I was persuaded to go along and give it a go, and actually it was the right decision.”

Our wellbeing sessions, held at our Living Well hubs in Welwyn Garden City, Waltham Cross and Bishop’s Stortford, cover a range of emotional, physical, social and spiritual issues, or anything else that is impacting on someone’s health and wellbeing. They include clinical and therapeutic interventions as well as creative therapies, such as adapted Tai Chi, horticulture and art therapy. Discussions are also had around symptom management, practical issues, advance care planning and more.

Claire said: “I really love crafts and gardening, so that aspect of the course I enjoyed. It was absorbing and a great opportunity to focus on something, but also have conversations with other patients at the same time. Although we were all focused on the activity, we were able to share our experiences, which is really valuable.

“Remarkably, someone I know also attended, and we both appreciated the chance to be emotionally honest with somebody who was walking a similar path. There was concern for our children and how they were coping with everything that was going on, and the sense that you’re not the only one going through these struggles. It doesn’t make it any easier that other people are going through the same, but if one of us was struggling on a particular day, then the other one could be supportive and sympathetic.”

She continued: “From the practical side of things, to have information so readily available from [Senior Staff Nurses] Gail and Sarah was so helpful. To have access to their expertise on a weekly basis was incredibly reassuring.

“When you’re ill you can be so up and down; you have good days, and not so good days. There have been times when I’ve been very concerned to leave the house because of some of the more horrible symptoms of my cancer, but we were able to talk about the things that were worrying me and what I could do to prevent certain situations from arising.

“Before, I was hardly going out, but with their help, I’ve been able to go out more. I was able to go to an open air theatre production that I’d been incredibly anxious about thanks to support from the team. It was achievable and I had a really good time.

“It’s given me the confidence to still do some of the things that bring me joy, to do things with my children that otherwise I might not have done, and to remember that life doesn’t have to stop even at this point in my illness.”

Living with a long-term or progressive illness can turn your life upside down. It can prevent you from doing the things that are important to you.

I was offered the eight-week wellbeing course and, I remember thinking is it worth it, or is it too late?

Although we were all focused on the activity, we were able to share our experiences, which is really valuable.

Gardening helps resilient volunteer blossom

Soo Venour has been a gardening volunteer at Isabel Hospice for four years, working alongside fellow volunteers to maintain tranquil green spaces, where our patients can escape from the stresses of their illness and find solace in the beauty of nature. In volunteering, Soo has found community, friendship and a sense of accomplishment, but her journey to becoming a volunteer was a challenging one.

Having been around cancer her entire adult life, Soo witnessed her first cancer-related death at just 17-years-old while working as a nurse in a hospice. Since then, she has lost her father to cancer, has battled cancer herself, and spent three years as the primary caregiver to her father-in-law.

“After we lost my father-in-law, I did an RHS gardening course at Capel Manor,” said Soo. “I was looking for ways to get back out into the community. It is quite testing to care for somebody 24 hours a day for a long period of time, so I was a little bit fragile myself after that, and I needed to do something just for me.”

Prompted by witnessing the excellent hospice care received by a friend, Soo then set about calling Isabel Hospice to see if there were any volunteering opportunities available. When she was informed about volunteering opportunities in the gardens it seemed like a natural fit.

“I think outside space is very important when you’re unwell,” she said. “Seeing all the new growth this time of year certainly gives me a bit of hope for the future. Seeing the first blossom open yesterday really lifted me.” Creating the beautiful gardens has had a positive impact, not only on those we care for, but also on Soo herself. “Volunteering gave me a way of meeting like-minded people who are interested in similar things to me, and who have possibly been through some of the things that I’ve been through over the last few years,” she said. “So it gives you people to talk with as well as you giving something back. You’re gaining something from it.”

Soo’s favourite part of our gardens are the tall, verdant trees “There is a beautiful Acer and there’s always a lot of birds, which is lovely to be around,” she said. But Soo has bigger dreams for the Hospice gardens. “It would be lovely to have a garden room, out there where patients could go out and do counselling, or just sit quietly outside. We could have a greenhouse, so that people could go out during wet weather in the winter. There’s a lot of scope for changing things. But that depends on fundraising.”

Soo would recommend volunteering at Isabel Hospice to anyone. “I’ve always had support, not just from the people involved with the volunteering, but also from the staff,” she said. “They’re always ready with a cup of tea, they’re always ready to have a chat and they always say thank you. They make it very obvious that it’s appreciated that you give your time, and that’s always a nice thing, to be appreciated anywhere in life. It’s a pleasure to do, it makes you feel better about yourself if nothing else.”

There are more volunteering options than you may think. If you have a few hours to spare, why not give us a call to see how your skills and expertise could help us deliver our plans for 2023. Your input can make a huge difference!

Scan the QR code for details of our regular Volunteer Information Sessions, or call Caroline Baynes on 01707 382500 to book your place.

Join our amazing team!

Our award-winning staff are our most valuable asset – and we are always seeking new recruits. If you’re looking for a paid role, we currently have opportunities to join our clinical, retail, fundraising and marketing teams. Check out our current vacancies at isabelhospice.org.uk/careers

Award-winning compassion

Our Compassionate Communities initiative continues to go from strength to strength – and recently scooped a Heart Hertfordshire Hero Award!

Led by Christine Novelli, Kharlie Staves and Debbie Wheeler, the initiative was awarded the Carer Award in recognition of its outstanding work providing support and companionship to people during difficult times.

Compassionate Communities began in 2018 with the launch of Compassionate Neighbours, a project that trains volunteers to offer companionship to people who are struggling with loneliness and social isolation.

Today, the initiative incorporates several other projects, including our regular Compassionate Cafes and social support groups that offer a safe and welcoming space for individuals to share a cuppa and make new friends, Grief Encounters, a six-week bereavement peer support course, and Start the Conversation, which aims to open up discussions about death and dying.

On winning the award, Christine said: “We were thrilled to receive this award, but a huge thank you needs to go to our trained Compassionate Neighbours, who offer their time and friendship to those who are lonely in our communities.

“We know that end-of-life issues are really hard, but it makes such a difference knowing you are not on your own.”

The support that’s provided through initiatives like Compassionate Communities can make all the difference in the lives of those who are struggling with loneliness or coping with loss. Which is why we are so thankful for the continued generosity of our supporters who help fund this invaluable work.

Christine added: “Compassionate Communities is an example of how small actions can have a big impact. By providing companionship, support and a safe space for open discussion, the initiative is contributing to a more compassionate and caring community.

“Our Heart Hertfordshire Hero Award recognises the significant impact of these efforts, and we hope Compassionate Communities will continue to inspire and support others in our community.”

Compassionate Communities

Compassionate Neighbours Training

9.30am-5pm – Living Well Hub, WGC, AL7 4PH

Friday 21st April, Saturday 20th May, Friday 21st July, Friday 18th August

10am-5pm – Tesco Community Room, Brookfields, Cheshunt

Thursday 22nd June

Grief Encounters – 10.30am-12noon

WGC – Living Well Hub, Hall Grove, AL7 4PH

Mondays, 15th May – 26th June

Mondays, 3rd July – 7th August

Bishops Stortford – Methodist Church, High Street, CM23 3AG

Wednesdays, 26th April – 31st May

Wednesdays, 19th July – 16th August

Hoddesdon – Hoddesdon Parish Church, Paul’s Lane, EN11 8TR

New course Thursdays 20th April –31st May (no session 11th May)

Start The Conversation Workshops

Monday 24th April, 6-8pm

Tuesday 23rd May, 2-4pm

Thursday 22nd June, 10.30am-12.30pm

Tuesday 26th July, 6-8pm

For more information please visit starttheconversationtoday.org.uk

Weekly Compassionate Cafes

Parish Centre, Hall Grove, WGC, AL7 4PJ Tuesdays 11am-1pm

The Methodist Church, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3AG

Wednesdays 10.30am-12.30pm

St Josephs Parish Centre, Eleanor Road, Waltham Cross, EN8 7DP Wednesdays 11am-1pm

If you would like to attend any of the above please contact christine.novelli@isabelhospice.org.uk

Have you got time in your life for a new friend? Find out how you can help us support more people by coming along to our next Volunteer Information Session on 27th April at Living Well Community Hub, Hall Grove, Welwyn

Garden City, AL7 4PH. We would love to see you there!

12 mountains, 12 months, 1 great cause

All of us here at the Hospice are in awe of Janice Penman, our Interim Head of Community Services, who has set herself the monumental challenge of conquering 12 mountains in 12 months in aid of our charity.

Janice was inspired into action to mark 20 years of working for the Hospice, but also following a health scare last summer which she said has given her even greater empathy for what those she cares for go through after being diagnosed with a long-term or progressive illness.

Every climb she undertakes will be in celebration or memory of someone, or something special, which has inspired not only some of her friends and colleagues to join her on some of her expeditions, but also the relatives of her former patients.

In January, she completed her first climb when she scaled Moel Siabod – the highest peak in North Wales’ Moelwynion mountain range standing at 2,861ft above sea level.

“By the time I reached the top, I was wearing all of the layers from my rucksack as there was still snow and ice from the previous cold spell in December,” she said. “As I walked, I reflected on my time at Isabel Hospice. I consider myself very lucky to have worked for the same organisation for this length of time, and to be part of the growth and development of Isabel Hospice, where I have had lots of opportunities for my self-development.

“One of the best things about working for Isabel Hospice has been working with such lovely colleagues as everyone who works for this organisation is truly amazing. But the best part, without a doubt, is the patients and families that we support. Working in specialist palliative care can be emotionally challenging at times, but being able to support people at such a difficult time in their life and make a difference is such a privilege.”

Next up was February’s climb to the top of Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest peak in South Wales, standing at 2,907ft above sea level, which Janice dedicated to the administrative staff at Isabel Hospice.

“I wanted to dedicate my second climb to all our wonderful administrators,” she said. “These dedicated staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the clinical team and without their support and commitment we wouldn’t be able to do our job.

“I especially want to thank Karen Potter, the administrator for our Clinical Nurse Specialists and the Hospice at Home team, and Penny Fanthorpe, our Governance and SystemOne co-ordinator, as they have both been a huge support to me during my time at Isabel. And I never could have climbed up to Pen Y Fan without Penny – especially as her name is so similar to the name of the mountain!.”

For March’s climb to the summit of Cadair Idris, which lies at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park, Janice was joined by Hospice at Home nurse Rachel Wisby. While on April’s trek to the top of Mount Snowdon, she was joined by Danielle Scripps, the wife of Andrew Scripps, who Janice and her team cared for last year.

We wish Janice the best of luck as she continues her epic endeavour –and if you would like to help boost her fundraising, you can visit her JustGiving page. Scan the QR code or go to justgiving.com/page/janice-penman-2023

By the time I reached the top, I was wearing all of the layers from my rucksack

Ready, set... fundraise!

A group of women introduced to each other by Isabel Hospice are hoping to put the ‘fun’ into fundraising by forming a new group in aid of the charity.

The nine new friends – Nash Davies, Jane Francis, Keeley Grice, George Hofer, Carol Newland, Janine Napolitano, Gillian O’Gorman, Jac Squire and Emma Wood – came together at the beginning of the year and are already planning their first event – a sponsored walk suitable for the whole family.

Taking place on Sunday 21st May, it will follow Welwyn Garden City’s 12.5-mile Centenary Circular Walk, taking in the local countryside and many of the town’s historical points of interest, such as Mill Green Museum, Brocket Hall, Lemsford Mill, Stanborough Lakes and the Digswell viaduct.

Gillian said each member of the group is making time to focus on charitable endeavours, and all had been touched by the work of Isabel Hospice.

She added: “We all love the outdoors and have active lifestyles and expect to make our events fun and informal. For our first event, we hope to encourage people to come out and have fun while supporting such a brilliant local cause.”

Walk Details

Starting line will be at the central event hub at Digswell Playing Field. Walkers are welcome to join the route here or at their nearest entry point when it sets off at 10am.

The route is predominantly on public footpaths that are suitable for sturdy prams and pushchairs. It will be fully signposted and marshalled.

Complimentary refreshments available at Digswell Playing Field as well as an ice cream van, barbecue and more where donations will be accepted.

There will be a halfway refreshment stop offering drinks and snacks at Hatfield and Crusaders Cricket Ground. There will also be a scavenger hunt for younger walkers with activities en route to challenge each child’s observation skills. Entry is £10 per person, or £20 for a family. Dogs are welcome. All walkers are encouraged to collect sponsorship.

For further details scan the QR code or visit isabelhospice.org.uk/ events/welwyn-gardencity-centenary-walk

Isabel supporter wins big

Lady Luck was smiling down on one of our longtime supporters when she won £2,000 by playing the Local Hospice Lottery – and then generously donated £100 of her winnings back to Isabel!

The lucky winner said: “I am so happy to continue to support such a good cause and obviously thrilled to have won. Myself and my lovely husband will use the money to fulfil a long-term dream of attending an outdoor opera in Verona, Italy.”

Profits from the Local Hospice Lottery help cover our running costs and provide a regular stream of income we can rely on receiving, each and every month. This not only helps us provide our essential care and support to local families in need, but allows us to plan and develop our services for the future.

Playing the Local Hospice Lottery gives you the chance to win £2,000 every week, along with 200 other cash prizes. You can also participate in rollovers that reach as high as £25,000!

And that’s not all. Players are also automatically entered into Super Draws every March, September and December, with an additional guaranteed top prize of £10,000. By joining the Local Hospice Lottery for just £1 per entry, it’s a little bit of fun that can make a big difference to our patients.

Feeling lucky like our recent winner?

Simply freephone 0800 316 0645 or scan the QR code to join today. We hope that luck is on your side!

Green initiative wins gold

We were thrilled when our Tonnes of Care campaign won the Green Initiative Award at the Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards in recognition of its positive impact on the environment as well as its contribution to the local community.

Tonnes of Care was launched a year ago to encourage local businesses and individuals to donate unwanted or unused items, which we then sell in our charity shops to help fund our care. By reusing and recycling these items, our supporters help reduce waste and promote sustainability whilst generating vital income and awareness for the Hospice.

Winning the award is a significant achievement and testament to the hard work and dedication of our retail staff and volunteers who have helped make Tonnes of Care such a success over the past 12 months. It also highlights the importance of sustainability and the role charities like ours play in promoting eco-friendly practices.

Tonnes of Care donation days near you...

Bishop’s

Club

Are you a conscientious responsible business? We would love it if you would nominate your venue as one of our monthly donation points and invite your staff and the public to drop off their unwanted goods. You could even request donation boxes for your office or facilities, for us to pick up when full. For more information on becoming a Tonnes of Care partner, email chris.sergides@isabelhospice.org.uk

Journey of a donation

It all starts with you. The generosity of donating items you no longer need to want, to Isabel Hospice is the start of making a difference. From having a positive impact in your community to helping save your planet. All you have to do is…

Since April 2022:

1,946,940

72,286 items saved from landfill

Thank you to our Tonnes of Care partners who have recently made donations:

Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell

Chapman Ventilation Ltd, Welwyn Garden City

Aurora Managed Services Ltd, Hertford

Thickbroom Chartered Accountants, Waltham Cross

Fishpools, Waltham Cross

STEP 1 Have a spring clear out STEP 2 Box up your good quality donations and drop them off to your local Isabel Hospice donation point

Our top tips for shopping preloved

Shopping in charity shops is a time-old tradition, but it seems finally that the rest of the world is catching up to the fact that slow fashion is always in style.

Shopping at Isabel Hospice can not only lead to fantastic finds at a fraction of the cost, but also helps prevent items from unnecessarily ending up in landfill – all while supporting an incredible cause that helps people in your community. For those of you who may be less familiar with buying preloved, here are our top tips to get you started:

1 Keep an open mind. While it’s good to have an idea of what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to keep an open mind and explore different sections of the shop. You never know what hidden treasures you might find. Being open to new possibilities can lead to some fantastic discoveries.

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2 Take your time. Shopping in charity shops can be a bit like a treasure hunt and it can take time to come across something that catches your eye. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for straight away and be prepared to browse.

3 Love your local. The staff and volunteers at charity shops can be a great resource for finding the best items in the shop. They have more knowledge than anyone and may know when new stock is coming in, or be able to direct you to items that fit your style or interests.

Shop Online. Marketplaces like eBay are a treasure trove of unique finds. Browse from home and have your pick of items that you might not find in your local charity shop. Check out our eBay store for a selection of quality items at affordable prices. Visit: ebay.co.uk/str/ isabelhospiceshop

5 Give back. Finally, remember that when you shop in charity shops, you’re supporting a good cause. Don’t forget to give back by donating your own unwanted items, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word about the great work of Isabel Hospice within the community.

Cheers to our can collectors!

Huge thanks to Jeremy Waldron and Ann Hardy, who organised our yellow can collections in 2022. Just under £3,000 was generated thanks to the generosity of shoppers at Asda in Ware, Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell and Hertford’s Tesco. Thank you also to our wonderful volunteer collectors.

Could you place a collection box in your local area for us? Or help at our collections in June and December? If you feel you can assist, please email our Fundraising team at fundraising@isabelhospice.org.uk

STEP 3

Your donations will be sorted and dispatched for sale in our shops or online via our eBay store.

STEP 4

Donations, once purchased will find get a new lease of life in a new home instead of ending up in landfill.

STEP 5

All profits from the sale of your donations will go towards providing outstanding palliative care in our community. £28 could pay for one hour of nursing care within our In-Patient Unit.

Become a regular giver

At Isabel Hospice, we believe everyone deserves compassionate care and support during difficult times, and we rely on the generosity of our supporters to make that possible.

That’s why we are asking you to consider becoming a regular giver. By making a monthly donation, you can help us plan for the future and provide essential care and support to those who rely on us in times of need.

Becoming a regular giver couldn’t be simpler. Once you sign up, your monthly donation will be automatically processed, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to do it. You can choose the amount you want to give, and even a small monthly commitment can make a big impact in the lives of those we support.

Your regular gift will help us provide the best possible care, support and comfort to patients and their loved ones today, tomorrow and in the future. Thank you.

ISABEL EVENTS

Spring 2023

KINGS CROSS CLASSIC CAR BOOT SALE

15th & 16th April

We’ll be selling all things vintage from our Isabel stall in the charity supermarket zone of this fabulous event celebrating classic and slow fashion.

FLOWERS MY WAY WITH DAVID THOMSON

20th April

Floral demonstration followed by afternoon tea.

WELWYN GARDEN CITY CENTENARY WALK  21st May

A 12.5-mile sponsored walk organised by our new Fundraising Committee.

T THE PETITE PROM GOES TO THE MOVIES  July

An open-air concert featuring music inspired by Hollywood performed by professional singers Emily Estelle, Marina man and Tim Rogers.

GARDEN PARTY

Experience the thrill of free-falling from 12,000ft whilst raising money for local hospice care.

CHARITY GOLF DAY  8th June

Join us on the green for a day of golfing at the awardwinning Brickendon Grange Golf Club.

Stalls and music hosted by David and Suzy Harvey at their home, Wickham Hall.

Autumn 2023

LONDON TO BRIGHTON CYCLE RIDE

10th September

Join Team Isabel for this iconic 54-mile ride linking these two great cities.

You can find details of all of these events and more at isabelhospice.org.uk/events