Winter Newsletter 2017

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Volunteering the hapiness effect

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Our promise to you

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Top tips for charity shop shopping

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Fancy a challenge?

Ladies Midnight Walk

Page 10 Celebrate your good times

Winter 2017

turning Wrexham pink for more than ten years

Put your best foot forward for our Midnight Walk!

A sea of pink is expected to take over the streets of Wrexham on the 17th June.

In a blaze of glitter, flashing bunny ears and tutus, women from across North Wales will unite for Nightingale House’s annual Ladies Midnight Walk.

As one of the most popular events in the Hospice calendar, the Ladies Midnight Walk encourages walkers of all ages and abilities to tackle a 6k or 10k route through the town, starting at Llwyn Isaf, Wrexham at 10.30pm.

The annual walk has raised thousands of pounds over the years for us and this year we hope women will join in more than ever.

You will follow a circular route around Wrexham before being welcomed back to the finish with a hot drink and a sweet treat! Toilets will be provided at the start/finish and also at our Rhosnesni Lane store at around 5k.

Prior to lining up for the starting klaxon, the event will kick off with music, dancing and the chance to get glittery. With the walkers decked out in dayglo pink and flashing headgear, it looks like a street party – and it’s certainly just as much fun!

However, the event also has a serious purpose: it is an essential way for Nightingale House to raise funds for the vital services we offer here at the Hospice.

Registration for the Midnight Walk closes on Friday 2nd June 2017. Early bird registration costs just £12 but you must sign up before the 28th April. Registration after the 28th April will cost £15. To celebrate your place, you will receive a special Midnight Walk souvenir t-shirt and a high five or two on completion of the walk.

To book you place, visit www.nightingalehouse.co.uk.

If you are unable to walk but would love to be involved Nightingale House are also looking for volunteers to help us on the night either with registration or marshalling.

Banish those winter blues There is no doubt that winter can be a cold and wet season. Give thanks for cosy afternoons spent with friends at Caffi Cwtch.

Join us here on Chester Road, Wrexham Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and enjoy our heart-warming, homemade delights.

Happiness is a good cup of coffee!

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To all members of the Nightingale House

‘Volunteer Army.’

Have we told you recently that you are worth your weight in gold?

Year on year, you show yourselves to be incredible people and 2016 was no exception.

You gave us more than 70,000 hours of your precious time and raised more than £12,000 in bag packing alone!

You are the people that help us with every aspect of our organisation and every cog is so important to the wheel that keeps us rolling. You continuously answer our (many) calls for action and sign up whenever we ask, without question. We are so grateful that you choose to share your time, talents, and enthusiasm with us So to everyone who is part of our Volunteer Army, we want to say a big thank you.

Thank you for all that you do for us. Thank you for continually being there for us. We couldn’t continue without you.

Thanks to our hardworking volunteers

Volunteering:

The happiness effect It is well documented that volunteering helps to boost happiness, health and general wellbeing. A study into the effects of volunteering on a large group of adults by the London School of Economics shows that the more people volunteer, the happier they become.

The investigations revealed that those who volunteered monthly were seven per cent more likely to be “very happy” than those who did no volunteering. For those who volunteered every two to four months the chances rose to 12 per cent and it went up to 16 per cent for weekly volunteers.

Of course, volunteers at Nightingale House already know this. If you are looking to find volunteering opportunities you could help us in our gardens and kitchen or become a ‘superhero’ in one of our shops. If you want to find out how to boost your CV while having fun, you might want to consider volunteering at Nightingale House.

With Nightingale House, you’ll get something very different from the standard volunteering experience. You’ll get the opportunity of using your skills, hobbies and abilities to have a long-lasting impact on other people’s lives.

You'll bring inspiration, energy and motivation to help us make a difference and you’ll learn a lot on your journey.

Even the smallest volunteering act makes our Hospice strong and resilient and there is, quite literally, a job for everyone.

This New Year, why not make the pledge to volunteer with us and create positive changes for your health, your happiness and your CV?

Do you have a few hours to spare each week? You do? Then come and join our volunteering family here at Nightingale House.

We have volunteer vacancies for every area and skill including: ·

· · · ·

Drivers and mates for distribution centre PAT testers Furniture restorers Bicycle refurbishment Ebay sellers

· IT enthusiasts · Hairdressers · Beauticians · Complementary therapists · Craft enthusiasts · Basic food preparation

· Movie and music buffs · Cafe assistants · Evening receptionists · Weekend receptionists · Shop volunteers · Photographers Flint

Nightingale House Hospice provides specialist palliative care services, completely free of charge, to people across Wrexham, Flintshire, East Denbighshire, the A494 corridor to Barmouth, and the borders, including Oswestry, Ellesmere, Wem and Whitchurch.

Contact

Whitchurch Wrexham

Nightingale House Hospice Chester Road,Wrexham LL11 2SJ Main switchboard: 01978 316800 Income Generation, Fundraising & Media: 01978 314292 Lottery: 01978 313134

facebook.com/nightingalehouse

@nightingaleHH

Bala Wem Barmouth Dolgellau

www.nightingalehouse.co.uk

Wrexham Hospice and Cancer Support Centre Foundation. Registered Charity Number: 1035600. Company Number 2906838. (Registered in England and Wales)

Oswestry

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Steve Parry - Chief Executive Happy New Year and a warm welcome to our first newsletter of 2017.

At the start of a new year we think about what the coming twelve months will bring - the plans we have, the opportunities there will be and the challenges we will strive to overcome. Much has changed since we first opened our doors more than twenty years ago. We have grown considerably in our services and support programmes and we are reaching out to more people than ever before.

As we reflect on the last year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the work of Nightingale House, giving time and funds to help us in our mission. We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of people who choose to volunteer and fundraise with us.

In 2017 we will continue to be at the forefront of Hospice care in North East Wales. We will be looking to build upon the progress made in 2016 and expand upon our provision of specialist palliative care services and support to our patients and their families at a time when they most need it.

We are exploring new initiatives to enable us to deliver outreach services to our patients and this could involve providing care and services at home and out in the community in addition to the Inpatient, Outpatient and Day Care units in Wrexham.

In 2017, we will continue to provide opportunities for people to get involved and help support the hospice– whether through setting up a Tribute Fund, taking part in a challenge, attending an event or giving up their time each week as a volunteer.

Local businesses also have an important role to play and whether they are considering a charity of the year or engaging their staff in fundraising activities, we have a range of ways that they can get involved in corporate giving – whether through time, skills or money.

Whatever the level of the support that you can offer, we look forward to working with you in 2017!

Steve Parry Chief Executive

Your legacy will always make a difference with Nightingale House We owe a particular thanks to those who kindly remember the work of Nightingale House in their Wills, knowing we will ensure their kindness counts after they have gone. Gifts in Wills underpin everything that we do and by leaving a gift to Nightingale House, you can help us to make lasting memories for our patients and their families.

We know that when it comes to making a Will, it is only right that your family and friends should come first. But, that doesn't mean you can't also leave a gift to a cause close to your heart.

Every single gift is vital to Nightingale House, and means that years from now, people who suffer from a life limiting illness have someone to turn to if they’re feeling vulnerable, lonely or scared.

It’s the reassurance that, when the time comes, our support network will be there to help with everyday needs, so people can continue to live with dignity and respect.

That’s why every single gift to Nightingale House is so valuable.

Leaving Nightingale House a gift in your Will is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can support us. It costs nothing during your lifetime but will have a powerful impact for years to come.

Did you know?

Robert Louis Stephenson, author of Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, gave something completely intangible in his will: his own birthday. You see, his friend happened to have a most unfortunate birthday: December 25th. Obviously that birthday is overshadowed every year by Christmas.

So Stephenson added this to his will: Have transferred, and do hereby transfer to the said A. H. Ide, All and Whole of my rights and privileges in the 13th day of November, formerly my birthday, now, hereby, and henceforth, the birthday of the said A. H. Ide

We promise that your gift however large or small will be spent wisely and we will always respect your right to change your mind about leaving a gift in your Will.

Every single gift is vital to Nightingale House

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Our promise to you Your support helps us to bring fulfilment to our patients’ lives and that will always be our priority. We know that you expect us to spend your money wisely and that's why we wanted to share our promise to you: We will always tell you about how you are helping us in our vital work so you know how your money is being spent.

What has Nightingale House done for me?

Jen Cotter has been a day patient with Nightingale House for eighteen months. In this edition of our newsletter, she shares her experience of what Nightingale House has done for her and her family.

“Nightingale House was there for us with help and advice immediately after my diagnosis and, after leaving the clinic with carrier bags full of things I could not pronounce and only the vaguest idea of how to take. Most important at this stage was the help Nightingale House provided in getting things sorted with social services as all I heard was, call your doctor and the practice, call social services. Our thoughts were who can we contact that really might know about how to manage cancer. Nightingale House did and they sorted many things that we had absolutely no idea about.

“As my treatment progressed, they gave us a broad range of support and real, practical help in managing the impact of the condition and its broader implications for myself and my family. The bottom line is learning to manage cancer is a steep learning curve that presents many opportunities for you to fall off and then have to start again. There is a need, particularly for the newly diagnosed, to be brought into a supportive community who have experienced the issues they are likely to face and are able to offer guidance.

“This is how Nightingale House helped us with advice, with balancing the medication and with real support when things had gone wrong. They got me back on track.

“In the wider community, I suspect there is still a misconception that a Hospice is primarily a place to die; I know that the Nightingale House community is much more than this. It is a place that celebrates life and critically, helps those experiencing some very dark times how to do so.”

"Nightingale House is a place that celebrates life"

How we spend your money With so much of our income coming from your fundraising activities and donations, we make showing you where the money is spent a priority. We receive around 80% of our funding from generous supporters. Amazing people like you, who believe in our work, who want to ensure that the Hospice is here for the future supporting as many local people as possible. Let’s not forget our volunteers who donated 70,000 hours of their time last year and saved us more than half a million pounds.

£13 feeds a patient for one day

£22 funds a one hour session of complimentary therapy

£40 funds one of our Release child bereavement sessions

£60 will buy a nurse’s uniform

£500 will fund the ambulance for one month

£1000 funds the hydrotherapy pool for one week

£7,700 will fund the Hospice for a day

We supported local patients and their families

Last year, we carried out more than 5,000 patient appointments at our Inpatient, Outpatient and Daycare units here at the Hospice.

We created special memories x

£25 funds one session of physiotherapy

Last year, thanks to the generous donations of our supporters:

Families come here to make lasting memories. When we talk to our patients they tell us that we make a difference to their experience of living with a terminal illness. We are determined to help them make the most of every minute.

Last year, more than 40% of our patients’ returned home following a stay at the Hospice. We support our patients to stay at home for as long as possible enabling them to create and share precious moments with their families when they are needed most.

Every penny counts Spare change soon mounts up with our Home Money Cube. Hundreds of you already have a Home Money Cube in your house, car or workplace and between you have raised more than £15,000 for us during 2016.

Alternatively, visit us here at the Hospice on Chester Road and drop off your money cube in person. When you return your Money Cube, we will send you a new one by post.

This New Year, why not use your small change to make a big difference and help us turn pennies into pounds?

Every penny really does count and without your continued support, we couldn’t fund the vital work we do here at your local Hospice.

How it works

Keep your new Home Money Cube, enclosed in this newsletter, in your home, in your car or on your desk at work, and drop a few coins in every now and then.

How do I donate?

Donate by post: send a cheque or postal order (made payable to Nightingale House Hospice) to Nightingale House, Income Generation, Chester Road, Wrexham, LL11 2SJ. Remember to quote Home Money Cube and to include a note of your name and address.

A cube full of 20p's will fund one Release session

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Make a promise, deliver a dream If you could make a promise to us, what would it be? Do you love cooking, gardening or dog walking? Do you have an extensive music or memorabilia collection Can you share work or fun life skills?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, you could be an ideal candidate to make a promise pledge in our silent auction this September. An exciting twist on a regular auction, our bidding extravaganza is based solely on donated promises. The more exclusive the promise, the higher the donation.

Everyone can get involved as a bidder or as a promise maker and the more who do, the more winners there are. As a Nightingale House promise pledge maker, you will get to offer something you love doing while playing an active part in helping your local community.

Show your support today. Make a promise, deliver a dream and help us to continue our vital work throughout North Wales.

I can support the Hospice by donating.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Auction of Promises

Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We will contact you within the next few months to arrange details of your promise

It's always time for tea!

Maureen Lipman and Nightingale House team up for tea

What’s brewing?

Like baking the perfect cake, hosting a Nightingale House Tea Party is all about the right ingredients – nice cuppas and naughty cakes, old friends and new faces, bad jokes and good conversation. It's all about having a great time while raising money for a great cause.

Who will I be helping?

By signing up to host a Tea Party, you’ll be helping to provide vital care for people living with a terminal illness. The money you raise will help us to support families across North Wales and the border areas.

When’s the party starting?

Although the Nightingale House Tea Party is kicking off in June, you can still host an event at any time. Watch this space for more information and start planning your perfect tea party today.

Actress, writer and advocate of Hospice care, Maureen Lipman is encouraging supporters to join our summer tea party campaign of Bake. Brew. Pour and Share for Nightingale House. Ms Lipman leads the celebrities giving some fun with every bun for the greatest Tea Party in Wales this June.

Watching all those Bake Off episodes is about to pay off, because we want you to drink endless cups of tea, indulge in thousands of slices of cake and help us raise £25,000 for your local Hospice. You could make Rick Stein’s Sunken Chocolate Cake or Matt Tebbutt’s Monmouth pudding so put the kettle on, get your oven preheated – and have some fun.

Speaking about the upcoming excitement, Ms Lipman said: “Even if you’ve never been in a hospice, you can understand what a blessing it is for people whose lives are shorter than they should be. And their families and other loved ones of course.

“So please have a cup of tea and a cake for me. On one afternoon (or morning) in June, invite everyone you know to bake and bring cakes and share cups of tea while raising money for your local Hospice.”

Where do I sign up?

Contact our lovely Tea Party Team on 01978 314 292 for your free Tea Party pack.

All you have to do is start making some lovely memories with every mix. Come on everyone... Bake, Brew, Pour and Share!

Did you know?

The costliest teabag ever was created for the 75th anniversary of the PG TIPS tea company. The bag was filled with two hundred and eighty diamonds and expensive limited edition tea leaves. The bag cost £7,500 and was auctioned to raise money for a Children's hospital.

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Lottery

Your £1 per week can go a very long way. Last year, our 16,500 Lottery members raised an amazing £480,000 which helped us run the Hospice for 63 days. If you aren’t already a Lottery member, get involved today.

!

Join Our Lottery

and you could win up to £2,500 each week!

I would like to join the Nightingale House Hospice Lottery

Your details Title:

Name:

Address: Postcode: Email: Tel: I confirm that I am over 16 

Signed:

I would like the chance to win £2,500 per week. Please tick the appropriate box.

Monthly Quarterly Six monthly Yearly

   

One number

Two numbers

Three numbers

   

   

   

£4.34 £13 £26 £52

£8.68 £26 £52 £104

£13.02 £39 £78

Join the Nightingale House Hospice Lottery for your chance to win a share of our weekly prize fund of £3,500. It costs just £1 per week! You can also pay by Standing Order - it couldn’t be easier.

Your £1 a week can go a long way. It soon adds up. Playing for 13 weeks (£13) will pay for the meals of a patient for the day. Playing for 26 weeks (£26) will help pay for the Hospice gardens to be maintained.

Playing for 52 weeks (£52) will pay for a Release child bereavement session. Playing for two years (£104) will sponsor the work of a nurse for the day. So join today for your chance to win £2,500 and help the Hospice at the same time.

Return your completed form to: Nightingale House Hospice, Chester Road, Wrexham, LL11 2SJ

£156

Your bank/building society details

Please play responsibly for further information or advice, please visit www.gambleaware.co.uk

Name of bank/building society: Address: Postcode: Account number:

Sort code:

Name of account holder: Signed: Date:

JOIN THE HOSPICE LOTTERY!

Start date of standing order: (To be paid until further notice) You may also pay by cheques, made payable to Nightingale House Lottery Ltd.

EVERYONE’S A WINNER!

Bank use only.

!

Payee Nightingale House Lottery Ltd, Barclays, 50 Hope Street, Wrexham, LL11 1BE. A/C 03784282. Sort Code 20-25-69.

Please quote member no: (Office use only)

Name:

Wrexham Hospice and Cancer Support Centre Foundation Registered Charity Number: 1035600.

(Registered in England and Wales). Nightingale House Lottery Ltd, Company Name: 3139714.

Nightingale House makes one Christmas extra special Nightingale House held a special prize draw on Friday 9th December with the lucky winner walking away with £5,000 just in time for Christmas.

Can we do you a favour?

A unique gift for your wedding guests is a Nightingale House wedding favour.

This would enter your guests into the hospice lottery draw on a Friday of your choice.

Our wedding favours are personalised and cost £2.50 per person for a gift certificate. A chance to win… a way to care.

Each wedding favour is tailored to your own specifications and personalised for your special day. Wedding favours can be used as table settings showing your guest’s name or presented with a keepsake pin for just £3.50 per person.

All we require is a list of your guest names and the date of your wedding.

The competition was a great success with more than £35,000 raised for the Hospice.

Winner of the first prize of £5,000 was Sheila Dixon. Congratulations!

In the shops Donating your unwanted items or shopping at one of our charity shops is a fantastic way of supporting the Hospice. This makes a significant contribution towards the running of the Hospice and supports patient care.

We would like to thank our volunteers who run the shops and everyone who has donated their unwanted clothes, furniture or electrical goods to us and all those who have shopped with us for your support.

Nightingale House opens eleventh shop Two decades after opening its first charity shop Nightingale House has hit a major milestone by launching a new shop taking its total number of stores up to eleven.

From clothing to furniture, Nightingale House’s traditional high-street stores across North Wales have always been fiercely popular with residents and visitors alike.

Now we have secured a new location in Ellsmere to expand our retail empire and ensure more vital funds are being raised for the Hospice. Our new shop will stock everything from womenswear, menswear and childrenswear to accessories, books, homeware and toys all at a fraction of the high street price.

Nightingale House’s Ellsmere store will open the week commencing February 13th.

Our top tips for charity shop shopping 1.

Imagine a piece out of context. Try to see each item as an individual. Stand back and imagine how it would look somewhere really chic.

2. Charity shopping does take a certain amount of commitment. Little and often is the best way. Find out what

day your local charity shops receive their deliveries, so you can get first dibs on the new stock.

3. When you take your new finds home, see where they fit with your newly edited wardrobe. Mix and match to

create new outfits and create a new personal and individual style.

WOW, You Look Great!

Fashion devotees may have found a way to shop stylishly without the guilt of fuelling clothing waste thanks to a new campaign by Nightingale House.

Designed to challenge fashion stereotypes, the new campaign aptly named, Wow, You Look Great will feature women of all ages and of all shapes and sizes to highlight that charity shop fashion can be available for everyone at prices that won’t rival the catwalk.

The concept itself is simple. By using real women and real clothes from Nightingale House charity shops, women across North Wales can build up a new wardrobe and feel good about their individuality without having to head to the big brands for the best fashions.

Don’t abandon that unwanted gift!

Every gift has been lovingly and carefully chosen but what happens if the recipient doesn’t feel the same way?

We have all been there, whether it’s sitting around the Christmas tree with a forced smile or opening an unwanted pair of furry slippers but, if you are left feeling underwhelmed by Father Christmas, do not despair as you can pass on your unused pressies for the benefit of others.

We are asking people to donate unwanted gifts to our stores across North Wales, as money raised from their sale will help provide vital care to people with life limiting illness.

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Meet the WOW, You Look Great models Let us introduce to the women who are ready and raring to show that fashion really is for everyone!

Meredith Isherwood

Age: 23 After battling thyroid cancer last year, Meredith decided to really start living life to the full. She has trekked up mountains, raised hundreds for charity and is now a finalist for Miss Wales.

Elen-Haf Taylor Age: 21 Elen is currently training as an actor in the Liverpool institute of performing arts. As a student, she recognises the ‘treasure trove’ that is charity shop shopping.

Emma Douglas

Age: 28 Emma is civil servant who enjoys doing things for charity. She has an enthusiasm for quirky and creative clothing and enjoys making her own pieces.

Elisha Selman

Age: 14 Elisha is our youngest model. Currently working hard to study for her GCSE’S, Elisha has a passion for photography, dancing and of course, fashion.

Lyndsey Selman Age: 39 As well as a busy Mum to Elisha and Louie, Lynsey juggles her job in catering with her own business making vintage gifts and homewares. She has a passion for fashion and is already a full on devotee of charity shops.

Lauren Burdon

Age: 30 Lauren is the owner of Fidgets Fidos in Wrexham. After losing weight, she wanted to get involved in the WOW, You Look Great campaign to show off her new found empowerment.

Naomi Walker

Age: 42 As a busy Mum, Naomi’s style changes all the time whether she is doing DIY, looking after the family or getting glammed up for a rare night out.

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Trekking for charity is as easy as A to Z A group of charity fundraisers have trekked their way to success through an A to Z of notable landmarks across North Wales.

From Anglesey to the Sea Zoo, twentytwo trekkers comprising of Barclays staff, past and present, plus three members of the Northwich 41 Club walked, cycled and hitched a few train and boat rides, to raise £12,000 for six different charities including Nightingale House Hospice, Wrexham.

Supported by Barclays and the North Wales 41 Clubs, the challenge aimed to cover 263 miles of North Wales in just six days with the team ticking off a landmark for each letter of the alphabet.

"Initially, we set out to raise £12,000 to split between our six chosen charities but the total just went up and up.

I couldn't believe the amount people were donating,” said organiser, Mark Powell.

“Travelling across North Wales was an intense but wonderful experience. We ticked off our A-Z of landmarks exploring coastal paths and mountain trails, building sandcastles and even visiting a Zoo. We walked, rode mountain bikes, sailed on speed boats, travelled on steam trains and drove vintage rally cars. We got soaked, sun burnt, wind blasted and soaked again!

"The support we've had has been overwhelming. Along the way, we called at fifteen Barclays branches that were supporting the chosen charities, up to a maximum of £750 each. Their staff along with the general public helped us to ultimately raise an incredible £15,160 with just over £3,200 going to Nightingale House.”

Do something amazing!

Did you take part in Dry January, sign up to a new gym class or were you simply thinking that 2017 should be your year of adventure? With Nightingale House Hospice, you can make it just that!

We are looking for people to take part in a range of challenge events throughout 2017.

There’s something to suit all ages and abilities and, by challenging yourself, you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of terminally ill people and those closest to them.

North Wales 41 Club completing their A-Z Trek

Hospice champion Abby gets ready to run!

A local architect is set to swap her building designs for running shoes as she prepares to take on the challenge of the London Marathon.

his final days at the Hospice last June and I will never forget all the staff who looked after him. The continuous support from them was amazing.

Abigail Owen (29) from Wrexham has been inspired to take part in the greatest marathon on earth after seeing the care her father, Steven Owen aged 63, received during his final days at a Nightingale House Hospice.

“I want to show my appreciation to such an important place in our community and honour every person who has ever needed their help and support throughout North Wales. Nightingale House really does deserve all the backing they can get, so I would ask everyone to please dig deep and help me reach my goal."

Abigail will be running the gruelling 26.2 mile route in April 2017 to raise cash for Nightingale House and the architect, who works at Cassidy + Ashton in Chester, has committed to raise at least £1,750 for the charity.

She said: “I have always challenged myself with running the London Marathon before I turn 30 and I wanted to do it for Nightingale House as a way of showing my dedication to them.

Abigail Owen gearing up for the London Marathon

“Nightingale House is a charity extremely close to my family’s heart. My Dad spent

If you have been fortunate enough to be allocated your own place in the London Marathon, we would be delighted if you chose to run as part of Team Nightingale.

Every penny will help us care for people across North Wales who are living with end of life conditions. We will support you every step of the way.

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Fancy a challenge? Be a Hospice Hero If you love pulling on your trainers to pound the pavements, then run for us in one of the many sponsored charity events taking place all over the UK. Our personal favourites include the Chester Half Marathon on the 21st May 2017 and the Lake Vernwy Half Marathon on the 21st September 2017.

Maybe obstacles are more your thing? If so, Muddy Mountain in Aberystwyth on Sunday 7th May could be right up your street. Or why not challenge yourself with an experience of a life time with adventures in the Arctic, the Sahara Dessert and beyond? The world is your oyster!

If you prefer staying closer to home to push you to your limits, there’s plenty more for you to get involved in.

You could swim 22 miles, the equivalent of the English Channel, in your local pool with the 'Challenge 22 Swim the Channel ' on Wednesday 22nd February.

The Hospice are also looking for people to get on their bike. Perhaps you’ve always fancied gearing up with fellow cyclists? Now you can, with one of the many cycle races and rides happening in 2017 throughout North Wales and beyond.

You could even take on Ride London the with one of our TEN charity places! Held on the 30th July, the 100mile route is on fully closed roads, taking in parts of the Olympic road race route. It starts in the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follows the closed roads through the capital and onto Surrey’s stunning country roads and hills.

We rely on people like you supporting us through fundraising activities, like challenge events. By taking on a challenge for Nightingale House, you’re helping to ensure that we can be there to help our patients make every moment count.

So why not join Team Nightingale and become a Hospice Hero for terminally ill people in North Wales. We will help you out every step of the way.

What will you get as part of Team Nightingale?

• • • •

Cycling heroes will receive a special gilet and runners and other heroes can wear a Team Nightingale running vest or t-shirt with pride.

We will help you kickstart your fundraising with plenty of top tips and sponsor forms.

Every member of Team Nightingale will also receive a medal to show that to us, you are Number 1!

We will invite you to join us at a special evening to raise a glass of champagne to all of our Hospice Heroes.

Why don't you run the Chester Marathon for us?

The Chester Half is one of the UK’s longest established and most highly regarded half marathons, starting and finishing in the historic Roman/Medieval international destination city of Chester.

Held on the 23rd April, the Gran Fondo Conwy features some of North Wales most famous landmarks. The route follows the same route that Sir Bradley Wiggins cycled as part of the Tour of Britain routes.

Sue Wells, Alex Foster and Dave Barry completed Ride London last year. Are you ready to take on the challenge with one of our TEN charity places which is held on the 30th July 2017?

You could swim 22 miles, the equivalent of the English Channel, in your local pool with our Challenge 22, Swim the Channel Wednesday 22nd February.

Perhaps you’ve always fancied gearing up with fellow cyclists? Now you can, with one of the many cycle races and rides happening in 2017 throughout North Wales and beyond.

The Antifreeze is a multi lap, chip timed, staggered start mountain bike endurance challenge staged at Coed y Brenin Forest Park on Sunday the 26th February.

Thirteen miles of rolling hills and stunning scenery, Lake Vernwy is the most beautiful half marathon you will ever run.

Maybe obstacles are more your thing? If so, Tough Mudder in Malpas on the 9th and 10th September could be right up your street!

Challenge yourself with an experience of a life time. Take your challenge global! The world is your oyster!

For other ideas on what you can do as part of Team Nightingale, visit www.nightingalehouse.co.uk

Page 10

Remember. Celebrate.

Change Lives.

Pam Post and her brother, Keith Stewart lost their mother, Wendy Stewart at Nightingale House in 2014.

They chose to support Nightingale House and celebrate her memory by setting up their own Tribute Fund. This is Pam’s story.

“When our mother was at Nightingale House, the whole family felt so cared for and nurtured within the walls of the Hospice. I will never forget speaking to one of nurses and mentioning that our mother was looking better. Her response was that it’s like magic air at Nightingale House and I believe that truer words have never been spoken.

“We set up our Tribute Fund as a way of giving something back to an organisation that has given so much to us.

In all the time we spent at Nightingale House we felt as though we were enveloped in something warm and caring. They took the stress away from us and most importantly from our Mum. We know that by setting up our Tribute Fund, we can make sure that the care that was given to us will continue to be there for others.”

Setting up your Tribute Fund.

Many people wish to recognise the contribution that a loved one has made in their lives and/or the lives of their community. Nightingale House Hospice appreciates the commitment that this decision brings and therefore makes the setting up of a Tribute Fund as easy as possible.

If you are doing a specific event to remember your loved ones, we can give advice on setting up a specific Just Giving page that you, your family and friends can contribute to. If your Tribute Fund is donation based, without specific events, you can simply donate money directly into your Tribute Fund.

To help your tribute fund grow, Nightingale House will recognise certain tribute fund milestones: •

When the fund reaches £1,500 a commemorative rose bush will be ordered.

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When the fund reaches £5,000, a specially designed pebble will be inscribed with your loved ones name.

This will be kept at the hospice in designated water flowing pebble pool. A second pebble will also be ordered for you to keep in a place of your choice.

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When the fund reaches £10,000 a tree will be planted in memory of your loved one at a local community garden (or in a place of your choice).

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When the fund reaches £20,000, a star will be named in memory of your loved one, as an everlasting tribute.

We have a designated member of the team to help you. Christine Dukes, is here to support our Tribute Fund families and is happy to meet with you to discuss your individual decisions and requirements. She can be contacted on 01978 314292 on a Tuesday – Thursday.

Celebrate your good times All of us have lives that bring us moments of celebration. Special events such as a wedding, a christening, a special birthday or anniversary give us an opportunity to think about what is important in our life.

Lives in the 21st Century are very different to what they were for our parents or grandparents with many of us having sufficient to bring enrichment and abundance into our everyday existence.

By suggesting a gift to support the work of the hospice instead of receiving presents, you can ensure that your celebration moment brings much-needed care and support to people who are patients of Nightingale House.

Whatever the occasion, by celebrating in aid of Nightingale House, you can thank your guests in a unique and meaningful way. We can support you with donation boxes or envelopes at your venue, balloons and personalised favours that are appropriate to the occasion and our thank you cards allow your guests to receive ‘after the event’ acknowledgement.

However your choose to celebrate your special event, by supporting Nightingale House Hospice, you and your guests will be part of the team that offer patients and their families a loving and caring environment for the remainder of their life’s journey.

The secret ingredient is always love.

If you have any questions about giving in celebration please contact Christine Dukes, on 01978 314292 she will be happy to help.

Thank you!

We would like to say a big thank you to all of you for your kind help and donations.

Unfortunately we cannot mention everybody in this newsletter as there is simply not enough space, but we do appreciate your generosity and hope you continue to support us. Every penny counts and we need your help to continue supplying specialist palliative care at the Hospice. Without you we would not be here.

Diolch yn fawr!

Diolch yn fawr iawn i bawb am eich cymorth a’ch rhoddion caredig. Yn anffodus, oherwydd prinder lle, ni allwn sôn am bawb yn y newyddlen hon; serch hynny rydym yn gwerthfawrogi eich haelioni’n fawr iawn a gobeithio y gwnewch chi ddal ati i’n cefnogi. Mae pob ceiniog yn cyfrif ac mae arnom angen eich cymorth chi er mwyn inni barhau i ddarparu’r gofal lliniarol arbennigol yn yr Hospis. Heb eich cymorth chi fyddem ni ddim yma.

Events Woofs and Wellies

Sunday 26th March (11am start) Alyn Waters £7.50

Page 11 Ladies Midnight Walk Saturday 17th June (10:30pm start) Wrexham £12 for early bird registration, £15 after 28th April Ladies! Please help us turn Wrexham pink. Our annual Midnight Walk sees hundreds of women step out on the streets and light up the night in memory of a loved one, to have a great time, or to simply get involved. So whether it’s a 6k or 10k walk, every step you take with us will make a difference to local people suffering life limiting illnesses.

It’s all about the dogs! Woofs & Wellies Sponsored Dog Walk is a fun-filled family event, in a month where the weather is just warming up. Sign up your four legged friends now and you can bring as many friends and family members as possible to support them.The walk starts from the Gwersyllt side of Alyn Waters Country Park, and once registered everyone will start walking together at 11am. If it does happen to be a muddy day, or your dog found the puddle or river too enticing to resist, there is a paw wash to rinse off the dirt before getting back into the car.

Nightingale House Ride Out Sunday 7th May (11am start) Nightingale House Hospice £5 Gear up for the annual Nightingale House Ride Out this spring and join hundreds of motorcyclists from all over the UK on the perfect riding routes of North Wales.

Contact the Fundraising team 01978 314 292 or email sam.eastwood@nightingalehouse.co.uk for more information.

Nightingale House Summer Fete and Garden Sale Saturday 10th June (opens 11am) Nightingale House Hospice Free entry Roll up....Roll up its time for our annual Summer Fete and Garden Sale. Taking place on Saturday 10th June, this is a fun filled, family jamboree that is not to be missed. Taking on the spirit of summer, this traditional event will have something for everyone from craft stalls and plants for sale to action packed games, cakes and face painting.

e t e F r e m Sum e l a S n e d r a &G Sponsored by

Ladies Champagne Afternoon Tea Tuesday 25th April (12:30pm start) Eaton Park £35 The annual Ladies Champagne Afternoon Tea is a key date for every lady’s diary. Join us this year at Eaton Park for an afternoon of fun and fundraising! Enjoy a champagne reception, afternoon tea, as well as guest speaker and raffle for just £35 with all proceeds helping Nightingale House.

Food and Drink Festival Saturday 13th May (10am - 5pm) and Sunday 14th May (10am - 4pm) Llwyn Isaf, Wrexham £4 entry. Free entry for children under 16 (must be accompanied by an adult) The annual Food and Drink Festival is all about keeping things local. Think of a celebration highlighting tender lamb, juicy burgers and award-winning sausages all sourced from the region’s finest producers. You can quite literally tour the best of Wales without ever leaving the site.

Third Party Events Ladies Pamper Evening

17th February 2017 (7pm until late) Maes Gwyn Hall Wrexham. £10 with free entry in raffle and a goody bag.

The Ladies pamper evening provides the perfect opportunity for ladies to treat themselves to a night of self-indulgence! For more information, please contact: emma_povey@hotmail.com

Quiz and Bingo Evening

17th February (8pm start) Ruthin Rugby Club. £2 entry.

It's eyes downs and markers at the ready for this fun filled, family event. The popular quiz night is open to everyone and teams are welcome to enter. Anyone can be a winner! For more information, please contact: Heulwen Jones on 01978 812860.

The Cup 'n' Saucer Tea Party

Wednesday 22nd March (9am – 4pm) 7 Pen-Y-Llan St, Overton-on-Dee, Overton, Wrexham LL13 0EE £3.50 for Cake and Tea/Coffee Come along and join in the fun at the Cup 'n' Saucer Tea Party. Enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea or coffee with friends and family before taking your chances in the charity raffle. For more information call Karen on 01978 711949

Fashion Show

Friday 24th March (7pm) Town Hall, LLangollen. £5 entry.

Sit down with a glass of wine from the bar and feast your eyes on the latest fashion that this event has to offer. Tickets are on sale at Gwyn Davies Butchers and Tourism office in Llangollen. For more information contact Carole on 01978 861092.

Silent Auction

Friday 28th April (Doors open 7pm) The Hanmer Arms, Hanmer, Nr Whitchurch £2 including light refreshements.

Bargain hunters are invited to come along and bid on the unique and unusual in this amazing event. For more information, please contact: Ann on 01691 624462 or 07754 613222.

For more information please visit www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/events or contact our events team on 01978 314292

Page 12

Thank you!

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We would like to thank all of our kind supporters for their generosity.

Your efforts have ensured that the Hospice is in the fortunate position of celebrating more than 20 years of care to patients and their families.

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1 Abbie and Sam who raised a fantastic £150 by not eating chocolate for a whole week just before Christmas!

2 West Cheshire MG Owners Club who raised an incredible £1,900 at this year’s Candle Run. 3 Paul Maddocks for hosting a charity ball which raised £40,000.

4 Everyone at Cottage Nursing Home in Mold for their 24hr dance-a-thon that raised a superb £1062.

5 To the team at Fresh and tasty in Gresford for raising a magnificent £512 for us!

6 Kayla and Ella Young, who donated their hair for wigs. They raised an amazing £791.50!

7 Tee Smith of Krazy Kones and Paul from Cefn Carpets who took the spirit of giving to heart this Christmas and donated the very special Christmas tree for our Light Up a Life celebrations.

8 Everyone at Asda Wrexham for nominating the our nurses as Hidden Heroes for the Wrexham community.

9 Plas Teg Lodge for choosing Nightingale House as their charity of the year and raising an incredible £2,500.