Helping Emma and her kids make the most of every day
relief and reassurance to Jack and Marika A wedding to remember for Keith and Sue
HELPING EMMA AND HER KIDS MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY
AFTER MONTHS OF FEELING UNWELL, EMMA’S BIGGEST FEARS WERE
FINALLY CONFIRMED WHEN SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND) AT JUST 40 YEARS OLD.
“My mobility had been deteriorating and I’d been struggling to walk; my friends even stopped me driving as they felt it was too dangerous,” said Emma. “But to hear the words ‘Motor Neurone Disease’ was like a bolt of lightning; I suddenly realised how serious this was.”
“WHENEVER MY HOSPICE NURSE VISITS ME AT HOME, I ALWAYS FEEL BRIGHTER AND KNOW THAT WHATEVER COMES, SHE’LL BE THERE TO OFFER HELP AND GUIDANCE.”
Soon after her diagnosis, Emma was referred to North Devon Hospice. She and her family have been receiving support ever since.
“I’m finding there’s a new challenge every day to compete with,” said Emma. “But whenever my hospice nurse visits me at home,
I always feel brighter and know that whatever comes, she’ll be there to offer help and guidance.”
Emma added, “The kids have also been scooped up by the hospice and are having regular counselling sessions with the Supportive Care team. I can’t tell you how much comfort I feel, knowing they have a safe and familiar space to share how they’re feeling.”
FOR EMMA, THE FOCUS IS NOW ON MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT WITH HER CHILDREN. YOUR SUPPORT MEANS WE CAN BE HERE TO HELP THIS YOUNG FAMILY CREATE PRECIOUS MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME. THANK YOU.
HOSPICE BRINGS
‘RELIEF AND REASSURANCE’ TO JACK AND MARIKA
“IT FELT LIKE OUR WORLD WAS CRASHING DOWN. BUT AT THE HOSPICE JACK FEELS SO CALM, IT’S LIKE A HOME-FROM-HOME. WE’RE SO GRATEFUL.”
When Marika’s husband, Jack, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, it was the worst news they could imagine. “People often say ‘take it a day at a time,’ but with this illness you have to take things hour-by-hour,” she said.
North Devon Hospice began to care for Jack at home, which Marika said was such a relief. “They would come to visit every day, helping Jack to keep comfortable and giving me a lot of reassurance. They are so kind and thoughtful.” she said.
round-the-clock care. “He really appreciates the nursing team. They are absolute specialists and I feel so comforted knowing that he has this amazing support 24/7.”
Soon after, Jack would be admitted to the hospice’s bedded unit, for
Marika added, “It’s tough to make plans, because MND is different for everyone and you have no timeframe. But we’ve had some amazing moments, like celebrating our 19th anniversary at the hospice. The staff made it so special, by making us a beautiful cake that we could enjoy with some close friends. That kindness will always stick in my mind.”
SINCE WRITING THIS STORY, JACK DIED PEACEFULLY ON OUR BEDDED UNIT. YOUR SUPPORT ENABLED HIM TO HAVE 24-HOUR CARE, TO BE COMFORTABLE AND CONTENT. THANK YOU.
LADY ARRAN STEPS DOWN AFTER AN INCREDIBLE 34 YEARS OF SERVICE
The Countess of Arran has been Patron of North Devon Hospice since 1990, and has been an influential figure in the charity’s major achievements in that time. Marking her retirement from the role this year, it was an honour to rename a wing of the hospice after Lady Arran, in recognition of her truly remarkable service.
North Devon Hospice Chief Executive, Stephen Roberts, said Lady Arran’s passion, dedication, and tireless commitment will never be forgotten. “Lady Arran has been the driving force behind so much of our growth. From spearheading the Light in the Dark appeal to build our beloved Bedded Unit, to assisting greatly with securing funding for The Long House,
our outreach centre in Holsworthy. There is no part of the hospice she hasn’t had a positive impact on.”
Lady Arran said, “I feel so proud and so blessed to have been part of this organisation for the last 34 years. It’s been an absolute privilege to be involved and watch the development of these extraordinary facilities that have been so needed.”
“I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all the staff and volunteers whom I have met here over the years. They’re so vital to the way the hospice runs in every department, so I would like to thank them and pay huge tribute. They are the true heroes and heroines of North Devon Hospice.”
A WEDDING DAY TO REMEMBER
Keith and Sue, from Bideford, have enjoyed a beautiful life together, with the possibility of marriage always on the horizon. But when Keith was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the couple’s future became uncertain.
Sue said, “Having Avril - our hospice nurse - visit us at home has made things a lot easier. She’s helped with Keith’s pain and she’s always on the end of the phone.”
During one visit, the couple shared their wish to get married. At hearing this, Avril sprang into action and with the help of the hospice’s fundraising team, made plans to give Keith and Sue the perfect wedding day.
“If there’s something our patients want to do in the time they have, we always try and go the extra mile to make it happen,” said nurse Avril. “We organised decorations, a wedding cake, and a delicious Graze Board feast. It was a beautiful day, a privilege to be part of.”
For the happy couple, being able to celebrate their love at such a difficult time meant the world. Sue added, “I didn’t think this would be possible, but the hospice did an incredible job. We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Magical moments like this are only possible with your support. Thank you.
PRECIOUS MOMENTS... ...ALL THANKS TO YOU
Your support makes the hospice tick. Here’s some amazing moments from the last few months...
Our pet therapy dog, Obie, brings such joy every time he visits, so we made him our official Chief Morale Officer! It’s a well-deserved honour for Obie and his owner Ceri, who give their time to spread cheer at the hospice every week. We’re honoured to have a team of fantastic therapy dogs who all make a real difference, and we’re proud to officially honour our most senior member of that squad!
Over 800 people discovered the hospice at our annual Open Garden event. Families enjoyed our Children’s Trail, while the barbecue was a hit too!
Nicky Fowler (left) celebrated 20 years of volunteering in our Bideford charity shop. An absolute star who inspires so many others around her.
An amazing new programme of activities for patients and families. It includes things like ‘Gentle Stretch’, using yoga techniques for relaxation and mobility.
A family were treated to a special movie night, complete with snack hamper prepared by the nursing team.
Hospice patient, Julie Blythe, proudly cut the ribbon at our new Torrington shop. She said it was a privilege, after the support she’s received.
Emma, a hospice patient with MND, took part in Nightwalk along with 1,000 other ladies in epic fancy dress!
Our education programme has gone from strength to strength, helping healthcare professionals across North Devon and beyond provide the best care possible for their patients. Education is a big part of the hospice’s offering, because it helps enhance local care, no matter who’s providing it. It is a privilege to train so many people in the vital field of end-of-life care.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS
IN OUR 40-YEAR HISTORY, VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN THE BEDROCK OF NORTH DEVON HOSPICE. TO MARK FOUR DECADES OF CARE, AND TO ENCOURAGE THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS, WE WERE PROUD TO LAUNCH A NEW AND INNOVATIVE SCHEME EARLIER IN 2024.
The Care Volunteer Programme is designed to introduce more people to the care sector, either as a pathway to a future career or continued volunteering. The first cohort of volunteers completed the course over the summer. “I’m really interested in becoming a doctor in the future, so I thought the Care Volunteer
Programme was a great opportunity to get an insight into how patients and families are cared for at the hospice.” said Grace Parkin, a sixth form student at West Buckland.
She added: “This has been a really unique experience, because many hospitals and other care settings don’t offer this opportunity, and I feel it has been a great thing to do for my future career.”
Hannah Crawley is team leader on the Bedded Unit, where the Care Volunteer Programme participants have been helping. She said, “This is a fitting way to mark our 40th anniversary, introducing the next generation of people to hospice care. We also hope it will lead to more recruitment of permanent volunteers, who can help us be there for patients for the next 40 years.”
TO FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY FOR OUR CARE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME VISIT NORTHDEVONHOSPICE.ORG.UK/CARE
CARING FOR YOU. TIME AFTER TIME.
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR CILLA
After being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness during the Covid pandemic, Cilla spent many months in hospital. When she returned home, the hospice became the bridge she needed to reconnect with herself after such an intense time.
“My diagnosis was very quick, so there wasn’t much time to stop and think –it was straight into treatment,” said Cilla. “Being in hospital with only my husband visiting was tough, but I found settling back into life afterwards even more difficult.”
After being referred to the hospice by her GP, Cilla began counselling with our Supportive Care team and now attends Wellbeing Days regularly.
“The hospice has been amazing; it’s a non-judgemental and loving place
with the most wonderful staff. The support I’ve received has been fantastic and I love coming to the Wellbeing Days knowing I can just be myself – I don’t need to sugarcoat anything and that’s really refreshing.”
“THE HOSPICE HAS BEEN AMAZING; IT’S A NON-JUDGEMENTAL AND LOVING PLACE WITH THE MOST WONDERFUL STAFF. THE SUPPORT I’VE RECEIVED HAS BEEN FANTASTIC.”
As Cilla continues adapting to life after her illness, she knows the hospice will always be there whatever comes her way. “Coming here has helped me find that connection with myself again and learn to navigate this new chapter. I’m so grateful to this wonderful, local charity for helping me get my confidence back.”
WE CAN ONLY HELP PEOPLE LIKE CILLA REGAIN THEIR CONFIDENCE WITH YOUR SUPPORT.
PLEASE DONATE TODAY AT NORTHDEVONHOSPICE.ORG.UK
“I COULD NOT BE MORE GRATEFUL THAT THE CHARITY I HAVE HELPED FOR MANY YEARS, HAS NOW BECOME MY SAVIOUR.”
FROM TRUSTEE TO PATIENT, ALISON SEES FULL VALUE OF HOSPICE
Having worked tirelessly for 8 years as a much-loved trustee of North Devon Hospice, Alison Dyer suddenly found herself needing to lean on the care of the organisation she’d helped to shape.
She told us: “I first decided to become a trustee back in 2011 after being incredibly impressed by the care and services offered by the hospice. At this point, some of my friends had been cared for and it made me feel inspired to do something to help support such a vital charity.”
After being diagnosed with MND in November 2023, Alison’s world was turned upside down as she, her husband and daughter navigated what this meant for them as a family.
“As soon as I was diagnosed, I requested a referral to the hospice. I’m extremely familiar with the support that is
available to me and my family, and I knew I would find comfort in the knowledge that the hospice will continue to be there for me as my illness progresses.”
Alison attends a weekly patient group run by the hospice’s Supportive Care team and refers to this as her ‘safe space’, where she can speak freely and share her world with others in a similar situation, without any judgement or fear of upsetting anyone.
She concludes: “I could not be more grateful that the charity I have helped for many years, has now become my saviour. Knowing what I know about the hospice, I really wouldn’t want to be cared for anywhere else.”
ALISON WILL RELY ON THE HOSPICE THROUGHOUT HER JOURNEY. HELP US BE THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. DONATE TODAY AT NORTHDEVONHOSPICE.ORG.UK CARING FOR YOU. TIME AFTER TIME.
THANK YOU!
TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS, OLD AND NEW
WE’RE INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO HAVE OVER 300 VOLUNTEERS WHO GIVE THEIR TIME TO HELP US CARE FOR THE PEOPLE OF NORTH DEVON.
For Retail volunteer MARLENE, this year marks the end of an era after 27 years of service. “I began volunteering after my husband died; that was 27 years ago, and I’ve been here ever since! It’s such a lovely crowd at the hospice - we’ve had some really happy times together that I’ll always look back on with a smile.”
IAN is part of our Meet & Greet Team and gives his time volunteering on Reception. “There’s so much laughter and positivity here – it’s so uplifting,” said Ian. “It’s wonderful to see the impact this charity makes from within, and I’m delighted to be playing a part in that.”
ANN started volunteering after the hospice became a lifeline for her and her husband, Brian, during the Covid pandemic. “I volunteer in the Terrace Café and so far, I’ve enjoyed every minute. From the moment I arrived, I’ve been made to feel welcome and like part of the team. At 75, that’s a lovely feeling!”
MARTHA-ROSE is a volunteer who has worked with our Complementary Therapy team for over 10 years. “It’s a fabulous organisation to be part of,” said Martha-Rose. “There’s a lovely ambience and people just care –that’s really what it’s all about.”
SOMETIMES IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S