YOU DID IT! CUDDLE APPEAL TO KEEP FAMILIES CLOSE
WE CAN NOW BUY TWO CUDDLE BEDS AND FUND A COMMUNITY NURSE FOR A WHOLE YEAR!
‘Overwhelmed’ was how hospice patient Sarah Thomas described herself, when she saw the community’s reaction to the Cuddle Appeal. The aim was to raise £30,000 for another specialist cuddle bed for the hospice’s Bedded Unit, and to fund more care at home too. But Sarah could not believe how generous people would be.
“I shared my own experience of using the hospice’s existing cuddle bed, when I stayed on the Bedded Unit earlier this year, it made such a difference to me and my daughter.” said Sarah. “I’m happy to do anything I can to help the hospice, after the love and care they have shown me, so it was lovely to see the total keep going up and up! I had no idea that people would be so generous, but I’m overwhelmed, in a good way! Now, other families at the hospice will be able to experience that same closeness, with proper cuddles in a proper big bed.”
We’re so grateful to the whole community, who pulled together to raise such an amazing amount. As well as generous individual donations, there were schools, businesses and groups pitching in with fundraising of their own too.
The funds raised will allow the hospice to take delivery of TWO cuddle beds very soon! This specialist bed extends to twice the width, so patients can snuggle up, sleep or relax with their loved ones. It will also help fund a nurse for a whole year so families can remain together at home towards the end of life. Because, ultimately, the bed they most want to be in, is their own.
WHEN TIME IS SHORT,
EVERY CUDDLE MATTERS. THANK YOU FOR HELPING MORE
RAISES
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
FABULOUSFUNDRAISING
HOSPICE PATIENT EMMA BREAKS FREE AT JAILBREAK
This year’s hospice Jailbreak saw 13 ‘criminals’ arrested for their fictitious crimes and locked up until they raised enough bail to be set free. Along with several familiar faces from the local community, hospice patient Emma also took part and together helped to raise an amazing £14,442!
“I loved being part of this year’s Jailbreak!” said Emma. “The organisation and commitment to make this fundraiser as authentic as possible from the hospice Fundraising Team and local police was brilliant.”
Emma, who is currently being supported by the hospice after being diagnosed with MND, knows first-hand what a difference the money raised from Jailbreak will make to local people like her facing a life-limiting illness.
“To have raised such a significant amount from this event really shows people’s commitment to the hospice,” said Emma. “For me, it was a pleasure to be locked up with such a diverse bunch of reprobates and tick this one off my bucket list – I hope I conveyed the breadth of support the hospice offers and helped them realise what their fundraising means to families like mine.”
RAISING A SMILE WITH SOME WELCOME VISITORS
Patients and families were treated to a wonderful visit from Daphne and Delilah the donkeys recently. They got to experience petting and feeding the furry visitors from the comfort of their beds…not even our staff could resist a cuddle!
Hannah Crawley, Bedded Unit Team
Lead, said “Making the most of every day for our patients and families is what we’re all about. We all know the calming powers having an animal nearby can bring – patients and their family members have all absolutely loved the visit from Daphne & Delilah.”
NEW
HOSPICE FILM:
HOW
SOME OF LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT MEMORIES ARE MADE TOWARDS THE END
“I hope this film is seen by lots of people, to educate them about what a hospice really is. Because it’s not just a place where you come to die. It’s where I have fun, feel safe and secure, and have made some amazing friends and memories.”
Alison Dyer has been supported by the hospice since her Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis in 2023. As a former trustee of our charity, she knows exactly why raising awareness of the cause is so vital, and was happy to be the subject of a new filming project.
The result is an uplifting journey through Alison’s time at the hospice, the support she’s received, and the good times she had along the way.
“We believe everyone’s life is a story, and the ending matters. This film shows that the final weeks, months and years of life can be rich and rewarding.” said North Devon Hospice Chief Executive, Stephen Roberts.
WATCH THE FILM:
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! SPECIAL CREAM TEA FOR HOSPICE PATIENT
Food is not just about nourishment, it’s also about sharing time with loved ones. This was true for Samantha and her family, for whom we were delighted to prepare a sumptuous afternoon tea during her stay on our Bedded Unit. The whole family enjoyed a taste of normality, in what was otherwise a very difficult time. This is only possible thanks to your support.
JACKIE AND BETH ENJOY QUALITY TIME TOGETHER AT HOSPICE WELLBEING DAYS
Jackie and her granddaughter Beth have always been close. But when Jackie was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, the pair’s relationship grew even stronger, with time together becoming even more meaningful.
“With both of us living in Kilkhampton, which is quite rural, Beth and I see a lot of each other,” said Jackie. “Since receiving my diagnosis, she has been incredibly supportive and is always checking up on me to see how I’m feeling and make sure I’m okay.”
After initially receiving treatment in Barnstaple, Jackie heard about North
Devon Hospice and The Long House – our outreach centre in Holsworthy - through word of mouth and asked for a referral.
“With The Long House being close by, I thought this would be a valuable place for me to access support should I need it,” explained Jackie. “Since being referred, I’ve visited weekly for reflexology and massage with one of the lovely volunteer therapists, Julia. Beth and I have also attended two hospice Wellbeing Days, both of which have been brilliant.”
While Jackie has been delighted with the support at The Long House so far, granddaughter Beth has also found the
JANE WINS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR HER STUNNING FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
experience to be a welcome surprise. “Being 21, I wasn’t sure how I would find the Wellbeing Days, but they’ve been lovely for both Granny and me,” said Beth. “To know she’s got somewhere to come where she feels happy and relaxed is really reassuring, and I know that the hospice will continue to be there for us as long as we need them.”
JACKIE AND BETH CAN CONTINUE MAKING MEMORIES TOGETHER BECAUSE OF YOUR KINDNESS. THANK YOU.
Bedded Unit volunteer Jane brings smiles to patients and their families with her stunning flower arrangements. Jane’s wonderful efforts were recognised when she was named Volunteer of the Year by North Devon Voluntary Services.
“Volunteering is my way of giving back and it’s a real pleasure. By using seasonal flowers from the hospice grounds, I can bring the gardens to patients and help them feel connected to nature. To be able to support patients and relatives is a real privilege and something that I’d encourage anyone to do.”
Congratulations, Jane! Visit northdevonhospice.org.uk for info about volunteering with us!
PUPILS FROM SOUTH MOLTON COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL ENJOYED ‘DEATH MATTERS’ WORKSHOP
NORTH DEVON HOSPICE HELP
NORMALISE CONVERSATIONS AROUND DEATH, DYING, AND LOSS
The ‘Death Matters’ workshop is delivered for free by trained counsellors from the hospice, in an initiative to mark our 40th anniversary. The aim is to educate and support local children, to help them learn more about loss and the often difficult feelings that come with it.
Marcelle Palmer, a counsellor from the Supportive Care Team, said “Talking openly about death isn’t always easy but is incredibly important, especially for young families touched by a life-limiting illness. This workshop was created to help break down barriers and empower students to talk openly about these important topics.”
The hospice is offering this workshop to a number of local schools across North Devon, with the hope of encouraging students and school staff to feel more equipped when it comes to talking about this subject.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ‘DEATH MATTERS’ SCHOOL WORKSHOP, VISIT NORTHDEVONHOSPICE.ORG.UK OR CALL 01271 344248.
ALL PROCEEDS TO NORTH DEVON HOSPICE
BARNSTAPLE’S BIGGEST DOG WALKING FIELD IS NOW OPEN!
This is sure to become one of your favourite places to bring your pooches for relaxed walking and space to explore. Waggy Tails Meadow is now open and all proceeds are donated to North Devon Hospice. With five secure acres of mixed terrain, agility equipment and off-road parking, you’ll find it nestled in a peaceful valley with beautiful views.
Enjoy a care-free dog walk knowing you’re helping us provide more care to patients and families across North Devon.
YOUR SLOT AT
DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL HEALTHCARE THROUGH EDUCATION
Our Education Team help our colleagues in the sector provide even better care with specialist training courses.
we are looking forward to being able to share our expertise, so local professionals can provide the best possible care towards the end of life.
We are excited to now offer Degree and Masters level training in Multidisciplinary End of Life Care, in collaboration with the University of Greater Manchester (Bolton). This is a brand-new module being delivered in our local area, and here at North Devon Hospice
We can’t wait to welcome our new North Devon delegates in the Autumn and help them achieve their career goals right on their doorstep!
FRIENDSHIP, FUN AND FUNDRAISING... WHY OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS ARE AWESOME!
Want to help your hospice on a regular basis, and have lots of fun doing it?
Our Croyde Support Group had an incredible year of fundraising this year. They managed to raise a whopping £10,000 for the hospice. This kind of support helps more local families get the care they need.
DARREN SET TO COMPLETE IRONMAN LANZAROTE
IN MEMORY OF MUM
When Darren’s mum Julie found out her cancer was terminal, their focus was on being together and keeping Julie comfortable, with the support of North Devon Hospice.
“After a difficult few months, Mum was admitted to the hospice’s Bedded Unit for help with her symptoms,” said Darren. “The medical care was amazing and made it possible for her to return home for her final days as she wanted.”
and fundraise to help even more local families.
JOIN ONE OF OUR EXISTING SUPPORT GROUPS, OR FORM ONE OF YOUR OWN! CONTACT BECKY BRENNAN ON 01271 344248.
With support from the Hospice to Home Team, Julie later passed away at home surrounded by her family. Shortly afterward, Darren decided he wanted to do something to thank the hospice
“This May, I’ll be taking on Ironman Lanzarote to honour Mum’s love and keep her spirit alive while raising as much as I can for the hospice,” said Darren, who will tackle a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26 mile run. “While the training has been tough, sharing this journey with my daughter, niece, and nephew means we’ll have something amazing to remember her by and ensure her legacy continues to shine.”
THANK YOU TO DARREN FOR TAKING ON THIS EPIC FUNDRAISING CHALLENGEWE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE MEDAL!
MARATHON MISSION IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES
The spectacular challenge that was London Marathon 2025 saw over 50,000 runners from across the globe lace up their trainers to take on the mission on 27th April. Among those participants was a six-strong team of our incredible hospice runners.
Siobhan Tindall and Hannah Macauley both ran in memory of loved ones, and to raise vital funds for North Devon Hospice.
Siobhan took on the challenge in memory of her mum, Christine, who was cared for on the Bedded Unit in 2022. She said “The whole experience from start to finish was amazing and to know that I was doing it for such a worthwhile cause was what kept me going. To be able to run for the hospice, when they supported mum and our family so much was an honour and something I’ll never forget.”
Sean Macauley’s daughter, Hannah, took to the course to remember her dad and the care he received last year on the Bedded Unit. Hannah said:
“The day was just unbelievable and the support from the crowd really kept me going. The hospice cared for dad during his final weeks, so to know that every step I took was for his memory and to give back to the place that did so much for our family was such a wonderful feeling when I crossed the finish line.”
Congratulations to all our runners for this year’s London Marathon, you truly are inspirational!
RUN THE LONDON MARATHON FOR YOUR HOSPICE. GET IN TOUCH TO APPLY FOR ONE OF OUR PLACES, CONTACT BECKY BRENNAN ON 01271 344248.
Hannah (centre right) spending time with her dad, Sean (centre left) at the hospice
Siobhan pictured close to Mum, Christine, during her final days
SMILES AT LUNCH CLUB FOR BRIAN AND NANCY
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, 90-year-old Brian was referred to North Devon Hospice to be supported through his diagnosis along with his wife, Nancy. Ever since, the couple have been attending Lunch Club, an informal get-together run by the hospice’s Supportive Care Team.
“After initially coming along to a Welcome Day here at the hospice, we were told about a range of support sessions on offer, but Lunch Club really appealed to us,” said Brian. “We started coming shortly afterward and have continued every month. It’s a nice way to meet new people and a chance to talk with others who are going through a similar experience. Plus, we get a delicious lunch too and they never scrimp on the portions!”
Through Lunch Club, the couple have got to know others using the hospice, as well as the staff, who make them feel welcome and reassured with every visit. “This really is a place full of love,” said Nancy. “Everyone is so approachable and if we needed help, we know we could ask anyone here and they’d do everything they could to make sure we got it. We feel very privileged to have this.”
THANKS TO YOU, WE CAN CONTINUE SUPPORTING PEOPLE LIKE BRIAN AND NANCY THROUGH LUNCH CLUB AND OTHER SUPPORT SESSIONS AT THE HOSPICE, SPREADING SMILES WHEN THEY MEAN THE MOST.
