Hello from Gabrielle...
When I joined Primrose Hospice as a fundraiser back in 2022, I had no idea just how special this place really is.
It was my Auntie Clare who encouraged me to apply to join our fundraising team. She worked here for many years as a benefits advisor and spoke so fondly about working at Primrose Sadly, just before I was due to start the role, Clare unexpectedly passed away Stepping into a place she had loved was very difficult, I felt proud to be joining the team, but also deeply sad that she wasn’t here to share it with me. I quickly felt the genuine warmth and compassion at Primrose that so many talk about.
After 2.5 years of working as a fundraiser supporting our community, I feel privileged to step into the role of Fundraising Manager. The care and support offered by Primrose reaches people when they need it most, and I’m passionate about ensuring we can keep providing that support for years to come.
One of the best parts of my job is meeting our amazing supporters, people like you, who do so much for Primrose I’m always inspired by the heartfelt ways people choose to support us, whether it’s taking on a challenge, hosting a coffee morning, or doing something completely unique. From fundraising and volunteering to simply sharing the stories of our work, every effort makes a difference
Thank you for your continued support to help us raise £1.95 million each year. It’s only by working together that we can continue all we do As we head into a fun, festive season, there are plenty of opportunities to come together in support of Primrose and I hope that you’ll be part of it.
could contribute for a patient and their carer to attend a therapeutic singing session to support wellbeing, relieve stress, and build connection.
£21 £21 £98 £98 £160 £160 is how much it costs each year to fund our services, with only 14.6% being received via statutory routes. £1.95m
could contribute for a patient to be able to access a day at our Day Hospice including transport, expert care, a healthy meal, and complementary therap
could contribute towards our clients accessing vital benefits advice and support, helping to ease financial stress, during difficult times.
Gabrielle Grubb
From wheelchair to wedding
Today we’re sharing Steve’s story.
Let’s take you back to when Steve was 25. Steve and his lovely wife Emma were newlyweds. Six months after their wedding, Steve started getting terrible headaches, so was taken to the QE hospital and after many tests was told he had a brain tumour the size of an egg After six stressful months in hospital, two extremely long operations and lots of treatment he made it back home.
He was told by doctors, he was unlikely to work again and would find it difficult to have children. Fast forward, 25 years later he’s had three beautiful children, returned to work and proved the doctors wrong
Unfortunately, three years ago he was diagnosed with more tumours that were this time round, cancerous. That’s when he was introduced to Primrose and he hasn’t looked back since
“As soon as I walked in everyone was lovely. The volunteer at reception, the day hospice volunteers, the carers and the nurses, they’re lovely. It's just like, one big, massive family, you know?”
Steve has been supported by our physiotherapist and has gone on to enjoy our patient art group, and loves playing (and sometimes winning!) dominoes every week Steve had never done art before coming to Primrose, but you wouldn’t think that looking at the art he creates now. He’s even gone on to raise donations for Primrose with his art, but more on that later
After his second diagnosis, despite being told by doctors he only had two years to live, he didn’t let that stop him. Steve had a goal in mind…
“When I started coming here, I was in a wheelchair, I couldn't even stand. But after having a few months of physiotherapy, I actually got to stand and start using my walking sticks.
My youngest daughter announced she was getting married and asked, Dad, will you walk me down the aisle and dance with me?
So I came here and every week the nurses gradually walked further with me and they showed me how to dance. I managed to walk my daughter down the aisle and we danced together too! It was just lovely, there were so many people in tears.”
Steve wanted to give back to Primrose so after finding a newfound love for art, Steve and his daughter, Kirsty, set themselves an art challenge, raising £610 for Primrose!
Thank you to Steve for sharing his wonderful story about his experience at Primrose Hospice.
A Garden for Grief and Growth
Back in 2024 we were approached by Marc and Darryl from F.B & Sons, Lawns & Landscapes, about being involved with an exciting garden design which was going to be shown at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
Shortly after, ‘St Godwald’s Retreat’ was born
The garden has been designed as a mindful retreat, offering a space for solace, reflection, and a connection to the past and present. It was inspired by the landscapes surrounding Primrose Hospice and the historic life of St Godwald
The RHS Spring Festival was a huge success with F.B & Sons, Lawns & Landscapes coming away with a well-deserved Bronze Medal awarded for their garden. We are so pleased to say the garden has been very kindly gifted to Primrose Hospice for patients and families to use for many years to come
More on that later, but for now, we sat down with Marc who designed the garden, to find out more about his passion for the outdoors and the future of ‘St Godwald’s Retreat’.
What did you enjoy most about the RHS Spring Festival?
We loved seeing people's reactions to the garden. We had so many people respond to the meanings in the garden, particularly the Wind Phone; many people shared their own personal stories, which was quite unexpected for us We heard from lots of people who were inspired to try growing some of the flowers in their own garden.
What was your inspiration behind the garden? The garden is centred around two main features: the Memory Tree and Reflection Lodge containing a Wind Phone. The Lodge is a quiet, comforting space where people can sit and remember loved ones who have died, or use the Wind Phone to share words or memories
The Memory Tree from the Hospice gardens is a beautiful reminder of our loved ones. It was particularly poignant to see the sunlight catch the metal leaves and 'dance' around the garden The garden overall is a space of reflection, connecting us with the memories of lost loved ones and also allowing us to be in the 'present'.
Thejourneyof‘St Godwald’sRetreat’
What made you want to support Primrose Hospice?
We have first-hand experience of the incredible care hospices provide; my Dad was looked after in a hospice for his final three months with us We valued the peace provided by the hospice gardens, so wanted to create a space for Primrose Hospice that could be used and be of benefit to patients and families experiencing bereavement.
We moved to Bromsgrove in January 2024, so Primrose became our local Hospice. We met and spoke with lots of people who had direct experience of the care provided by Primrose
How do you think having 'St Godwald's Retreat' will help our patients and families?
We hope the garden will become a space of peace and reflection for patients, families and children of all ages. The garden is designed to have different areas that can be explored and used, with flowers that are scented or with colourful foliage
The gardens at Primrose Hospice are already special and beautiful, but we hope this addition will create another layer to the garden We hope the Wind Phone and Reflection Lodge will allow people to grieve and remember their loved ones in a special space.
Which part of the garden are you most looking forward to sharing with the public?
It's difficult to just pick one, but I think the Reflection Lodge will leave a lasting impression. When the oak door is closed, you sit down and lift the Wind Phone receiver - the outside world seems to disappear and you're just at one with your thoughts and memories.
It can reduce stress and improve your wellbeing
“Being outside and observing the world around us is so important for our wellbeing.”
It helps you to relax and improves your mood
“We can leave some of our troubles elsewhere. Listening to the wind moving the trees, smelling the scent of flowers, listening to the texture of leaves and feeling the coolness of the grass
”
It can improve your physical & mental health It can provide a distraction
“We sometimes lose the pleasure in exploring our surroundings, especially when life's challenges take over. Being outside can transport us to another space, even if it's only temporary
Creating a lasting garden
As we mentioned earlier ‘St Godwald’s Retreat’ is being donated to Primrose Hospice and will find its forever home in Autumn 2025. We spoke to Angélique Dalton, Chief Operating Officer at Primrose Hospice who was involved with the project:
“We are so privileged to have worked with F.B & Sons Lawns & Landscapes on the RHS Malvern Festival project I was bursting with pride at the festival, both in terms of promoting the invaluable work of the hospice and championing the stunning work of Marc, Darryl & the F.B & Sons team to such a wide audience.
The garden being installed back here at the Hospice will enable so many patients, families and visitors to enjoy and benefit from the beautiful space The wind phone is such a special part of the garden and will enable people to speak to their loved ones, with their words travelling softly through the breeze. We hope so many of you will want to come and experience this for yourselves.
Keep reading for details of our official opening - we look forward to seeing you there!”
Garden exploration Garden exploration
At Primrose Hospice, our groups love spending time outside in the great outdoors
One of our groups called ‘Explorations’ offers a safe space for children when a family member has a life-limiting illness or when someone special has died.
Marc and Darryl from F B & Sons visited the group earlier in the year where the children enjoyed helping to plant ‘St Godwald’s Retreat’
“I like coming to Primrose because I can make new friends and express my feelings Emma, one of the children we support.
“I like coming to Primrose because I can make new friends and express my feelings.” Understandably when we first meet children here at the hospice they are a little nervous and unsure about what this new place will be like. However, they soon seem to relax and see that the laughter nearly always outweighs the tears.
We enjoy seeing them grow in confidence as they realise that they aren’t on their own during challenging times and that they will be welcomed on their worst and best days Louise - Children’s Team Volunteer.
Sunday 12 October 2025 th 2-4pm at Primrose Hospice
Have you visited our shops recently?
of pre-loved clothes was sold in our shops, saving them going to landfill.
We’re always on the look out for pre-loved donations and furniture, could you help? You can now book your Furniture collection online!
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Our Fundraisers out in Force!
Laurie’s Fundraiser in Memory of Uncle Dave
Laurie shared that he wanted to give back to Primrose Hospice in gratitude for the care his uncle Dave received at the end of his life, and to show support for his local community. He took on a creative two-part challenge First, shaving off his impressive head of hair and donating it to the Little Princess Trust to be made into wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Next came a seriously tough coastal adventure from Lulworth Cove to Dancing Ledge Covering just under 20 miles over land and sea, the journey included 10 miles of swimming and several more of climbing, traversing and rock-hopping Laurie and Jamie carried all their own supplies and rescue gear, sleeping on cliffs and in caves along the way. They completed the journey in just 27 hours and were met with an outpouring of support and donations.
Laurie raised an incredible £3,170 for Primrose Hospice and said: “We’ve been blown away by everyone’s generosity. Thank you all so much, we cannot express how grateful we are.”
Lifting Spirits Through Song: 25 Years of The Primrose Choir
Over the past 25 years, the Primrose Hospice Choir has proudly raised thousands of pounds to support the vital work of Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre As a community choir, they have sung at a wide variety of events, from local concerts, services and hospice fundraisers to weddings, funerals and in cathedrals.
Their aim is always to lift spirits and raise awareness of the Primrose Hospice, and the support we provide for the community.
“There’s something truly special about singing in the choir. It lifts your mood, helps you forget your worries for a while, and connects you with others in such a joyful way. Knowing that we’re doing that while raising money for Primrose Hospice makes it even more meaningful. We laugh. We sing. We support each other. And we’re proud to support the hospice too."
Kathryn Day, Choir Member.
Everything they do is about bringing people together through music and giving something back to the hospice that means so much to them
Find out more about joining the choir by scanning the QR code.
Bromsgrove School students took part in our Flourishing Fivers campaign! Each and every pupil found a unique and meaningful way to turn their £5 into something much bigger and the school raised an incredible £10,818!
"In my opinion, Primrose Hospice is a wonderful charity and my friends and I had so much fun doing it!" Brooke R. - Student.
"As a PSHE teacher, I know how powerful values like kindness, empathy, and community can be in shaping young people. That’s why I’ve thoroughly enjoyed leading the Flourishing Fivers initiative."
Kate
Darwood, Head of PSHE, Bromsgrove Prep School
The students took part in a huge array of activities, from creating ‘Christmas eve boxes’ and ping pong tournaments, to a Valentine’s rose delivery service and more adventurous challenges like climbing Ben Nevis, running 5k a day and a 1,407km swim challenge!
"I enjoyed raising money It feels amazing doing something that you love (a sponsored swim!) knowing that you are helping somebody."
Darcey H. - Student
There are a huge variety of ways you could fundraise for Primrose, from skydives to head shaves, there is something for everyone!
Proud Primrose Partners
Since the launch of Primrose Partners, we have over 50 local businesses who have proudly partnered with Primrose!
Over the past six months, they have supported us in a wide variety of ways: from fundraising and sponsorship, to volunteering! This included:
Jukes Insurance volunteered for a day at the hospice, helping us to sort fundraising equipment and painting our new fences in the car park.
Handelsbanken hosted their annual quiz and raised a whopping £3,730. Prosser Knowles organised a golf day for their clients, with a ‘beat the advisor’ hole in which players donated to Primrose to take part –raising a fabulous £1,135. Cutter & Co supported one of their colleagues in a Loch Ness cycling challenge that raised £315
To sign up to be a Primrose Partner or to find more please email:
hannahi@primrosehospice org or call 01527 889796 Or scan the QR code to find out more
fly the volunteer flag
The Phoenix Group are a long-savings and retirement business, but they are so much more than that! They’ve been volunteering their time at Primrose Hospice for over seven years and have made a real difference to help our patients and families.
We sat down with Nadia who is a personal assistant for Phoenix, who loves visiting Primrose.
“Volunteering is great for our team morale Phoenix is a big company so it’s lovely that we get to chat to colleagues who we wouldn’t normally cross paths with.
We’re usually volunteering out in the garden, so it’s great for us to be in a different environment for the day and Primrose is such a wonderful place, which is even more of a bonus.
Lots of companies do team building days throughout the year, which often cost lots of money, but we think volunteering for the day is the perfect opportunity for team building and we know we are helping our community at the same time.
We all look forward to this every year and it’s almost become like a ritual now I’d encourage any organisations to get in touch with Jo at Primrose, they’ve got so many opportunities you could get involved with throughout the year and it’s great to know we are helping to support people through a really difficult time ”
Nadia
Confidence boosting
Chat to Jo about h volunteer with Primr
8th-11th M 2025 S
A Chat with Marcomms Officer Sarah
I recently had the pleasure of “turning the tables” on Primrose Hospice’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Sarah McDowall.
At Primrose, the vital role of promoting our mission and connecting with our community is exemplified by Sarah. With her background rooted in creativity and personal understanding of hospice care, Sarah’s journey at Primrose is as inspiring as the stories she helps to share.
Her blend of creative spirit and a commitment to helping others led her to Primrose Hospice four years ago Having grown up with an awareness of the vital role hospices play, through her mother's work as a hospice nurse, Sarah knew this was where she belonged.
"I knew I wanted to work for a hospice, and I knew I could make a real impact here. I have wholeheartedly enjoyed every moment of my time at Primrose and I know there is much more to come!”
At the heart of Sarah's role is the profound privilege of sharing patient and family stories These narratives, collected through heartfelt conversations with individuals who have been supported by Primrose, are crucial for demonstrating the hospice's impact and encouraging people to access our support
"The reaction that we get from the public is just amazing," Sarah says, highlighting how these stories vividly illustrate the real difference Primrose makes in people's lives and why its services are so vital.
Sarah's commitment extends beyond her marketing role, by her recent completion of the Newport marathon. Once a hater of running, she discovered a passion for it during lockdown. The marathon, was a personal challenge to "prove to myself that... I can do hard things." She also raised £1,200 for Primrose along the way!
When I asked Sarah for a theme tune for Primrose she chose "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen This choice perfectly encapsulates the enduring spirit of Primrose. She explained that patients and clients often arrive with trepidation, only to find a welcoming environment where they "flourish" and achieve things they never thought possible.
Thank you for sharing, Sarah. You can read more on our website...
By David Burrell - CEO at Primrose
How to donate
All of our services and support we provide at Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre are free, which is why we heavily rely on donations from our generous public. We are really grateful for donations of any size to help us support more people in North East Worcestershire
It’s simple to donate onlinescan the QR code or visit: primrosehospice.org
If you would like to donate by cheque please make it payable to:
‘Primrose Hospice Ltd’ and post to: Fundraising Department, Primrose Hospice, St Godwalds Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3BW
You can also donate over the phone by calling: 01527 889796 Thank you.
How to pp
There are several ways you can access our support services
If you would like to make a referral to our Clinical or Family Support services, you can call: 01527 871051 or you can make a referral online for our Clinical support by scanning the QR code.
You can also talk to your GP, Consultant, District Nurse or any other health care professional involved in your care.
For more information on all of our services visit: primrosehospice.org
How to stay in touch
From time to time we like to keep in touch with you to tell you about the exciting updates and fundraising events we have going on throughout the year.
You can sign up on our website to receive email updates.
We want to keep our communications as cost effective and environmentally friendly as possible. If you would like to change the way we contact you, let us know what is the best way to contact you by getting in touch with our Fundraising Team: 01527 889796 or email:
Thank you for your support