Messenger | Spring & Summer 2026
Something's blooming...
...this Spring We're by your side: Call our 24/7 Support Line on 01432 852080 Because you're by ours: Donate here: st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/donate
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Hello, I'm Claire and it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Messenger, packed full of news from St Michael’s Hospice. It’s difficult to express just how much the Hospice has done to support me in the last 18 months. I really don’t know where I would be without them. In 2024, my mum spent her final days at St Michael’s. The care and attention she received, along with us as a family, made this incredibly difficult time more bearable. Then, last February, my husband Simon was diagnosed with ‘inoperable and incurable’ cancer. St Michael’s was one of the only places where Simon felt safe and happy to go when his symptoms were worsening.
Daisy, Claire & Simon
As his illness progressed, we were visited daily by Hospice at Home carers. At a time I felt otherwise isolated, I was so grateful to welcome people who care and understand what we were going through. They provided us with laughter, and comforted us when the tears fell. Simon chose to spend his final days at St Michael’s. I regularly return for quiet moments in the chapel or gardens. There is so much more to St Michael’s than most people realise. I am and always will be truly grateful to the Hospice, and to all of you who support this wonderful charity. Claire is supporting our Forget-me-not appeal, you can too: Scan the QR code or visit Bit.ly/SMH_ForgetMeNot
4 | bit.ly/SMH_News_OurChristmasStory
Our Christmas story, thanks to you As you read this Messenger, we’ll be on the other side of Easter, with thoughts turning to the longer days and warmer weather of summer. Yet here at St Michael’s, we’re still thinking about Christmas, and in particular the support our festive appeal received. For the first time in many years, we mailed our appeal to thousands of people across Herefordshire and received around £28,000 in donations from our wonderful supporters. The mailer featured illustrations depicting our Christmas Story, detailing life at St Michael’s Hospice on Christmas Day.
Central to the appeal were beautiful images of Hospice life, expertly illustrated by Iain Welch. We invited supporters - and those who may never have even heard of us - to donate a Christmas gift which would go straight towards our patient care. A huge thank you to each and every one of you who contributed to our festive fund; your generosity helped families continue to receive the quality free-of-charge care which it’s our privilege to provide.
bubble baths Warming jacuzzi again are made possible
Discover the magic ble at you make possi ice... St Michael's Hosp
Thank You
a Christmas Chefs prepare the trimmings dinner with all home that taste like place that – being a chef in a can “It’s my dream job me. If the food I produce it’s means so much to some happiness, then bring just one person - Gary, Chef worth it, isn’t it?”
so this become restricted, “My mobility had helped. I was a bit bathing service really quickly but my fears were apprehensive at first, wonderful team of Day the allayed thanks to patient volunteers. - Ray, Services staff and
are Seeds and bulbs enjoyed, planted, scents and blooms marvelledal at through horticultur therapy sessions having “For many patients, outside and the chance to get they love, continue doing what is hugely such as gardening, important.” - Kate, Occupational Therapist.
are gifted Memory bears by children and held tightly who need comfort side left my daughter’s “The bear has never was given her. My dad since the day it was where my dad would Lauren’s world, and place.” the bear filled his have been present, - Ali, family member
Scan to donate today
and fun Dancing, crafting the magic of activities bring Christmas to life over snow and sleet, Nurses travel throughbring care into homes to stiles and fences
They are so team are just stunning. “The Hospice at Home you feel good.” - Stephen, patient make enthusiastic and just
the support struggled without such a “I would have really my weekly visits to of St Michael’s, and - Ian, patient beautiful, happy place.”
bit.ly/SMH_News_MemorialWoodland | 5
Opening the woodland gates Hidden within our grounds, something special is taking shape. A never-before-seen part of St Michael’s will be opened later this year. Through the Winter, the volunteer Gardening Team has continued working, regardless of the weather. Last year, the team started planning an area of woodland beside the top of the main car park in Bartestree - for the creation of a ‘Memorial Woodland’.
This woodland is an area to be accessed separately, without having to visit the main building of the Hospice. It will be an area for reflection, peace and remembrance in a natural environmental area. It is hoped that the Memorial Woodland will be completed by this summer.
6 | bit.ly/SMH_News_LudlowOpening
Retail powering patient care Our retail portfolio continues to grow, with our first-ever Shropshire shop which opened at the end of February. The addition of the Ludlow outlet brings us to 18 units and is likely to give us an estimated net retail income for the coming financial year of around £2.7 million. For the first time, we expect this figure to exceed the money we receive annually from Government. This retail income is essential given that we rely on our wonderful community to help raise over £10 million each year towards our care.
Our Ludlow shop joins our portfolio of popular ‘Home & Living’ shops, which offer a variety of pre-loved goods, including furniture, homeware, clothing, books and media. Conveniently located just off the A49 on Ludlow Business Park, the shop is open seven days a week and features a handy Donation Centre (Tuesday to Sunday), making it simple for customers to drop off donated goods. This new location plays an important role in helping to raise awareness of the care and support our Hospice provides in Shropshire, while creating a welcoming space for the community to connect, donate and shop sustainably. Stay up to date with all things St Michael's Retail. Sign up to recieve our shop email updates: Scan the QR code or visit Bit.ly/SMH_KeepInTouch_SignUp
bit.ly/SMH_News_MelanieandMatt | 7
Debbie
Melanie & Matt
"I didn't think life could be like this again" When Melanie and Matt met at a Christmas lunch for those experiencing the loss of a loved one, they had little idea what lay ahead. Melanie’s husband, Russell, and Matt’s wife, Debbie, had both died at St Michael’s, but before this festive meeting at the Fisherman’s Arms in Docklow, the pair had never met. They have since found love together, and say St Michael’s will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Melanie and Matt’s story, while not unheard of, is uncommon. Their journey is not about forgetting
Russell
Russell and Debbie, but actually embracing their memories and their common loss to move forward. They are full of praise for the Counselling and Bereavement team at St Michael’s, and say they fully appreciate how vital bereavement services can be. “When I think of the Hospice, I just think they’re all miracle workers,” said Matt. “They manage to turn what is such a tough situation into something that is bearable - and that’s amazing.” “I didn’t think life could be like this again. I’m so glad I’ve discovered it can be.” Discover how our bereavement support services can help you: Bit.ly/SMH_Bereavementsupport
8 | bit.ly/SMH_News_Hoople
Your business is our business The support we receive from local businesses is vitally important to us here at St Michael’s. Hoople was our main Light up a Life sponsor, and a group of their staff helped us with our Christmas Tree collection service. “We are proud to support St Michael’s Hospice,” said Audrey Clements, Hoople’s CEO. “In the last year, we have lost some valued colleagues, and we are thankful to the Hospice for the incredible work they do to support our community during difficult times.” Working with St Michael’s can bring many benefits to your organisation, from increased
brand awareness and press coverage to staff development and an introduction to new audiences. “A corporate partnership with St Michael’s Hospice provides the perfect opportunity to engage with and inspire the people that work for you,” said Robin Fry, the Hospice’s Corporate Partnerships Executive. “This is particularly so when employees have had a connection to someone affected by a terminal illness.” Learn how your business can help St Michael’s Hospice
Audrey Clements
Scan the QR Code or contact Robin Fry on: 01432 851 000 (ext 2641) rfry@smhospicehereford.org
The three degrees Jodie P
Three of our Palliative Care Support Workers have graduated as nurses having completed a four-year degree course.
Jodie Paskell, Kiah Morgan and Jodie Johnson, began the Open University course back in 2022, and have now joined the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. Supported by St Michael’s, their course combined work at St Michael’s with placements in a variety of care settings, plus extensive study. “I’ve encountered a few challenges over the four years,” said Jodie Paskell. “However, with support from senior management at the Hospice, we have turned these challenges into opportunities. I'm forever grateful for the wealth of knowledge and expertise my mentors have shared with me.” The three graduates have now returned to St Michael’s; Kiah on our Inpatient Unit, and the two Jodies out in the community.
Kiah
“It has been an honour to support Jodie, Kiah and Jodie,” said Debbie Smithers, Lead Teacher/ Practitioner at St Michael’s. “They have shared their wealth of palliative care knowledge with many other healthcare professionals across Herefordshire, attaining the skills required to become a Registered Nurse. NHS England has supported the apprenticeship training, and provided some backfill costs. Wye Valley NHS Trust, meanwhile, provided Apprenticeship Levy monies to cover the university fees, and supported student placements.
Jodie J
10 | bit.ly/SMH_News_MoreThanJustClinicalCare
More than just clinical care... Our Supportive Care team supports patients and families in many ways. Did you know we offer:
Art Therapy in care homes A grant-funded project allowing palliative patients in care homes to benefit from a community-based self-employed Art Therapist. Patients visiting the Living Well group in Day Services each week can also access our volunteer art therapist.
Bereavement support groups Nine different groups, spread throughout the county, plus a walking group, bereavement choir, and an ever-expanding Whatsapp group. All open to anyone bereaved in Herefordshire and surroundings. A volunteer team also supports those lonely and isolated.
Complementary Therapy The team offers a range of therapies from acupuncture, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, shiatsu and more to patients and family members. People receiving a course of these therapies typically feel more relaxed, calmer and experience a reduction in pain or discomfort.
Learn more about our Supportive Care services: st-michaels-hospice.org.uk
bit.ly/SMH_News_MoreThanJustClinicalCare | 11
Counselling One-to-one counselling sessions, plus group sessions, open to those whose loved one is under our care, or has died. Sessions are also open to the patient. This dedicated team is on hand during your time of need, offering understanding, compassion, and a listening ear.
Mindfulness at St Michael’s One-to-one sessions, group sessions, and courses for patients, family members and the public. Engaging in mindfulness may help us manage challenges by changing our perspectives and developing calm and creative responses. Mindfulness courses at St Michael's have been so successful that we now plan to roll this out to other Hospices teaching them how to develop a successful Mindfulness service.
Spiritual Care Offers a listening ear, whether religious or not. Available to inpatients, those attending Day Services, and Hospice at Home patients in the community. Also on hand to families, friends and carers. Help with funeral arrangements and leading on our Light up a Life services.
Social Work Practical advice and emotional support for patients and family members, advice on accessing financial support benefits, plus help arranging packages of care. The Social Work team also arranges bereavement lunches, and provides support and companionship for family members of Hospice patients who have been recently bereaved.
…we help you live fully every day.
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Camelia & Lucian
Revving to go More of our inpatients can now enjoy memorable trips out thanks to the donation of a special new vehicle. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) allows those with limited mobility to enter, travel and exit the vehicle safely and comfortably, without having to leave their wheelchair. Camelia, who has been staying on our Inpatient Unit, was able to enjoy a visit to The Courtyard with her son, Lucian, to watch the panto Mother Goose after being given a lift from St Michael’s in the WAV. “I didn’t know that I would be able to do this whilst at St Michael’s, and I’m so grateful.” said Camelia.
I had a great time, It was lovely to just be able to do normal things. Camelia, Patient at St Michael's
St Michael’s has received the WAV thanks to the extraordinary generosity of The Gordon McLeod Leukaemia Fund.
Gordon & Lyn Mcleod with Matt Fellows
bit.ly/SMH_News_CommunityFundraising | 13
Community fundraising
together for a memorable night which raised over £50,000.
A St Michael’s Hospice supporter has thanked the community for helping him raise tens of thousands of pounds for us.
“We do it because it’s such a great cause, and to support my great friend Mike Pullin, founder of the Hospice Angels fundraising group, who has been a huge supporter of St Michael’s for many years.
For almost a decade, John Collins, his family and very good friends, have staged a dinner, regularly attended by over 200 guests.
"I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make the events as memorable as they are.” said John.
The latest saw friends from all over the country and beyond come
A big Thank You to auctioneers Greg Christopher and Phil Jones.
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Tel: 01244 852360 | majesticpublications.co.uk All rights reserved @ 2026 | YBH
14 | bit.ly/SMH_News_SolaceThroughArt
Solace through art Soon after the birth of her first grandchild, Judy Young was moved to draw sketches of her. Her talent led to her being commissioned to paint other portraits for those close to her, and around the world. In 2017, the precious granddaughter who had become the inspiration for her portraits, sadly died of brain cancer at St Michael’s. India was just 19 years old. “The care she - and we, her family - received at the Hospice was unbelievable,” said Judy. “She was given the very best end-of-life possible.” India’s beloved dog, Merlin, was a permanent fixture in her room. A kind Homemaker decorated this room with posters of India’s heroes, Dr Who and Harry Potter,
Judy
whilst a member of the nursing staff gave her a Harry Potter wand. A friend was even allowed to bring a horse to visit her. When painting posthumous portraits of India, Judy said it dawned on her that friends and relatives of patients at St Michael’s might cherish a portrait of their loved ones. “It’s so much more personal and evocative than a photograph. I love doing it, because I know how much pleasure it can give when you are grieving.” Judy says she would be happy to accept commissions to paint posthumous portraits of loved ones who have been cared for by St Michael’s, in return for a donation to the Hospice. Commission a painting by Judy Email: judeartist@icloud.com Facebook: Jude Artist
Judy's posthumous portrait of India
bit.ly/SMH_News_NonCancerRecordHigh | 15
Non cancer patient numbers at record high Since the last Messenger, our care has passed a very significant landmark. For the first time, we are caring for more patients with a non-cancer condition than those with cancer. The change is down to an expansion of services provided by St Michael’s Hospice, including expert care and support provided to those with dementia, and other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease. "The expert free-of-charge care provided to our patients continues day and night, just as it did when we first opened our doors 41 years ago,” said St Michael’s Chief Executive, Matt Fellows. “Now, thanks to an ever-expanding breadth of services, we’re able to offer more care and support to
more people than we ever have, and the latest care figures reflect that. “Yet despite reaching more people, we’re acutely aware that there are a great many residents who could benefit from our care but, for whatever reason, have slipped through the net. We’re keen to make contact with them.” Matt has previously called for hospices across the UK to receive a more equitable share of funding from the government, particularly given the increasing challenges caused by National Insurance, and cost of living rises. 2026 year-end figures were still being collated as we went to press, but statistics showed we cared for or supported 2,495 people in the 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025. This figure was up almost 150 on the previous year, and up 1,425 in just eight years, a rise of around 133%.
16 | bit.ly/SMH_News_TherapyDogs
Therapy through dogs Providing comfort to those who need it is a vital element of our care. That comfort, however, isn’t always provided by colleagues. Well, at least not our two-legged ones. Ted is a three-year-old Therapy Dog who is brought to our Inpatient Unit most Fridays by Stephen, his human companion. “Ted just loves people,” said Stephen. “He is very good at picking up when someone is in need. It just comes to him so naturally, and it can be incredibly moving to witness. He’s a bit of a miracle dog really.” Ted’s journey to becoming a Therapy Dog involved training,
Stephen & Ted
and came as a result of the behaviour he had shown during a particular period at home. “My wife had a triple heart bypass, and was understandably very fragile afterwards,” added Stephen. “During this time, Ted was so gentle with her. A doctor friend said Ted would make a wonderful therapy dog, and I just thought, ‘I would love to do this’.” When the two of them walk down our Inpatient Unit, it’s Ted’s name people remember, not Stephen’s. “It’s exactly how it should be,” said Stephen. “Ted is very popular here and seeing the difference he makes to patients, their loved ones, and staff and volunteers, is just lovely. “St Michael’s is a very special place to be, and bringing Ted here could be the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done.”
Love dogs? Bring your pup to Hereford Dog Day this June Scan the QR code or visit Bit.ly/SMH_HerefordDogDay
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Four go to Tanzania Hot on the heels of a similar visit 12 months earlier, a small group of St Michael’s colleagues have spent time in east Africa visiting our sister hospice in Tanzania.
that doesn’t change no matter what equipment or facilities are available. The people we met are inspirational in the work they do every day.
Jan Smith, Jo Stewart, Mark Smith and Tash Thomas spent time at Muheza Hospice and St Augustine’s Hospital in Muheza, in the northern part of the country.
“We observed care being delivered in patients’ homes with limited resources, yet always with such care, kindness and compassion that the limitations seemed to fade away.”
“We were just four palliative care nurses on the adventure of a lifetime - making memories to last forever and meeting people we will never forget,” said Jo. “The palliative care doctors and nurses we met were truly amazing. We shared experiences and learnt so much, ultimately that palliative care comes from the heart, and
Anyone connected to St Michael’s is welcome to join a self-funded trip to Muheza Hospice. For more information, contact Karilyn and Richard Collins, using the details below. Interested in visiting Muheza Hospice? Get in touch. Contact Karilyn or Richard on:
karilynandrichard@googlemail.com
18 | bit.ly/SMH_News_MoreThanaTeddy
More than a teddy bear Whenever we talk about Memory Bears, people get in touch telling us how much benefit these beautiful teddies bring to their loved ones - often many years after they were handed out. These very special Bears are available to patients to be passed on to younger ones as a tangible memory of someone special. Each Bear is unique meaning recipients really are being gifted something very special. Sarah’s son was just two-and-a-half when her father-in-law received care from St Michael’s. He was soon offered a Memory Bear - which they named Gran Gran Bear - and became an inseparable member of their family.
Sarah
He’s been part and parcel of our lives, and a reminder to us all that love never fades. Sarah
“The Bear has accompanied us to Euro Disney on holiday, and many other places over the years,” said Sarah. “My son treasured it - we all did." Each Memory Bear has a beautiful hand-created outfit, lovingly created by a dedicated group of volunteers. One such volunteer, Jenny Macklin, has previously told us how much she enjoys creating the outfits. “I just love doing them, and to think it provides a bit of comfort to people means so much,” said Jenny, who has knitted hundreds of outfits over the years. Thanks to these wonderful volunteers, like Jenny, we are currently fully stocked with Bears, and Bear outfits.
Proud to support St Michael’s Hospice Fluidmaster is proud to continue its long-standing support of St Michael’s Hospice, recognising the incredible work of their team and the difference they make in our local community. With our sincere thanks to the St Michael’s Hospice team
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