Hospice News September 2019

HospiceNews No.144 / September 2019

Inside • Christmas Market • Make a Will Fortnight • Pride Day roundup

/stpetershospice Registered Charity No. 269177

Welcome

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s an organisation we have achieved so much over the last seven years – mostly down to the huge generosity of our supporters, volunteers and donors who have raised the funds and given us time to make things happen. The other driving force of these achievements has been the Hospice’s Chief Executive Simon Caraffi.

Simon announced he was going to retire earlier this year and at the end of August we gave him a great send off.

I want to acknowledge the hard work and effective leadership that Simon has provided over recent years and highlight some of the achievements of his time in office. These include; a wider and stronger clinical service for our patients and their families, appointment of and development of a strong leadership team to take the Hospice into the future, the introduction of our Hospice Neighbours scheme, the expansion of our hugely successful shop network and our recent involvement in the tremendously successful Bristol Pride. And, not least the rebuild of the 15 bed Inpatient Unit at Brentry – no mean feat.

Whilst Simon will be missed we are delighted that we have appointed Frank Noble as our next CEO. Frank has a clear passion for the Hospice and for Bristol and very strong leadership skills.

He had a long career in the Army and more recently was the Operations Director for Clifton College. I have every confidence in Frank to take St Peter’s Hospice forwards over coming years, continuing to provide excellent, compassionate care and support to patients, families and carers as well as leading and supporting our staff and volunteers.

Peter Goyder Chair of Trustees

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About Us St Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice. We have been looking after people in our area (Bristol, South Gloucester, North Somerset and part of Bath and North East Somerset) for more than 40 years.

Our commitment is to contribute to improving the quality of life of patients with life-limiting illnesses while extending care and support to their families and loved ones.

St Peter's Hospice

Charlton Road, Brentry, Bristol BS10 6NL General enquiries: 0117 915 9400 If you are a patient, family member or friend, and are uncertain about what to do, please call our 24/7 advice line on 0117 915 9430.

St Peter’s Hospice Fundraising Team: 2nd Floor, Block C, Estune Business Park, Wild Country Lane, Long Ashton, BS41 9FH 01275 391400

stpetershospice.org /stpetershospice @stpetershospice @stpetershospice

St Peter’s Hospice - For Patients, Families and Bristol

Hospice life Take a look at the stars and stories that have been shining a light on the Hospice...

We were thrilled that our Summer Fashion Collection featured on the front page of the Bristol Post, and the front page of their Weekend Magazine.

We were delighted to support and attend the Bristol Diversity Awards this year. Johnny Flanagan, Head of Supporter Relations, presented ITV presenter Alex Beresford with the Broadcaster of the Year award.

Television presenter Martin Roberts visited the Hospice to meet patients, staff and volunteers, and hosted an event for the Hospice held at Yeo Valley. Here he is with staff in the Inpatient Unit.

Bristol Bears rugby player Joe Batley visited the Hospice, and attended the St Peter’s Hospice Retail Awards. Here he is with Area Manager Louisa MerchantLocke.

Clinical Community Engagement Lead Caroline Mundy was interviewed by Heather Pickstock from the Bristol Post about her new role at the Hospice. Caroline is pictured (right) up with online Heather Pickstock.

Sign today at

The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Jos Clark, visited the Hospice in May to meet patients, staff and volunteers.

bristolmenswalk.com Find us on Facebook /stpetershospice

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Remember your loved ones on our 3 mile family walk

Sunday 13 October 2019 Ashton Court Estate Walk to Remember is the perfect opportunity to come together and remember the loved ones we’ve lost.

It’s a beautiful autumnal walk that takes you through the leafy grounds of Ashton Court.

At the end of the walk why not mark the occasion by writing a special message on a tag and tying it to the memory tree? In the past people have shared special memories or written

7-20 October

messages to their loved ones celebrating their life and their time together.

Registration costs £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Under 3s and four legged friends are free.

Register at stpetershospice.org/walktoremember or fill in our registration form.

Update or write your Will for free A wonderful group of solicitors, based around Greater Bristol, are giving up their time for free in order to write your Will, so instead of paying their fee you can make a donation to St Peter’s Hospice.

By supporting this campaign you are making a real difference to our patients.

Visit willfortnight.org or call us on 01275 391404 to find out how you can take part.

Sponsored by

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Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @stpetershospice

Patient story Hi I’m Paul.

I was diagnosed with cancer in December last year. I’d actually had a cyst on my liver for many years and was undergoing six monthly checks, so the diagnosis came quickly. Doctors discovered the cyst had turned cancerous and after returning in the spring to see if it could be removed, I was given the news that it had spread to my stomach and was now terminal.

Ever since then I’ve been benefitting from seeing the Hospice’s Community Nurses, and using their Day Services.

Every week a Community Nurse comes to help, support and advise me, they guide me on what equipment I need to help me day-to-day, and take me through medication and pain relief. It makes such a big difference knowing someone is always going to be there.

The Hospice offers 12-week day courses, of which I’ve done two. I’ve met a lot of people in the same situation as me. It really helped to take my mind off of things, we take part in activities such as arts and crafts and also receive complementary therapies.

The aim is for everyone to be able to talk and provide a support network for each other, alongside friends and family.

And it’s not just the day-to-day activities on offer. Taking part in Day Hospice means I get time with a doctor

Day Hospice offers so “ Themuch alongside the friendship and activities

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once a week to discuss my condition and get advice. The option to phone up and speak to someone is always there too, something that’s also been extended to my loved ones. Sarah, my housemate and friend of 20 years, is currently receiving counselling from the Hospice.

As a gay man I’m particularly aware of the Hospice being there for everyone, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation at their time of need, and I was delighted to take part in the recent

To find out more about our services visit stpetershospice.org/patients-and-families

Our Clinical Advice Line is open 24/7 call 0117 915 9430

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Shops

step back in

timefor

autumn wi nter fashion With the nights drawing in and the weather cooling, it’s time to plan how to keep warm!

This season, we’ve taken our inspiration from past decades. Think corduroy, animal prints and knee high boots! Years ago, no-one had heard of fast fashion – clothes were kept, valued and re-used. But today it’s a different story – each year 430,000 tonnes of clothing are disposed of and not recycled in the UK (Source: The Guardian, Tuesday 19 February 2019).

However, our shops are one of the pieces of the sustainability puzzle, playing a huge role in the recycling and reusing of unwanted clothes. So, you can still refresh your wardrobe but without adding to it – when you go in to buy, you can go in to donate in equal measure!

And if you think buying second hand means second best, you’d be mistaken. Our shops regularly receive donations of premium and vintage brands, some are even unworn!

Shop with a clear conscience at our 50 shops in and around the Bristol area. Find your local shop online at: stpetershospice.org/shop

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Find your nearest St Peter’s Hospice Shop...

Shops Your local St Peter’s Hospice Shop is already getting into the Christmas mood...

Diaries

Cards A diary is always a must have and our colourful 2020 diaries make great stocking fillers.

Calendar

Back by popular demand this year, our calendar showcases an updated range of stunning images from Citiview, a local photographer. With 12 detachable postcards of the images, it’s sure to sell out fast!

We already have a fantastic range of cards instore with something to suit all tastes. All packs are priced at £4.49 for 10.

To get your hands on any of these Christmas goodies: • Pop into your local shop • Order using the catalogue (enclosed) • Go online: stpetershospice.org/christmas • Call 01275 391400

…visit stpetershospice.org/shop

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Community Engagement We were absolutely thrilled to take part in Bristol Pride this year as official partners for the first time. From staff to volunteers, we all had great fun planning and running our marquee at the event.

The planning started way back in January and the celebrations kicked off at the start of July with the raising of the Pride rainbow flag at the Hospice in Brentry. At the same time a team of shop staff unveiled a bespoke handmade banner representing all the communities the Hospice serves with the statement ‘We are your Hospice’.

All 51 of our shops joined in the festivities, creating wonderful window displays and providing information and advice to customers about the Hospice’s partnership with Bristol Pride.

Celebrating and recognising diversity is so important to us and we want all members of the community to know that we are there for them. Caroline Mundy, our Clinical Community Engagement Lead said: “We were delighted to join Bristol Pride as an official partner this year and show our support for the whole of our community.

“We recognise and celebrate diversity, providing individualised care for the whole person.

“We are working to improve access to and understanding of the services we provide. Bristol Pride enables us to show our commitment to the local LGBT+ community and continue building our relationships throughout Bristol and the surrounding areas we serve.”

Huge thanks to Canada Life who sponsored our presence at Pride this year, their support enabled us to be there and reach out to so many members of our community.

The Hospice was a huge hit during the Bristol Pride parade through Bristol city centre, thanks in no small part to drag queens Carmella del Marquis and Stewart Hicks of our Southmead shop.

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To find out how you can support the Hospice...

Community Engagement A common assumption is that Hospice care is only for those with cancer; however we also care for people who have other progressive life-limiting illnesses, such as heart failure, dementia, and respiratory or neurological conditions. We provide high quality individualised care. Our care is given to people regardless of disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief and sexuality. The wider Bristol community is rich in diversity, a valued feature. We want to ensure we understand and meet our community’s needs.

National reports highlight inequalities that some face accessing palliative and end of life support. People from minority communities, including ethnic groups, people experiencing homelessness, Gypsy Roma Travellers, LGBT+, prisoners and people with learning disabilities, can face access barriers. We are seeking to reduce these barriers by proactively engaging with the communities we serve.

In April Caroline Mundy, a nurse who has worked for the Hospice for over 14 years, started a new exciting role as Clinical Community Engagement Lead.

Caroline is looking at how the Hospice can continually improve access and equality of access to our services.

Increasing our understanding is key, along with strengthening partnership working with healthcare teams and local communities. It is a two-way process, characterised by listening.

Caroline is also the organisational lead for young people transitioning from Children’s hospice services to St Peter’s Hospice.

So far Caroline has engaged with many different groups including heart failure, respiratory, Parkinson's, local homeless teams, dementia professionals, the local children's hospice and the local council lead for Gypsy Roma Traveller communities. Caroline has also made links with local minority groups and is looking forward to developing these further.

We are committed to equality and inclusion; we believe that everyone is entitled to the best quality end of life care.

…visit stpetershospice.org

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Patient story Hi I’m Michelle In February this year I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. I’d already had a double mastectomy four years back but more recently I started to experience agonising pains, and after thorough tests it was found I had broken ribs. It turns out the cancer had remained lurking in my bones and had weakened them so much it was as if I’d suffered a trauma. By that point it was a relief to finally get a diagnosis.

Since then I’ve been under the wonderful care of St Peter’s Hospice.

People tend to think that hospices are all about the end of your life but there’s so much more to it than that. I get to benefit from psychological, nursing and medical expertise, and time devoted to me. Something the over-stretched NHS wouldn’t be able to give. I use the Hospice’s Day Services and my home has been completely prepared for my needs.

With this in mind, I decided to give something back. It costs such a huge amount to run the Hospice’s services so I put the pain to one side and completed the Midnight Walk in July, all to raise as much money as possible.

I did the course in my electric wheelchair but was also pushed much of the way by my amazing super-hero dressed friends Kate Britton, Erica Taylor, Susie Reeves, Charmaine Cook and my sister Judith Saunderson, all of whom go by the name of Mich’s Marvellous Mates. And so far we’ve raised a brilliant £3,000!

As you can imagine, this will go such a long way to helping St Peter’s Hospice provide the care they do, so if you’d like to get involved and support me and the Hospice please visit justgiving.com/Charmaine-Cook1

People tend to think that “hospices are all about the end of your life, but there’s so much more to it than that

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”

To find out more about our events contact Hayley on 01275 391428

Fundraising It’s been an exciting year of fundraising in the community so far, and we’ve got lots more still to come! We would once again like to say a huge thank you to every single person that has given up their time to fundraise for us. We’ve had people jumping out of planes, shaved heads, family fun days, epic cycle challenges and so much more. We are grateful to each and every one of you for helping St Peter’s Hospice continue its vital work.

Thank you to our brave fundraiser Abigail Price who took on a skydive!

Abbie wanted to support us in honour of her grandad who is receiving care from the Hospice. Not only this, the whole family also organised a very successful fundraiser at the local pub, the two events together raising over £1,500!

Request a fundraising pack If you fancy taking on a personal challenge and raising funds to support the Hospice, then get in touch to request a fundraising pack. They are full of tips, hints and ideas that will help you plan your perfect fundraiser. Whether you’re a seasoned supporter, or this is your first attempt to raise money, we want to hear from you. Give Esther a call on 01275 391420 or visit our website to request your guide now.

A huge thank you to the fantastic group of supporters who cycled from Bristol to Paris in support of the Hospice! Jon, Dominic, Stuart, Matt, Nick, Jim, Ricky and Jason cycled 334 miles in four days and raised almost £10,000 – what an achievement! Jon and Dom’s families have both received support from St Peter’s Hospice, and felt passionately that they wanted to give something back.

Calling all volunteers!

As the busy Christmas period is fast approaching, we are once again on the lookout for volunteers to support us at our festive events. Our annual Christmas Market (see page 13), Light Up A Life services (see page 12) and Knitivity Tour are all great ways of supporting the Hospice. From making jams and preserves to helping with bucket collections or manning a stand; get in touch if you’d like to be involved and we’ll find a great role for you!

If you’ve got a fundraising story get in touch on 01275 391420

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Christmas Light Up A Life Christmas is a special time of reflection for many, and we will once again be marking this with our Light Up a Life services. These are a special opportunity to remember and reflect on those no longer with us, and to come together and celebrate their lives.

Whether your loved one was cared for

by St Peter’s Hospice or not, we hope you will be able to attend a service.

Services will include festive music, readings and the symbolic lighting of candles, as well as a retiring collection at the end.

Book of Remembrance Having your loved one’s name inscribed into our beautiful, hand bound Book of Remembrance is a poignant and touching way of celebrating and remembering someone special. Visit our website to make your Book of Remembrance donation or phone 01275 391400.

If you submit your loved one’s name

by Monday 25 November, it will be inscribed into the book. The book will be available to view at each of our Light Up A Life services, and you can also book a private viewing at the Hospice in the new year. Your loved one’s name will also be included in our digital Book of Remembrance, which will be available for you to view on our website.

Join us at a Light Up a Life service: Tuesday 3 December, 5.45pm Bristol Cathedral, College Green Sunday 8 December, 5pm Salvation Army Citadel, Staple Hill Saturday 14 December, 3pm St Peter’s Hospice, Brentry

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For more information please contact community@stpetershospice.org

al nnu ice A 39th s Hosp er’ S t P et

Christmas Market

Saturday 30 November 10am to 3pm

Ashton Court Mansion House BS41 9JN

at Ashton Court

Our ever growing Christmas Market boasts a variety of craft, fashion, gift and food in our indoor and outdoor market areas. With 50 stalls, live music, on-site cafes offering lunches, snacks and seasonal treats, as well as crafting workshops for children and adults; there truly will be something for everyone to enjoy at this special day out at Ashton Court.

From homemade cakes and jams to stocking fillers, gift wrap and perfect presents for all; we invite you to join us for this very special event and kick-off the gift-giving season!

The site is fully accessible. Entry is £1 on the door (free for under 16s) and all the profits will go towards funding vital patient care.

Find ‘St Peter’s Hospice Christmas Market’ on Facebook or visit our website to keep up to date with the latest announcements.

Bring your friends – invite them to our Facebook event

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Local business support Building support The Constructing Excellence Awards was another wonderful event supporting St Peter’s Hospice, awarding inspiring building projects across the South West. Long serving volunteer Coral and Corporate Fundraising Manager Louise attended this special event at Ashton Gate to chat to attendees about the Hospice and to play our brand new Hospice film.

People’s generosity was amazing – a wonderful total of £3,027.50 was raised on the night! A great time was had by all including the award winners pictured.

Please do consider supporting us through your annual company event, to do so or to discuss this further contact Louise on 01275 391400.

centre also donates end of line stock for us to sell at our Christmas market.

Thank you for this ongoing support, it’s much appreciated.

The sound of a great event Charity partnerships come in all shapes and sizes and we love them all! Our friends at Sounds Commercial have once again supported The Midnight Walk by donating the sound and lighting at the venue. Because of Sounds Commercial’s expertise in setting up and running events they have been able to go above and beyond for us on lots of occasions for which we are so grateful.

Almondsbury Garden Centre helping us grow When it comes to long term support the team at Almondsbury Garden Centre are hard to beat. Through collection tins and events instore this beautiful family-run haven for gardeners and gift buyers have donated over £18,000 in the past 23 years! As well as helping with funds for patient care, the garden

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Could your business have our collection tins? Contact Tash Gue to arrange a delivery on 01275 391400

Could you be a charity partner or sponsor?

Local business support A Caribbean feast After an introduction from our friends at JeffWay Group, St Peter’s Hospice was lucky enough to be chosen as one of two charities to gain support from the Crest Nicholson Annual Awards Dinner.

With a colourful Caribbean theme it was a lively night of recognition and fundraising, dancing and selfies with look-alike Jonty Depp! Corporate Fundraising Manager Louise, who went along on the night, said, "We all had so much fun and the Crest Nicholson team were very friendly and welcoming, making us really feel like a part of the event.” We are so grateful for everyone involved in raising the huge amount of £25,000 from the night!

#lightupbristol Not that we need an excuse to light everything up at Christmas, but this year why not go bigger and better and fundraise for us?

Ask people for donations for going the extra mile when you’re lighting up your house, your tree or anything else for that matter. And don’t forget to use #lightupbristol on social media when you’re sharing your photos. We want to see them all!

Call Louise or Tash on 01275 391400

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Fundraising groups Severnside Fundraising Support Group is busy as ever!

If you live in the Thornbury, Rockhampton, Alveston and Almondsbury areas you’ll most likely know that there’s a steady stream of annual fundraising events organised by Kath Burgess and friends.

Check our Calendar of Events in the back of this newsletter and on our website for a complete list. From Coffee Mornings to Charity Golf Days and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whilst helping to support St Peter’s Hospice.

Calling all Crafters!

Do you sew, knit, crochet, bake, make preserves or have other crafting skills that could raise funds for your Hospice? We’re keen to find new volunteers to help make and create lovely things for our annual Christmas Market. Involvement is flexible, and you can help as an individual or if you have a group of friends who would like to support together, that is great too!

Support us in the Chew Valley!

Nailsea Area Fundraising Do you live in the Nailsea, Backwell or Long Ashton area and would like to get more involved in supporting the Hospice?

Our lovely fundraising group based in Nailsea and led by Peter and Ann Harrowell, would love a few extra pairs of hands to help with annual events, such as their popular quiz night and Easter and Christmas fayres.

Do you have a few hours to give here and there and would like to socialise and meet new people? We have some lovely people in the Chew Valley area who are supporting St Peter’s Hospice in various ways, and would be keen to have a few more people involved. Volunteering is flexible, help as little or as much as you’d like, and make new friends at the same time!

For more information on all of the above contact community@stpetershospice.org or phone 01275 391400 for a chat.

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St Peter’s Hospice – For Patients, Families and Bristol

Patient story Hi I’m Bev, a Day Hospice patient.

I wasn’t going to attend Day Services and always referred to the Hospice as St. Pete’s – I was frightened of using the word Hospice! On my first day a volunteer driver picked me up from my house and when we got there I couldn’t believe it. It was bright, welcoming and everyone was really happy.

I’ve had a few different drivers over the weeks and I’m constantly amazed at how they all give up their valuable time to bring me in. I chat to my current driver Liz about anything and everything, we have many laughs on the journey to and from the Hospice.

wig in my handbag, something I never thought I would do!

I’m so appreciative of the support I get at the Hospice. From being picked up and dropped off, to creating all sorts with the arts and crafts volunteers, receiving treatments from complementary therapists and of course the amazing hairdressers, St Peter’s Hospice volunteers make not just mine but all patient’s experiences a more positive one.

And it’s not just drivers that volunteer.

Since losing my hair I’ve always worn a wig, I wouldn’t let anybody see me without it. That was until Lisa, a volunteer hairdresser, was in one Thursday. I decided to have my hair washed and mentioned to Lisa that I needed it coloured, so she popped home to collect a colour and spent the morning washing, colouring and cutting my hair! I left Day Services that day modelling my new hair style with my

Volunteer with us Volunteers are a crucial part of what we do and the service we provide, and with so many different types of roles there’s something for everyone.

If you’re interested in volunteering with us we would love to hear from you, just visit stpetershospice.org/volunteer to find out more.

Could you volunteer? Visit stpetershospice.org/volunteer

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Events calendar 7-8 September

Hospice Open Gardens Our brand new garden is in full bloom and we want to share it with you. Join us for talks and a walk around as well as delicious homemade food.

28 September

7-20 October

Madmess 5k

Make a Will Fortnight

A mess of bubbles, glitter and paint – a fun run for all ages! Sign up at madmess.co.uk

Update or write your Will for free with us.

Visit willfortnight.org or call 01275 391404 to get your information pack.

11 October

Thornbury Golf Day 10 September

A four-ball competition at Thornbury Golf Centre.

Coffee Morning at Daldry Gardens Join us for a coffee morning in aid of the Hospice.

13 October 28 September

15 September

Simply Health Great Bristol Half Marathon Time to get fit? Why not run the Bristol Half and raise funds for us.

Email community@ stpetershospice.org for more information.

15 September

Pegasus Classic Cars Taking place in Castle Coombe it’s a must for all classic car lovers.

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Annual Nailsea Quiz Night The Grove Sports Centre, 6.30pm for 7pm start. Tickets are £6 and include a ploughman’s supper. Get them from the Hospice shops in Nailsea and Backwell, or call 01275 854696.

Walk to Remember Enjoy a three mile walk with family and friends and share memories of loved ones. Sign up at stpetershospice.org/ events

26 October

29 September

Afternoon Tea

China Challenge

Come and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at Rockhampton Village Hall.

We are heading to the Great Wall of China for our first overseas fundraising trip.

St Peter’s Hospice – For Patients, Families and Bristol

Events calendar 6 November

14 December

30 November

Coffee Morning

Doreen Doreen Live!

Light Up A Life

Enjoy a raffle and table sales at Alveston Church Hall.

Taking place at the BAWA Club in Filton, Bristol from 7.30pm – 12.30am. Don’t forget your sparkle!

St Peter’s Hospice, Brentry 3pm. A special service at the Hospice, alongside our new Inpatient Unit.

Booking is essential.

Please call 01275 391400.

16-24 November

Knitivity

3 December

Visit our larger than life knitted nativity at Cribbs Causeway.

23 November

Annual Nailsea Christmas Fayre Christ Church, Nailsea, 10am – noon. Selling chutneys, preserves, cakes, books, jigsaws and more.

Light Up A Life Bristol Cathedral 5.45pm. Our traditional remembrance service.

Thornbury Bazaar

Every Tuesday 2-4pm.

For anyone with a life-limiting illness, carers, family members and friends. Come to the main Hospice reception.

Enjoy Christmas treats and shopping in Thornbury.

Volunteer

7 December

8 December

Light Up A Life 30 November

St Peter’s Hospice Christmas Market 10am – 3pm at the beautiful Ashton Court mansion. We’ll have an indoor and outdoor market, as well as workshops, music and more!

Drop-In Sessions

Staple Hill 5pm. A service featuring the music of the Staple Hill Salvation Army band.

For up-to-date information on these and other events, visit our website or follow us on social media...

Can you spare some time to volunteer at an event? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Call 01275 391428 or email community@st petershospice.org

01275 391400 stpetershospice.org /stpetershospice @stpetershospice @stpetershospice

Find our latest events at stpetershospice.org

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