Hospice News Spring 2024

Welcome to your Spring Hospice News

I’m Susan Hamilton, and I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new CEO of the Hospice. I’ve lived in Bristol for over 20 years so I know all about the incredible work St Peter’s does. During my time in Bristol I’ve worked within the NHS, local government and charity sector.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about improving the quality of care, and reducing health inequalities. I’ve worked closely with local communities and organisations. It’s a privilege to be able to continue this work at St Peter’s Hospice and serve my local area.

I’ve always been impressed by the range of support provided to patients and health professionals and the dedication of the staff and volunteers who deliver excellent service across all areas of the Hospice.

I look forward to meeting as many supporters as I can, listening to your experiences and learning about what the Hospice means to you.

Where and how we care in our region

Here’s where and how we care, across a typical two-week period:

South Gloucestershire

The map shows the number of patients in each area: 26 – 30 21 – 25 16 – 20 11 – 15 5 – 10

• Our Advice Line takes over 300 calls

• We deliver over 550 face-to-face appointments in the community and in people’s homes

• We take and make over 1,000 telephone calls with patients

• Over 600 patients are supported across our services including Hospice at Home, Social Work, Physiotherapy and Day Services.

Harry’s story

Harry is one of our younger patients, aged 20 years old. He was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago following a series of seizures. He lives in Patchway with his mum, dad and sister.

You may recognise him from a short film he made with the Stand Up to Cancer team, which was broadcast on Gogglebox and other Channel 4 programmes in the autumn of 2023. His inspiring story was watched by millions.

Harry nominated himself for Stand Up to Cancer, saying, “It was a memory for my parents to have as I’m dying, and because I want people to have a little memory of me.”

“I want to raise awareness about brain cancer as it’s the cancer that’s most likely to kill people aged under 40. There’s no treatment for my type of cancer. I don’t look unwell, like the stereotypical cancer patient.”

Harry’s mum Lou, says “people say to him, you look really well, and I say, well, he’s not!”

Harry was 18 when he first became aware of his illness. Following a night out with his workmates he felt ill for most of the weekend. At first his parents thought he was hungover but on the Monday, Harry had a huge seizure. He was rushed to hospital, and an emergency scan revealed bleeds on his brain and three tumours.

“I try to live my life the best I can, and embrace what I’ve got.”

Harry was referred to the Hospice because he was struggling with back pain and tiredness. His dad Pete said “Our Community Nurse, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist, all spoke to Harry as a person, to understand what he likes to do. They were able to suggest ways for him to do the things he likes rather than things that are just good for him.”

Hospice Physiotherapist Gill has helped Harry get out and about to gigs, something he loves. “Gill had a really good chat with me about conserving energy so that I can enjoy the things I like to do, like concert trips. The last couple I went to I used my walking stick and felt pretty rubbish about it. Gill changed my thoughts, suggesting I look

at it as a tool to help rather than as a disability aid.”

“Having the Hospice at the end of the phone means I don’t have to go to A&E, which I’m very grateful for’ says Harry. “When I was unwell in December, we spoke to someone on the Advice Line and had a Hospice Nurse come within the hour. That visit was invaluable as once I had an injection of drugs, I had a relatively pain free Christmas.

“I try to live my life the best I can, enjoying things and embracing what I’ve got. The Hospice has given me coping mechanisms, helped me with acceptance and given me control over what I do.”

Meet Anneke, our new Hospice Gardener

Our new Gardener, Anneke, started working in the Hospice Gardens in the autumn. She brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the role having previously worked at the Royal Gardens at Highgrove.

“St Peter’s Hospice was on my radar before I applied for the job because my friend came here for her end-of-life care” says Anneke.

“The IPU staff were very accommodating, they arranged a Christmas party for a group of our friends, just like we always did at home. I visited my friend the day before she died, at that point she couldn’t talk any more. I wanted to talk to her but felt awkward having a one-sided conversation until I looked out at the garden and started describing what I could see. I realised how important it is for patients and visitors to be able to look out and see a beautiful environment.

“At the moment most of the garden is set out for sitting and reflecting, but I’d like to create a working garden with opportunities for people to get involved in growing.

“I realised how important it is for patients and visitors to be able to look out and see a beautiful environment.”

“This year we’re going to trial a new gardening group with Day Services where patients can get involved, sow seeds and use the raised beds for growing plants.

Make a donation: 01275 391400

“We’ve begun work to grow cut flowers for the Hospice, digging over the soil in preparation for sowing. To keep the Brentry site looking welcoming we have a team of ten cut flower volunteers who arrange vases of blooms around the Hospice. Currently, we buy the flowers in, but we could grow them here using organic methods. So we’re making a start this year.

“The highlight of my week is when the garden volunteers come in to help. I have 25 volunteers in total who turn up each week whatever the weather, some have been here for 25 years. They offer wise words, make me laugh and do a fantastic job.”

Anneke’s spring gardening tips

Start a sunflower competition

April means it’s time to sow sunflowers. Why not have a competition with your friends and family and see who can grow the tallest sunflower or the sunflower with the heaviest head? Sunflowers are great for pollinators and birds will love to eat the seeds at the end of the season, so everyone wins!

Repot houseplants

As the days become longer and lighter houseplants start growing again, now is a good time to repot plants that have outgrown their pots. Use a

good peat free compost, not garden soil, and make sure you always repot into a container that has drainage holes at the base.

Keep an eye out for aphids

As the weather warms up a little, aphids start appearing on soft, young shoots and leaves. Being vigilant and squashing them between your thumb and forefinger will help keep populations under control. Lots of garden insects and birds feed off aphids so it’s better to leave out chemicals, which often kill helpful insects and let the natural predators do their job.

Run for St Peter’s Hospice!

There are lots of exciting running events taking place this year for all abilities and interests. Whether it’s your first 5k or the challenge of a new PB, there’s an event for you!

The Great Bristol Run

The Great Bristol Run takes place on 19 May. Run for St Peter’s, choosing between the half marathon or the 10k and we’ll be right there with you on the day to cheer you on!

The Inflatable 5k

The Inflatable 5k is coming to Bristol on 6 July and is a guaranteed fun day for all the family. Choose between a 2.5k, 5k, 10k or 15k challenge.

Going further afield

If you fancy going further afield, why not give the London Royal Parks Half Marathon or even the iconic Amsterdam Marathon a try?

Take a look on our website at stpetershospice.org/running for even more options. But whichever takes your fancy, know that your fundraising will be fundamental in helping patients and their families across Bristol and beyond.

You donated, we collected!

Our annual Christmas Tree Collection completed its fourth year this January. More than 1,800 trees were collected from generous supporters like you, who recycled their Christmas trees in exchange for a donation to the Hospice. Our hard-working volunteers collected trees from all over Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

And out on the ground helping to make sure all your trees were collected, were delivery gurus Arthur David. They brought Christmas spirit in abundance with their donation of 15 vans and 30 hands on volunteers! They also organised the most efficient routes to make sure our drivers could reach each

and every tree. Thanks to them, the two-day operation was a huge success.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to those of you who donated this year, and to the volunteers who gave their time to

Play for £1 a week

Buy a ticket in one of our shops or online stpetershospice.org/lottery

SAHARA TREK 2025

5 – 10 February 2025

Take on a once in a lifetime challenge with our Sahara Trek in 2025. Join us in Morocco for a four-day trek through the ever-changing landscape of the most famous desert in the world.

We’re looking for a team of fundraisers to put on their walking boots and take on this epic challenge with us. You’ll follow camels through the desert, sleep under the stars and climb the Chigaga Dunes to see the sunrise.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a complete beginner it doesn’t matter. Everyone is welcome and you’ll be walking together with a common purpose - to give care when it matters most.

If you’re interested in joining the team for this unforgettable adventure, find out more at stpetershospice.org/sahara

Events Calendar

Rugby March

The Bears are back!

21 April 2024, Ashton Gate Stadium - Put on your walking boots and join us for a sponsored walk taking in some of Bristol’s iconic sights before soaking up the amazing match-day atmosphere watching Bristol Bears v Newcastle Falcons. With a three or six mile route option, this event is open to all ages and abilities. stpetershospice.org/rugbymarch

Bristol to Paris

Tour de Bristol

13 April 2024 – Join us for our tenth Tour de Bristol! This challenge will see you cycling out of the city and through the beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside up to the Cotswolds. The three routes offer something for all abilities to enjoy. There are feed stations along the way, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to refuel on your journey and we’ll be there at the finish line to give you a hero’s welcome!

stpetershospice.org/tourdebristol

Great Bristol Run

15-19 May 2024 – We’ll be saying Bon Voyage to our first group of cyclists undertaking our Bristol to Paris Cycle! The team will be pedalling their way to Paris over four days, making their way through the English countryside before jumping on a ferry to cycle through the beautiful French scenery. They’ll cover more than 400km before finishing the journey at the iconic Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower! Spaces for this year’s event are full but register your interest here for next year’s challenge: stpetershospice.org/ bristoltoparis2025

19 May 2024 – Could you run 10K or a Half Marathon to raise funds for patient care? If running’s not your thing, help us marshal the event. Visit greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run to sign up or email fundraisingvolunteer@stpetershospice.org if you’d like to be a marshal.

Something super has arrived in Clifton

Our furniture and clothing Superstore in Clifton is now open!

Situated on Jacob’s Wells Road, the Superstore offers new and donated furniture, electrical items, homeware, and clothing at a bargain price, all within walking distance of Clifton Triangle.

New Superstore Manager, Nick Taynton, has worked in Retail for the past 18 years. He’s joined us from a background in charity furniture shops where he covered five stores across Wales, Bristol, Swindon and Warminster.

“The Hospice has been brilliant so far, everyone I’ve met is fantastic and we’re all working towards the same cause.”

A new venture for the Hospice, the Clifton Superstore stocks both new and donated furniture, preloved clothing, and homeware. “There are a lot of different shoppers coming in,” explains Nick, “and the location is great as it’s close to Clifton Triangle where there’s plenty of footfall and charity shops. We’re hoping people will both donate and shop with us!

“I’d encourage anyone to donate their furniture to us. It all contributes to the Hospice.”

“I’m excited to get the store off its feet and it will be interesting to see what donations we get. There’s a donation station where customers can drop off their clothing and homeware donations, just like the one in our Whiteladies Road shop.

“People are donating more now rather than throwing things away. I’d encourage anyone to donate their furniture to us. It all contributes to the Hospice. We can collect furniture for free or, if you buy something we have the flexibility to deliver it.”

Are you interested in checking out our new Superstore or want to drop off items at the donation station? Visit the shop at Ground Floor, Berkeley Place, Jacob’s Wells Road, Clifton, BS8 1EH.

Make a donation: 01275 391400

Donate your furniture, homeware, electricals and clothing!

Having a spring clean? Donate your unwanted furniture, clothing, homeware and electricals to our Superstore in Clifton.

We also offer a free furniture collection service online. To book your collection at a time that’s convenient for you, visit stpetershospice.org/furniturecollection

Supporting every local community

After well over 40 years of existence many people in our area know the Hospice and the value that our clinical services can bring to patients and their families. However, we recognise there are many communities that do not know us or access our care. We want to understand why this is and learn about what the barriers might be. In a region with a population as diverse as ours, it’s important to reach out to all communities, letting them know about the wide range of services we offer, should they need our care. We also want to listen to our communities to deepen our understanding of what matters to them.

In order to do this, and to develop links with diverse underserved communities, we’ve recently welcomed Muna as our Community Engagement Coordinator. Muna grew up in Sudan, a country with more than 100 languages. Her husband’s career brought her to Bristol 23 years ago and all four of her children have been born here, growing up with a mixed culture of Sudanese and Bristolian. Muna has a wealth of community engagement experience in Bristol.

Muna says: “My main aim is to spread the word about the Hospice and what it does. For example, some people I meet aren’t aware that we provide most of our support in people’s own homes. I’m working on

developing partnerships with communities to help Hospice staff learn and understand more about each community.”

“As part of my work I explain that we offer a range of support for people with incurable illnesses, and that we can adapt our care to suit a person’s cultural or religious needs. The Hospice can help in a variety of ways, depending on the individual’s situation. An example of this is therapy for children and young people impacted by a loved one dying. I’ve started to go out into the community and talk about hospice care, the volunteer team, our shops, and fundraising. I find people are interested and ask many questions.”

Over the past few months Muna has arranged for visitors from the Pakistani, Somali, Bangladeshi and Chinese communities to visit the Hospice and understand more about the services we offer. We have also welcomed local Muslim leaders and look forward to strengthening these partnerships.

Muna says: “They’re really surprised at the amount of support available. Changing perceptions takes time, but the reception has been amazing so far. I’m so pleased to be able to help people understand that they have a choice in how they are cared for, and that we can tailor their care with culture and religion in mind”.

“My main aim is to spread the word about the Hospice and what it does.”

Emily’s story

Emily was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2018, which then spread to her brain.

When we met Emily, it was clear that her priority was to be at home with her two children for as long as she possibly could. Our team of Community Nurses, Social Workers and Therapists made that possible. Here she tells us about her time with the Hospice.

“There isn’t a magic cure for me so I’ve put everything in place and that’s all I can do,” said Emily.

“The Hospice staff have supported me in offloading emotionally and have set me short-term tasks, as my memory isn’t so good. They have helped me introduce my children to St Peter’s, tour the place and find out about help for the family.

“I say that we live each day as we can, and I live the best life that I can.”

“I’ve been praised that I’m open with the kids. My daughter is 9 and my son is 13. I’m dealing with it in a practical, stoic way and my son is quite similar. My daughter however is much more emotional and unsettled. I’ve signed her up for the young person’s drop-in so she can meet others of her own age, going through the same thing. When we went to the drop-in session, I also met other people in a similar situation to us.

“You think you’ve conquered cancer and then it comes back. There’s no rhyme or reason why you haven’t beaten it. I did feel like I’d done something wrong when it returned but I’ve learnt that there’s nothing I could have done differently.

“I was first diagnosed in 2018 and responded by trying to get fit. I went super healthy the first time round, wore a lot of Lycra and ate vegan food because I’d read that it was the best diet. I thought I’d beaten cancer but the infections came back. First there were urine infections, then ear infections, pulmonary embolisms and pneumonia. There was a new drug that I tried but it made my blood count really bad, and my body just couldn’t handle it.

“I’ve been quite practical about my diagnosis. My daughter can ask me anything, even, ‘how long have you got?’ I say that we live each day as we can, and I live the best life that I can. You just have to deal with where you are and accept that you’ve changed.”

Make it last.

Make a difference. Shop sustainably, Shop St Peter’s. Visit your local shop.

Rhubarb and Custard cake

Fancy making a sweet spring treat?

Hospice Chef Louise and Assistant Chef Gerrie spend their time providing good, nourishing food to patients by making fresh, homemade

Download your free copy of their deliciously fruity spring Rhubarb and Custard cake recipe by visiting the link above or by scanning the QR code.

Lou Gerrie

Make your Will for free with St Peter’s Hospice

Having an up-to-date Will is the best way to know your loved ones and the causes you care about are looked after.

St Peter’s now offers free Will writing services to all supporters.

• We’ve partnered with the National Free Wills Network to provide face-to-face Will making with local solicitors.

• We also offer free online and telephone Will writing through the Farewill platform.

Did you know?

Gifts in Wills pay for the entire care of one out of every four patients.

Scott from Henleaze recently made a new Will using the Farewill telephone service.

“Farewill have done an excellent job,” said Scott.

“Adele was a delight to deal with. I have already passed her name on to friends, along with the suggestion they can use Farewill to support St Peter’s Hospice.”

To get started making or updating your Will for free, please visit stpetershospice.org/freewills, or call Matt in the fundraising team on 01275 391400.

Because of your support today, we can care tomorrow.

@stpetershospice

stpetershospice.org