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Hospice News No.145 | February 2020

Stories from our patients, upcoming events and ways to get involved.

Saturday 4 April • 7.45am UWE Frenchay Campus Join Bristol's biggest bike ride! Join more than 1,000 cyclists and take to the roads to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice. You’ll enjoy epic scenery and challenging hills throughout Bristol and the Wye Valley. Choose from either 40k, 65k and 100k routes.

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CONTENTS

Welcome to your latest edition of Hospice News

MIDNIGHT WALK Saturday 4 July • 9pm Starts: Millennium Square Take to the streets of Bristol in a different light The festival themed walk kicks off at 9pm with our famous warm up, this time at the fantastic Millennium Square. You can choose to walk either 5 or 10 miles and there’s a silent disco

to give you a boost half way through the route! We’re offering early bird sign ups at £17.50 for the first 250 sign ups so dig out your festival gear and secure your place now!

Find out more and sign up at bristolmidnightwalk.com

Hello and welcome to your latest edition of Hospice News. You’ll see that we’ve given the magazine a bit of a spruce up since you last received it, largely based around what you told us in the recent supporter survey. There are stories from our patients, upcoming events and ways to get involved. Personally, I have enjoyed a wonderful first few months as CEO. I’ve been able to attend events and meet you – our amazing volunteers and supporters. Thank you for welcoming me and letting me know why you care. Your feedback is of utmost importance to us and we’d love to hear your thoughts on this new style Hospice News. Just drop us a note at communications@ stpetershospice.org or write to us. Thank you for your ongoing support and all the very best for 2020.

Contents Hospice at Home

4-5

Emma’s story

6-7

Meet Paul

8-9

Volunteering and Local Lotto

Trevor’s story

12-13

Sustainability in our shops

14-15

Maria’s story

16-17

Upcoming events 18-19 Hospice Chefs Fun

20-21 22

Frank Noble CEO

Enquiries: 0117 915 9400 24/7 Advice line: 0117 915 9430 Website: stpetershospice.org

St Peter’s Hospice is commited to the environment. This document is printed using processes that are:

Renewable energy Vegetable oil based inks Recycled FSC® stock Recyclable Printed with care by Wells Printing. An ISO14001 Accredited & FSC® Certified Company

HOSPICE AT HOME

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IN 2019…

Hospice at Home

529

patients were cared for by the Hospice at Home team

Hospice at Home is exactly what it says on the tin. The majority of the people we care for either can’t make it to the physical Hospice in Brentry, or prefer to stay in their own home. So we bring the Hospice to them. We give exactly the same access to medics, a 24 hour helpline, and that’s on top of the care given by our nurses. The way Hospice at Home works is people are referred to us when they reach around the final four weeks of their life. We’ll make contact with them within four hours of them being referred and make our first visit within 24 hours. Our wonderful nurses then focus on making sure they’re fully set up for being cared for at home, looking after pain relief, medication and also giving much needed emotional support to both the patient and their loved ones. Care is based upon people’s needs and requirements. If someone wants a nurse there 24 hours we can make that happen, but if they want someone to just pop round for a few hours, that’s fine too. It’s entirely within their control and it’s our job to make sure they’re getting exactly what they need, when they want it. It’s a personalised service.

HOSPICE AT HOME

more than

15,000 hours of care were delivered to patients within their own homes

We allow people to remain in the environment they love and feel most comfortable in, whilst receiving first class care. More than once I’ve heard our nurses referred to as angels for the way we provide respite, comfort and advice to those caring for loved ones who are ill. For me personally I’ve had a long and interesting journey to doing what I do, nursing was my 6th degree! After witnessing the care my parents received in hospices back home in the US, I was sure I wanted to be a nurse and it had to be palliative care. I’ve been doing it for eight years now and despite being relatively new here at St Peter’s what’s struck me most is how positive and forward thinking the organisation is. I’m so proud of my team who regularly go above and beyond without questioning or asking for recognition, because they love what they do. And I always leave with a smile on my face. Jonathon Wellbeck-Pure Hospice at Home Manager

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“Every nurse and carer looked after both mum and me and I can’t thank them enough for being there when I needed them most” Melanie, whose mum Joyce was cared for by Hospice at Home in August

PATIENT STORY

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PATIENT STORY

Emma’s story Hi I’m Emma, I’m 33 and I’ve got stage four breast cancer that has spread to my lung, liver and more recently my spine. I’m having no further treatment and was referred to St Peter’s in June when I was given six months to live. But I’m still here! I get told I look really well all the time, make up plays a big part but I have to say how I look and how I feel are two very different things. That said, I did make the effort recently to throw myself a party, I’ve never had a party before not even for my 21st so I thought why not. I even kept some non-alcoholic bubbly behind the bar to really feel part of it! When I was first referred to the Hospice I was mostly curious. I don’t know anyone who has experienced what I’m experiencing so I didn’t know how it worked or what to expect. But it’s been brilliant. I’ve been visited at home and I’ve been to the Hospice for various sessions. I’ve had better care here than I have anywhere else. Everyone knows me by name and I feel welcomed every time I arrive. It’s just so nice to feel comfortable here, I couldn’t ask for more really. Since I was referred I’ve had massages and other complimentary therapy, and done the wellbeing course. I’ve used the

emotional support service too. It was an awful lot to take in when I was first told I had six months to live, but I had a lovely lady support me, and I don’t know how but she made me think of things differently. She made me understand and deal with my emotions better. Now I’m doing the Day Hospice course where a group of us come in every Thursday for 12 weeks. The staff are fantastic, they just know what’s going on. They listen, help with medication and just generally find solutions for you. In fact, they feel more like friends to me. I couldn’t ask for more. St Peter’s is not all about dying and it’s not at all morbid. People find real solace in coming to the groups, it keeps us busy and we get support without feeling judged. It’s really not scary at all. I wish I’d known about it sooner in my journey with cancer. I’ve chosen the Hospice as the place for my end of life, if I’m able to get here at that time, because this is where I feel most comfortable. But for now I’m doing well and hoping for the best, and I’m just so glad that I found St Peter’s Hospice.

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SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERING

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Spotlight on volunteering Paul has been volunteering for just over three years now, he works in our Bedminster Clearance shop. He’s a shining example of how work can be a fun and rewarding place. Paul has cerebral palsy but he constantly shows us everything he’s able to achieve, never his limitations. He works in the stockroom at the moment where he hangs and prices clothing ready for it to be steamed, but he loves learning and is picking up new skills every day. He helps with stock replenishment, he’s become a master of brand names, and he’s always up for going out on shop visits to gain inspiration. He’s also the boss of the hanger storage, he’ll know if you ever put a hanger away in the wrong place! Helen, the shop manager says ‘he’s the happiest person I’ve ever known. If you’re ever having a bad day, five minutes with Paul will have you laughing until your cheeks hurt. He cares about everyone he works with and just wants us all to be as happy as he is. He even says he hates bank holidays because the shop is closed!’

If you haven’t met Paul you can find him on the Bedminster Clearance shop Instagram page @sphbedminsterclearance, you’ll notice how much he loves dressing up and modelling the clothes! Anything he can do to promote the shop and raise vital funds, he’s willing to try. Our shops simply wouldn’t function without amazing volunteers like Paul and we always need more people to give up their time, could you volunteer for us? We have many opportunities both within our shops and the Hospice as a whole.

Email Russell on russell.cowan@ stpetershospice.org to find out more

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FUNDRAISING

Volunteers needed! We’re gearing up for another year of incredible fundraising with some fantastic new events. But we can’t do any of it without the help of our amazing volunteers – people like you who give us their time for free to make all of this happen. Could you spare some time to help us this year? Whether it’s an event you’ve seen in this newsletter, or other general fundraising things we would love to hear from you. And if you’re not sure, but you know you’d like to volunteer, just give us a call and we can

chat you through some of the rewarding opportunities we have available. Call or email us on: 01275 391404, fundraisingvolunteer@stpetershospice.org

What would you do with £1,000? If you enjoy trekking, cycling or running in the great outdoors, or if you fancy trying something new this year, we’ve got a challenge for you. Taking on one of our sponsored challenges means every penny you raise helps the thousands of people who need us, every year. There are plenty to choose from. Head over to stpetershospice.org/supportus/choose-your-challenge and take your pick.

Are you a member of our Local Lotto yet? Each and every week, a Hospice supporter is £1,000 better off. And because all proceeds raised from the Local Lotto go directly to St Peter’s Hospice, your £1 a week makes a huge difference to our patients and their families. Entering the St Peter’s Hospice Local Lotto is easy, and your monthly direct debit of £4.34 ensures you never miss a draw – every week you have a chance to win!

How to play 1. Sign up online at www.stpetershospice.org/lotto or call Bobbie on 01275 391115 2. Your numbers and payment details will be sent to you in the post 3. We’ll contact you if you win! Your Local Hospice. Your Local Lotto.

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PATIENT STORY

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PATIENT STORY

Trevor's story Hi, I’m Trevor. I was referred to the Hospice in 2018 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer that has since spread to my bones. My referral was quick and I was instantly inundated with help, which was so welcome. Initially when I was referred I was in shock and experienced a range of emotions. Having to think about death is frightening but I’ve been moved by the kindness I’ve received from everyone here. I unfortunately had to leave my job at the Post Office sorting office but I’ve found ways to cope. I’m a huge music fan and have some state of the art speakers in my house! I feel like music has really helped me through this process. I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from many of the services the Hospice has on offer. I have a wonderful community nurse called Cate who visits me regularly. She’s incredible, she reassures me when I’m feeling emotional and she told me that I’m not dying, I’m living with cancer. She looks after all of my medication needs and we have such a good laugh when she comes round. I’m also going to Day Hospice every Thursday which is great. There’s no stigma here, I can chat to people in confidence and we’re all in the same boat. It’s a hub of activity when you’re here, you can take part in things like

crafts, or just relax and have a cup of tea and read the paper, depending on what mood you’re in and how much energy you’ve got. The staff and volunteers are amazing, nothing is too much trouble for them and they make you feel instantly at home. And if you’re not able to get here by yourself it’s no problem. I have a volunteer driver who comes and picks me up from my house, I’m always greeted with a cheery hello, and then I get dropped home again after! In terms of the Hospice itself, I had no idea it was such a marvellous place. In fact, I didn’t even know it was here until I got referred. It really does bring a whole new meaning to the word hospice. No-one is moping here (although it’s allowed if you want to!), it’s bright, airy and friendly. There’s not a part of my body that hasn’t been affected by my illness, not to mention the emotional thoughts that appear in quiet moments of reflection, but the Hospice staff really couldn’t be doing more to support me. What the Hospice does for people is invaluable to the community, what they’ve got is nothing short of amazing.

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SHOPS

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Donate, don't dump!

Reducing our environmental footprint

Throughout 2020 we’re focussing on how our shops help our local communities to be more sustainable and the role we play in reducing, reusing and recycling goods.

The whole Hospice is very aware of its environmental footprint and we’re constantly finding ways to reduce it and promote green initiatives amongst our staff, volunteers and the communities we serve:

We were shocked to find out that after Christmas, £42 million of unwanted Christmas gifts go into landfill.*

As part of our Smarter Travel Scheme, staff can access discounts when buying a new bike for work. Our Inpatient Unit has solar panels on the roof, supplying electricity to the whole building. Our Brentry and Long Ashton offices have the full range of recycling of cardboard, glass, plastic and paper.

So we decided that our first ethical message in 2020 would be to encourage everyone to donate any unwanted Christmas presents to us instead. You might’ve seen our Donate Don’t Dump posters in your local shop! Donating to us means we can: • sell your items to fund patient care • offer you a way to recycle your belongings • reduce what ends up in landfill.

The team in our Hospice kitchen compost food waste which is used for the gardens around the building. We have a Hospice environmental working group that was established to look at all the ways in which we can aim to reduce our impact on the environment.

* GWP Group: Christmas Packing Facts. 11.10.19

Green credentials

We are so grateful for your preloved donations. Please remember though, we can only sell items that are fit for re-sale. They must be clean and functional… would someone else want it? Check our website for details of what types of items we can and cannot accept.

SHOPS

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Our shops are already working sustainably by offering a house clearance service, and we have a dedicated shop to sell what’s collected. We also have a number of clearance shops selling goods at an even more reduced price. And over the next year, we’ll be looking at ways of further improving our green credentials in our shops; from sourcing carrier bags made from recycled materials, to selling responsibly sourced new goods.

To find out more about donating and shopping with us, visit stpetershospice.org/shop/shop-with-us

PATIENT STORY

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PATIENT STORY

Maria's story Hi, I’m Maria. I’ve got terminal breast cancer which I was diagnosed with in 2016.

At the time of diagnosis we discovered that it had already spread to most of my bones, and my liver. The tumour in my breast and liver are being kept at bay at the moment, but my bones are deteriorating quite rapidly. I was actually given 12 months to live when I was diagnosed, something I’ve heard a few times now but I’m doing well so far! Shortly after my diagnosis I was referred to St Peter’s and introduced to my Community Nurse, Jane. Jane visits as often as I need her and she’s also there at the end of the phone for a catch up too. I can tell Jane anything at all, we’ve built such a strong relationship and she never judges me. She’s absolutely full of good advice and if there’s something she doesn’t know she always finds the answer. Recently I got to the point where my pain medication stopped working so Jane suggested I go and have a chat with one of the doctors at the Hospice. When I got there I was taken aback. The Hospice is so spacious and homely. I needed to stay there for a bit for monitoring whilst I changed my medication and if I’m honest I felt quite

anxious about that. I’d always thought a Hospice is a place you go to die. That was until I arrived as an inpatient at St Peter’s. I was immediately put at ease and made to feel so welcome. I had the most beautiful room with floor to ceiling windows that open fully, so if you can’t get up you can be wheeled onto the patio in your bed and still experience the lovely gardens. I was even able to have my precious Chihuahua Ronnie Roo come and visit me and the chef would make sure he had his dinner too! I’m still under the care of Jane my nurse and I feel so fortunate to have her. I know that when my end of life occurs she’ll be there to support and reassure my husband. She’s aware of my wish to be able to die at home if possible. But the Hospice itself is my second choice. Nothing was too much trouble for the lovely staff there, even a cup of tea and ice cream at bedtime! They made me feel comfortable, individual and respected. Some staff would even stay with me after their shift had finished for a cuppa and a chat if I was feeling tearful. My stay there really exceeded all my expectations.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

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EVENTS CALENDAR

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Would you like to volunteer at an event? we'd love to hear from you!

Events

Midnight Walk Saturday 4 July

It’s shaping up to be an exciting year of events already and we hope to see you at some of them.

Take The Leap Saturday 29 February This leap year we all get an extra day, but could you make it matter by taking part in our skydive?! Acapella Concert Saturday 29 February The Gasmen Collective and Kettle of Fish Bristol Acapella team up for this fantastic charity concert.

Three Peaks Challenge Friday 11 – Sunday 13 September

Hospice Corporate Quiz Thursday 5 March Bring your colleagues and dust off your general knowledge for this one.

The Rugby March Sunday 8 March A six-mile sponsored walk culminating in the Bristol Bears vs Harlequins live match!

Severnside Annual Quiz Friday 6 March Now in its 28th year to support the Hospice, open to everyone.

Tour de Bristol Saturday 4 April Our popular Tour de Bristol returns for 2020!

For up-to-date information on events, visit our website, or follow us stpetershospice.org/events

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Bristol 10k Sunday 3 May Register to run for your Hospice, or volunteer with us on the day!

Midnight Walk Saturday 4 July A festival themed night time walk complete with Silent Disco.

Nailsea Charity Walk or Run Sunday 7 June Grab a crew or go it alone on one of the fantastic Somerset routes.

Pride Saturday 11 July We’re delighted to be back at Bristol Pride, come and join us in the parade!

Bristol All American Car Show, Yate Sunday 7 June American classic cars, hot rods and customs on show; a great day out for all the family.

Three Peaks Challenge Friday 11 – Sunday 13 September Take on the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales!

RECIPE

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Cooking up a storm in our Hospice kitchens Andy King heads up the kitchen team at our Hospice in Brentry, a job that comes with a lot of variety! With the new Inpatient Unit came a brand new kitchen where Andy and his team do everything they can to make sure our patients get a meal they really want to eat, even if they can only manage a tiny portion. Often patients won’t be able to eat what’s on the menu, so the team will cook something separately. Everyone loves a sweet treat, so we asked Andy to share his famous chocolate brownie recipe. It’s easy to make, you don’t have to melt any chocolate as this version uses cocoa. But don’t worry, you still get a bowl to lick at the end! We’d love to see photos of how you got on, please share them with us on social media!

RECIPE

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Method • M elt the butter, remove from the heat, add the cocoa and stir till smooth. • W hisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. • Add the cocoa mixture to the eggs and sugar and stir gently. • Add the flour and gently fold until combined. • P our into a lined 30 x 20cm baking dish. • B ake at gas mark 4 for 35 to 40 minutes – until they’re firm to the touch. • L eave to cool. • C ut into as big a piece as you think you deserve!

Here are a couple of delicious additions

You can add a 397g tin of Dulce de Leche (banoffee toffee) or peanut butter (crunchy is better!), then make the brownie mix as above.

Pour half of the mix into the baking tin, and add half the tin of toffee or peanut butter in teaspoon size lumps evenly across the top of the mix. Pour the other half of the brownie mix in and repeat with the remaining toffee or peanut butter.

Finally, with the handle of a teaspoon, make swirls through the brownie mix then bake as above, you will end up with the extra filling marbled through your brownie!

Ingredients 300g butter or margarine; 150g cocoa; 150g self raising flour; 600g caster sugar; 6 eggs

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FUN

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Introducing for the first time

Take a break Can you solve our St Peter’s Hospice themed wordsearch? Try to find the words listed below; horizontally, vertically or diagonally and get a taste of what your Hospice has to offer.

WELCOME RELAX CAFE HEALTH LAUGHTER CRAFT THERAPIES OPEN ARMS PAT DOG TEA AND CAKE HAIRDRESSER BINGO CHEER

SING A LONG VOLUNTEER THE BEST CARE FAMILY GARDEN FUN CARE JOY PALS COPE ACTIVE HOPE PEACE

Sunday 8 March • 9am Ashton Gate We’ve joined forces with the Bristol Bears The Rugby March is a six mile walk that will take you under the suspension bridge, through Leigh Woods and Ashton Court, arriving back at Ashton Gate in time to watch the Bristol Bears vs Harlequins live match! Entry is just £25 which includes

Win a free hot drink and cake at our Hospice Coffee Shop on Gloucester Rd! Send your completed wordsearch to us, or take a photo of it and email it to communications@stpetershospice.org. Be sure to include your name and contact details. The winner will be picked at random and contacted on 20 March. The winner will receive a voucher entitling them to one hot drink and one cake of their choice from the St Peter’s Hospice Coffee Shop at 313 Gloucester Road, Horfield BS7 8PE. The voucher will expire on 20/09/2020 and can only be used once by the named winner. Hand the voucher in to the Coffee Shop when ordering. No other substitutes will be offered.

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your entry to the game. In addition, you’ll be asked to raise sponsorship for the Hospice or make your own direct donation. As with all of our events, every penny you raise goes towards our work caring for patients and families in their time of need.