Issue No.9
The Raphaelite
Christmas Edition 2022
A WARM WELCOME
...to the Christmas issue of the Raphaelite.
Looking back on all that has happened in 2022, I am struck by what another extraordinary year it has been. For many of us, the resumption of a ‘more normal’ way of life has been so welcome. The ability to spend time with family and friends, to travel freely and enjoy holidays at home or abroad, and generally to be able to do things that have been paused or off limits. Within our community in Merton and Sutton, post pandemic there seems to be a greater awareness of the need to support people who are in need. We see this, at the Hospice, through people coming forward to volunteer in our shops, support our community teams, and to facilitate activities in the Wellbeing Centre and so many more volunteering roles. This is indicative of a compassionate community in which people want to support services that enable people to live their best life. As a charity, we are enormously grateful to and proud of our volunteers who we rely on to support so much of what we do. In September, many millions of people across the UK and globally were affected - in some way - by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen chose to die in her own home. She did so peacefully, with dignity and privacy, no doubt cared for by skilled physicians, and surrounded by her nearest and dearest. Reflecting on the environment in which she spent her final days and hours, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the way in which she chose to die and the services that St Raphael’s provide to people in our local communities. 16+ to play
We know that our work has a lasting impact on patients and their families. The words from a card received from a bereaved daughter whose father died at home, supported by the Hospice, exemplify this: “… Thank you for all the help, care and kindness you gave to my family during the last few weeks of Dad’s life. Knowing we could ring and talk to someone at any time, and receiving such kindness when we did, was so reassuring. All of the team were so gentle in tending to Dad. We are so grateful for all the support you gave us.”
Everyone deserves to choose where they want to die, knowing that they will receive world class care. Resources to make this a reality are always stretched and now, more so than ever, it is becoming increasingly difficult to care for everyone who wishes to come into the Hospice, or be supported at home by our expert staff. Our ambition is for everyone to have a genuine choice and, to make that possible, we need to redouble our fundraising efforts to ensure that our services can meet rising demands. The difference hospice services can make is immense, not only to the choice, comfort and dignity of the person in our care but also to family members and friends. As a charity, we rely on the support of our community – through donations and voluntary time – to deliver our services to people across Merton and Sutton. After almost 25 years, this December marks the end of my career at St Raphael’s. During my time here, I have worked on the ward, in the community and latterly as Joint CEO. I have always held the
belief that the Hospice is a beacon of hope, offering reassurance to people that their palliative and end of life care and the support of those important to them will always be available when needed. I leave the Hospice confident that there is expert medical, nursing and support teams in place, led by our Joint CEO, Nick Stevens, within a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment - serving our local community with dignity and compassion. But there is a funding gap and to sustain this vital service into the future, we need your help. All the ways you can choose to support us are outlined within this issue. If you can, and most especially during the festive season, I ask you to consider acting now and donate to support St Raphael’s. I wish each and every one of you a Happy Christmas and thank you in anticipation for your support. Gail Linehan, Joint CEO
Christmas
Bumper Draw 2022
Licence No. 031418
LOTTERY CHRISTMAS BUMPER DRAW
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Give a gift of care and have a chance of winning £3,000 and 18 other cash prizes this Christmas! Enter our Christmas Raffle Draw by 9 December or join our weekly Lottery at www.lottery.straphaels.org.uk
Buy your Christmas Cards today and support St Raphael’s Hospice. Select your favourite cards and other merchandise on our website or from any of our 10 Charity Shops. www.straphaels.org.uk/shop
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