Heartbeat newsletter spring 2024

HEARTBEAT SPRING 2024

Celebrating 40 years of care

This year marks a milestone for St Richard’s as we celebrate 40 years of offering free, expert specialist care and support to patients, their families and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

From very small beginnings, the vision to set up a hospice in south Worcestershire became a reality in 1984. There are now 256 staff and 790 volunteers who make St Richard’s what it is today. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors and supporters over the last four decades.

Chair of Trustees, Jenny Cowpe said: “Everyone within our community should feel proud of their part in ensuring St Richard’s has been able to grow and care for many thousands of people at a very difficult time in their lives. We remain an independent charity and throughout the years our total focus has always been with the patient, their carers and the people they love. This remains our top priority as we look to the next decades.”

Chief Executive, Mike Wilkerson added: “It’s heart-warming to hear the feedback from so many people about the impact St Richard’s has made on the lives of patients and families over many years. It is our privilege to care and long may we do so into the future.

”We cannot thank our supporters enough for everything they do for St Richard’s. It’s only with their involvement and generosity that we can make a difference to so many people."

Looking ahead

Mike explained: “These are challenging times for raising funds as our community and hospice are hit by the rising cost of living. Voluntary support, including

from donations, legacies, retail and events raises 78% of our income with the remaining 22% from the NHS. For each £1 we spend, 84p goes to our care and support of patients, families and loved ones.

“We have robust strategic plans in place to enable us to deliver our purpose and vision of ‘Caring for life, together’ sustainably to meet the needs of our community. Thank you for all your support."

Princess Diana meets a patient at St Richard’s in 1992

In-patient Unit upgrade nears completion

A major upgrade to the St Richard’s in-patient facilities has reached its final stages.

The first of 17 newly refurbished, light and airy patient bedrooms - with the very best technology and equipment to support complex illnesses - started welcoming patients earlier this year, with work set to complete later this spring.

The improvement work has also delivered two Jacuzzi spa suites and enhanced en-suite showering facilities.

Two new, cosy family rooms enable patients and loved ones to spend quality time together away from a bedside.

St Richard’s began fundraising for the project in April last year when 150

‘Million Moments’ campaign champions raised £540,308 towards a £1 million target in just 36 hours. This total was reached thanks to doubling of donations by generous hospice fundraisers matching pound for pound.

Fundraising efforts continued into 2024, including via a mailing campaign to supporters and residents in Worcestershire. Project funding was further boosted by a £125,000 grant awarded by the Wolfson Foundation.

Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “St Richard’s has always been a warm, welcoming place where patients spend precious time with their families.

"With the help of our amazing supporters we’re now creating the next generation of hospice care for Worcestershire.

“Thank you to everyone who’s not only making this project possible but who makes our care possible year in year out. Together we can make every moment count for patients and their loved ones.”

There’s still time to support the In-patient Unit upgrade project if you would like to. Donations can be made online at www.strichards.org.uk/donate or by calling the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.

What does St Richard’s mean to you?

“My lovely Dad was looked after by St Richard’s Hospice at home and as an inpatient from diagnosis right through til the end.

"Every single member of staff played a huge role in his care, the wonderful caring nurses and doctors, even down to the kitchen staff that always bought him an extra bowl of pudding (he had a major sweet tooth).

"Everyone showed him and us as a family such kindness and respect and nothing was too much trouble. We will never be able to thank you enough.“

How to access our care

Patients who would like support from St Richard’s can be referred by their GP, consultant at the hospital, district nurse or other healthcare professional.

Our Gateway referral team is also available should a patient, or person close to them, want to talk to them directly for information or advice. No charge is made for any of our services. This is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, supporters and the local community.

If you would like more information about how to access our care, please contact the Gateway Team on 01905 763963.

Smile in the sky

A smile drawn in the sky brought joy to many and especially to a patient cared for at St Richard’s.

Aerobatic pilot Rich Goodwin created the sky-high spectacle for patient Ray Stanton, 66, an aeroplane enthusiast and former transportation engineer.

Ray enjoyed the show with his wife, Angela Stanton, and children Sophie-Rae Byrne and Matthew Stanton.

“To see the smile in the sky and then look at Ray’s smile was just fantastic,” said Angela.

“The care here is above and beyond anything.”

Twelve months ago you cared for my husband Tony for about a month. We would never have got through without you, you cared not only for Tony but for all the family. We will never ever forget you all.

“ “

It was our privilege to help arrange this special moment.

Our heartfelt thanks to Rich for creating such precious memories for Ray, his family, and everyone who witnessed the smile in the sky.

Vanessa’s story

In 2022, Vanessa was admitted to our In-patient Unit (IPU) following a diagnosis of colon cancer.

“Despite the fact that I was so ill and felt so sick and was told I was dying, coming to St Richard’s was like being cushioned all around,” she recalls.

“I felt like a baby in a cradle. Somehow, death wasn’t important when I was there, St Richard’s had taken all the anxiety out of it with the kindness and the care and the love.

“When you know you are going to die, what you are afraid of is the process around your death. You just knew there was going to be somebody with you, holding your hand.”

Around the same time, Vanessa’s husband, Ian, was due to have an operation following a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

The day before Ian’s operation, staff at the hospice arranged a special tea for the couple in Vanessa’s room.

“Staff at St Richard’s did their absolute best to try and make good memories for me and my husband,” she added.

Ian said: “Neither of us knew with any certainty whether we would meet again.

"The extra special efforts made by the catering staff made this occasion very memorable.”

Over time, with support from the hospice teams, Vanessa’s strength began to return.

Eventually, she was well enough to return home.

Since leaving IPU, Vanessa has taken part in Living Well courses at the hospice, including Fatigue Management, to help manage the symptoms of her illness. She has received complementary therapy and is set to take part in adapted Tai Chi sessions. And, she attends the Knit and Natter session in The Green every second Wednesday of the month.

Vanessa, who previously volunteered at St Richard’s with the Hospices Lottery, added: “It is such a cushion and comfort to know there is St Richard’s to come to.

"Whenever I think of this place, I get a warm glow.”

Vanessa with Occupational Therapist Sally.

Wellbeing Café

Did you know we run a Wellbeing Café at the hospice?

Staff and expert volunteers can give advice and guidance during the Wellbeing Café which is open every Wednesday from 10.30am to 3pm in The

Green, at the heart of the hospice in Worcester.

The Wellbeing Café is open to anyone affected by an illness that cannot be cured, and their family members and carers, who want advice or help.

You do not need a referral from a health professional to come along.

People can drop in for:

• Expert advice from staff and Living Well volunteers

• One-to-one guidance

• The opportunity to meet others and share experiences

• Signposting to services in the community or hospice

• A break with a free cuppa or to buy delicious refreshments

Recent feedback includes:

“I feel I have found some support, not just for me, but for all my family.

"We can come to the café and speak to the staff about anything.”

I could not even begin to put into words the love, care and support that my late husband was given during his stay at St Richard’s in 2015. This support was then extended to his family with bereavement counselling. The staff qualify as earth angels caring for individuals at a most difficult time. I am now privileged to volunteer at St Richard’s and remain eternally grateful for their very existence.

“

Save the date

Snowdrop Ball – 30 November West Midlands Safari Park

Waddle with us this summer…

This summer, a fun, free art trail will add colour to the streets, parks and public spaces of Worcester – and you’re invited to join us!

Raising awareness of and funds for St Richard’s, the great Waddle of Worcester will see 80 penguins slide into hearts and camera rolls.

Following the success of our previous two partnerships with Wild in Art, our third art trail will celebrate the support shown by our community in our fortieth year caring across Worcestershire.

From 22 July to 15 September 2024, Worcester will be transformed by the arrival of 40 super-sized penguins plus forty chicks.

Located alongside some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, each large penguin will be uniquely designed by artists from the region and beyond,

providing a fantastic, family-friendly trail for locals and visitors to follow.

A county-wide Community & Education Programme, sponsored by Worcester BID, will see 40 ‘nestlings’ adopted and painted by schools and community groups, which will be displayed in Crowngate Shopping Centre.

A trail map and app will direct avid art adventurers across the trail, which is fully accessible and can be reached via public transport.

As you unlock each sculpture on the app more will be revealed about the trail and our brr-illiant city.

Whilst exciting and inspiring people of all ages to celebrate wonderful Worcester through creativity, the trail will also shine a light on hospice care and the vital services provided to the whole community.

When the trail ends, the super-sized penguins will be auctioned to raise funds for St Richard’s.

The trail has its own dedicated website www.waddleofworcester.co.uk along with trail Facebook, X, TikTok and Instagram pages. Search

About our huddlehappy

Penguins are some of the most loveable and loyal creatures on the planet. When the cold winds blow they know they’re better off together; huddling close to look after their neighbour. In our fortieth year caring for patients and loved ones, nothing captures the spirit of St Richard’s better than these beautiful creatures.

Worcester’s penguins are the yellow-eyed species. Unique to New Zealand, they’re thought to be one of the world’s rarest.

Meet Spirit and Hoiho

Spirit and Hoiho are just two of the beautiful penguins waddling with us in summer 2024.

Spirit (large penguin) and Hoiho (our chick) have been painted by the talented Jess Perrin who designed ‘Hive in the herd’ for Worcester’s Big Parade in 2021 and ‘Chang Jing Lu’ for Worcester Stands Tall in 2018.

Hoiho means ‘noise shouter’ in Māori and refers to the bird’s shrill call at breeding sites.

Challenges & events

Come and join us! Here’s a snapshot of some of our challenges and events coming up this year. For full details on all the events and challenges please visit www.strichards.org.uk/events or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.

Walks and runs

Scenic Six

Sun 28 April

Join us for our annual Scenic Six run! Choose between a 6-mile race or 2-mile leisurely fun run through the countryside of Peopleton. Both distances are designed to cater to different capabilities. Not only will you be part of an exhilarating event, but you’ll also be helping us raise funds for our care.

Malvern Hills Walk

Sat 11 May

Get ready for our annual Malvern Hills Walk, which is back for its fortieth year. Enjoy a refreshing walk along the beautiful Malvern Hills, and choose from a 2-mile, 5-mile or 11-mile route.

Sponsored by Speller Metcalfe

Worcester Full and Half Marathon and 10K

Sun 19 May

It’s back for the thirteenth year. Places for the 2023 challenges, organised by Tempo Events, sold out so it’s worth booking

your place early and avoid missing out. The full marathon takes in two laps of the loop around beautiful rural lanes. The half accompanies the full for the first lap before splitting away at 11 miles and heading back to the finish at Worcester Rugby Club.

Snowdon at Sunrise

Sat 15 June

Standing at the summit by moonlight will be an unforgettable experience, as will seeing the sunrise from the mountain slopes as you descend.

Let’s Glow

Sat 22 - Sun 23 June

Join us in your brightest outfit and glow for hospice care! Experience a danceinspired warm up, glitter painters, and sweet treats before setting off together at 10pm into Worcester city centre for this 11km route.

Sponsored by Spa Decorators Ltd

Jurassic Coast Trek

Sun 7 - Tue 9 July

Dramatic coastal views and world-famous landmarks await you on this weekend adventure to remember!

Organised by Global Adventure Challenges

Worcestershire Way Walk

Fri 12 July, or Fri 12

to Sat 13 July

Take on the Worcestershire Way challenge covering 31 miles in a day, or NEW

for 2024 do this walk over two days (with optional camping/campervan spaces at The Talbot at Knightwick at the 20-mile point). The walk starts in Bewdley.

From there, you’ll stride out across the Worcestershire countryside before finishing with the spectacular slopes of the Malvern Hills.

Sponsored by Hagley Homes

Thames Bridges Trek

Sat 14 September

Join 2,500 walkers and trek across the capital taking in unrivalled views of the skyline, and historic landmarks. After 25km it’s a party style finish line celebration in Southwark Park past the final crossing – the majestic Tower Bridge.

Iceland Trek

Wed 20 to Mon 25 November

We will be hiking to Iceland’s youngest volcano, Gelgingaldir and neighbouring Fagradaslsfjall before exploring the ethereal peaks of the Mount Hengill heritage site – scaling the impressive Vörðuskeggi Peak.

Fire walk

Sat 12 October

Conquer the coals at St Richard's Hospice. Fear is at the centre of the experience. The fear you feel on the brink of a fire walk is incredible – all of your survival instincts are telling you to stay put.

Once you take the power away from fear, there is really nothing stopping you. After all, if you can walk safely across hot coals what else is possible?

Sponsored by Compco Fire Systems Limited

Trek the Alps - Three countries in three days

Thur 13 to Mon 17 June

This challenge will see you explore France, Italy and Switzerland as we take on a section of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The route encircles the Mont Blanc Massif and is considered one of the world’s classic longdistance walking trails.

Other events

Golf Day Fri 17 May

Join us for a special day of golf at The Vale Golf and Country Club to celebrate 40 years of St Richard's. Play in teams of four and enjoy a course of 18 holes.

Sponsored by Whiting Landscape, Handelsbanken, Hallmark Whatley Hulme Solicitors

Ladies Day Sat 1 June

Join us for exclusive hospitality in the St Richard’s Hospice marquee at Worcester Racecourse and enjoy the races in style.

Woo Fest Fri 5 - Sat 6 July

This family friendly, awardwinning festival at the Drum & Monkey, Upton, has something for everyone, from acoustic to rock, blues to modern hits, all set in a beautiful, rural location with optional camping.

Paddle, Plod, Pedal

Sat 28 September

This all-day challenge through beautiful Worcestershire countryside is for teams of six to 10 on water, wheels and land. Go at your own pace.

September Skydive

Sat 7 September

You will fly through the sky in a tandem free-fall at 120 mph from 10,000ft! The group skydive takes place at Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield, Northamptonshire.

Clay pigeon shoot

Sat 21 September

Join us for a Charity Clay Pigeon shoot hosted by Andrew Grant, Patron, St Richard's Hospice.

Volunteer News

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who give so much time and energy to St Richard’s. Here’s just a snapshot of some of their activities:

Tree-mendous!

A huge thank you to the 61 teams and 180 volunteers who helped collect 2,350 Christmas trees to chip and recycle, raising a recordbreaking £50,183, after costs, for our care.

Kindly supported by Aptean and St Peters Garden Centre and many other local businesses.

Volunteers from Worcester Bosch spent a day arranging and pricing stock, hanging clothes donations, and sorting through bric-a-brac, book and DVD selections at our warehouse.

Businesses do their bit

We’re indebted to volunteers from the business community who tackle much needed one-off jobs such as gardening, painting and much more.

Wellbeing volunteers

The changing seasons are reflected in some of the wonderful creations in our Nature for Wellbeing sessions.

Connecting with nature offers therapeutic benefits for those we care for and can help people to switch off from everything else happening around them.

Thank you to the volunteers who support these popular workshops.

Spotlight on wonderful warehouse team

Pictured below are some of the fantastic volunteers and staff at our warehouse in Leigh Sinton, which has been up and running for 16 years. The warehouse processes a huge volume of donations generously given to the hospice by our community.

Each month the warehouse will send out well over a hundred rails of clothing, thousands of books and items of bric-a-brac, tested electricals, new goods, furniture - and more! The team recycles hundreds of tons of rag clothing, unsaleable books, and scrap metal. And, the warehouse is the hub of the hospice's online sales operation.Warehouse volunteer Nigel says: "Having

volunteered at the warehouse for the past year, I can honestly say my eyes have been opened to the sheer scale of the public donations.

"The amazing group of staff and volunteers, aged from 16 to over 80, based at the warehouse all put in an enormous amount of time, effort and energy, sorting and categorising items for distribution to the hospice's shops across the county.

"The income from the sale of all of the items, through the shops and the St Richard’s eBay online, amounts to over £1 million profit per annum for the hospice. If you fancy a vital volunteering role where every day is different, do apply to join the team through the hospice website."

Will you be a hospice hero?

We have an amazing team of volunteers and couldn’t provide our support to patients and families without them.

If you would like to join this band of local heroes then we would love to hear from you. We are flexible and happy for people to volunteer on a regular or occasional basis.

Volunteer opportunities are available at the hospice in Worcester, at our shops across the county and at our warehouse in Leigh Sinton.

Just visit our website or call us on 01905 763963 to learn more about the opportunities.

www.strichards.org.uk/support-us/volunteering

We were delighted to welcome the hospice’s founder, Dr Jenny Bulman, and her husband Peter, for a visit to St Richard'sthe first in many years.

Dr Bulman founded the hospice in 1984 with a very small team of supporters, and initially ran the service from a room in her house

in Droitwich. During her visit, Jenny was amazed, and delighted to see and hear how the service had expanded since those early days.

You can listen to Dr Bulman telling her own story about the early days of St Richard's on our website.

Left to right, Mike Wilkerson, Chief Executive; Peter Bulman; Dr Jenny Bulman; Jenny Cowpe, Chair of Trustees; Debbie Westwood, Care Director and Galen Bartholomew, Vice-Chairman

Retail news

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our shops across the county by buying and donating items towards our care.

Donating and shopping quality pre-loved items is a fantastic way to be sustainable while helping us to care for patients, their loved ones and bereaved people.

Full details of all our shops and how and where to donate are on our website.

Shoppers flock to new store

Ian Humphries, of BBC1's The Bidding Room and The Vintage French Farmhouse, cut the ribbon. Our new Barnards Green store has been welcoming shoppers and donors since we opened the doors last December.

This new shop at 110-112 Barnards Green Road boasts a larger space for supporters to browse carefully curated stock of pre-loved clothing, books, new goods, and much more!

Introducing our first clearance store

We are re-inventing our previous shop in Court Road,

Barnards Green as our first clearance store, opening in April.

The new-style shop will offer the last chance to buy unsold goods from our 17 shops at bargain prices – encouraging reuse and recycling.

Charity Shop Gift Card

We're proud to be part of the Charity Shop Gift Card scheme, helping to promote sustainable shopping.

The gift card can be bought from any of our 17 hospice shops.

It can also be spent in our stores, and in a variety of other charity shops nationwide.

The scheme supports the growing second-hand revolution, which is helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

It also helps national and regional charities boost their own income by giving them their first collective opportunity to tap into the £7 billion-a -year gift card market.

The gift cards themselves are recyclable and compostable.

Find out more at

www.strichards.org.uk/ourshops/charity-shop-gift-card

Let’s get digital

Say goodbye to unnecessary paper waste by opting for a digital receipt in our shops.

By making a simple change to emailed receipts, we can collectively create a positive impact on the environment for future generations.

It's easy and convenient! Keep receipts safe and organised in your inbox

Don't worry if you don't have an email address. You can still request a printed version at the till.

Shop with us online

Discover pre-loved styles this spring in-store and online shop.strichards.org.uk

Please don’t forget to label your bag or box of donations with your Gift Aid number, so we can raise an extra 25p in the pound.

If you are not registered for Gift Aid, or have forgotten your number then go online or call the Commercial Team on 01905 763963.

Thank you to all our incredible fundraisers.

We are in awe of the fantastic fundraisers who always go the extra mile to raise money for our care.

Whether it’s running a marathon, jumping from a plane, or holding a lunch or event – whatever you do we salute you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

More ways to show your support

Try your luck in the Worcestershire Hospices Lottery

This is your local lottery, offering you an amazing chance to help St Richard's Hospice, Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust and Primrose Hospice to raise muchneeded funds, while at

the same time providing you with an opportunity to win a cash prize of up to £500 each week!

Money raised will be used for the sole benefit of the hospices to contribute towards their day to day running costs.

So why not join us today? Pay by Direct Debit at* www.worcshospiceslottery. co.uk/st-richards or call us on 01905 958267.

*Through the Good Cause Agreement St Richard’s will receive a larger share of your contribution by using this link.

Please note players must be aged 18 or over.

We actively promote responsible gambling. The organisations are committed to using Lotteries to fundraise responsibly and work together to encourage responsible gambling and access to support if needed.

Please reach out and contact begambleaware.org, telephone The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit Worcestershire Hospices Lottery Gambling Guide if you need support.

Did you know you can turn unwanted small shareholdings into the gift of patient care?

Donated shares, however small, are a valuable source of income for St Richard’s.

They help us be there for patients and their loved ones when they need us.

ShareGift is an independent UK registered charity (No. 1052686) which specialises in releasing the money locked up in small

shareholdings, but which can accept donations of any size.

ShareGift works by collecting together small lots of shares until there are enough to sell and then donating the resulting proceeds to a wide range of charities and charitable causes.

To date ShareGift has donated more than £46 million to more than 3,500 charities. ShareGift makes its grants based upon research and suggestions from donors.

You can help support St Richard’s Hospice by donating any size of shareholdings you may have to ShareGift, and mentioning that

Our amazing community of regular givers help us to ensure that ongoing services like our family support and bereavement programmes are there when people need us most.

Regular Giving Regular Giving

We know that times are tough for many, but anything you could spare on a regular basis

you support us. ShareGift has already made grants of £35,250 to St Richard’s Hospice.

And you may benefit too! Not only will you have the knowledge that your share donation has helped others, for larger share donations you could be entitled to relief from income tax.

Additionally, share donations are neutral for capital gains tax purposes, meaning that they give rise to neither a gain nor a loss.

Find out more at: www.strichards.

org.uk/support-us/ fundraising/sharegift or call Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director, on 01905 958262.

– monthly, quarterly or annually – could be lifechanging for families grieving for a loved one or preparing to say goodbye.

Please visit our website below to set up your direct debit amount and frequency.

Thank you.

www.strichards.org.uk/donate

Gifts in Wills

Did you know that 1 in 4 of the people we support are cared for thanks to gifts in Wills? These gifts, or legacies, are essential to the care we provide.

If you would like to know more about why making a Will is so important to you and those you love, then please read more on our website www.strichards.org.uk/support-us/gifts-in-wills

How to make a donation

We rely on donations to fund the majority of our care and greatly appreciate any gifts which help us to continue to support patients and their loved ones in the future. If you would like to make a donation then please go online to www.strichards.org.uk/donate

If you would prefer to send a cheque then please make it payable to St Richard’s Hospice and send to the Fundraising Department, Wildwood Drive, Worcester WR5 2QT.

We would be very grateful if you would fill in the donation form, available to download on our website with the Gift Aid option and return with your donation.

Alternatively, you can donate over the telephone with your credit/debit card by calling the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.

What does St Richard’s mean to you?

“ “

It means the world! From the time 14 years ago when both my parents were cared for in their last few weeks, to when I needed you for myself from 7 years ago. The wonderful staff and volunteers who work there are fantastic. And it has enabled me to make some very special friends so that we can support each other.

A brief history of time

St Richard’s Hospice

1984 St Richard’s began from the Droitwich home of one of our founders, Dr Jenny Bulman

1985 Moved to a terraced house in Castle Street, Worcester

1991 St Richard’s moves to Rose Hill, a Georgian house in Worcester and services expand. Officially opened by Diana, Princess of Wales

1995 First St Richard’s charity shop opened in Mealcheapen Street, Worcester. We now have 17 shops

2004 Launch of £5.2m New Hospice Appeal

2006 First patients in the new hospice at Wildwood Drive. Officially opened by HRH The Duke of Kent 2011 Snowdrop Community Centre opens offering more support for families

2014 Expanded In-patient Unit opens

2020 Living Well Centre completed

2024 In-patient Unit upgrade

Home care sister Jaqui Heal, loading a wheelchair into the back of her car in 1985

HRH Duke of Kent meets Edward Jenkins at the new hospice which opened in 2006

Rose Hill was officially opened by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1992