Issuu

Reg. Charity No. 515668

Reg. Company No. 01850502

HEARTBEAT SPRING 2026

I am delighted to open this year’s edition of Heartbeat with the news that St Richard’s is officially outstanding!

For the first time in the hospice’s 42-year history, it has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)—and we are hugely proud of this achievement.

I feel honoured to work alongside such amazing people who make a real difference to patients and their loved ones across Worcestershire every day.

Inspectors noted in their report that hospice patients “received care and support that was exceptionally compassionate and kind”.

However, none of this would be possible without people like you who enable us to provide the level of care we do.

The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. After an unannounced inspection, St Richard’s was awarded the highest overall rating possible in August 2025.

While we have had time now for this news to sink in, it remains a source of pride as official recognition of the excellent care our teams provide to those navigating an incurable illness.

And another comment read: “Staff cared for patients and each other in a way that exceeded expectation and fully respected their privacy and dignity. Staff demonstrated genuine empathy for the patients cared for.”

This rating marks a significant milestone for our hospice, the people we care for, our team— and our wider community.

With around 80 per cent of our income provided by our community, it is only thanks to the generosity of supporters that we can continue our work. This achievement is shared with our whole community, and we thank all of you for playing your part to enable outstanding hospice care for people in Worcestershire. You can find the report in full on the CQC website cqc.org.uk

I hope you enjoy reading your 2026 edition of Heartbeat and wish you all the best for the year ahead.

Mike Wilkerson, Chief Executive

An overview of our outstanding services

Integrated Community Services

Hospice at Home

We know there’s no place like home, especially when faced with an illness which cannot be cured.

Our Hospice at Home Team of clinical nurse specialists, senior staff nurses, and senior healthcare assistants provide:

• care in the patient’s home or at hospice outpatient appointments

• advice on symptom management

• care and support to empower patients to remain at home at the end of their life

The team works closely with other health and social care professionals to ensure seamless care.

"Working in the hospice's community teams means we have the privilege of supporting patients and families in their own homes," says Senior Staff Nurse, Julie.

"We provide the most holistic specialist palliative care we can in people's home environment, working alongside GPs and neighbourhood teams."

Advice and Guidance

The Advice and Guidance Service is a telephone line staffed by senior staff nurses, hospice support coordinators,

and admin support. The service provides an entry point for referrals to the hospice, as well as other functions including specialist advice and support for patients, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals.

The line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, or between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. It can be accessed via 01905 763963.

Outside these hours, calls are diverted to our In-patient Unit.

Living Well Services

The multi-discipline Living Well Services team provides holistic care through a rolling calendar of wellbeing sessions, exercise programmes, and workshops.

The team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and complementary therapists focus on empowering

patients to live as well as possible with their illness. Support is tailored to patients’ priorities and wishes. Loved ones and carers are also supported.

Wellbeing Café

Anyone looking for advice and support can come to our friendly Wellbeing Café in The Green at St Richard’s on Wednesdays between 10.30am and 3pm.

A referral from a health professional is not needed to attend and access:

• Advice and guidance from staff and hospice volunteers

• The opportunity to meet others and share experiences

• Signposting to services in the community or at St Richard’s

• A break with a free cuppa

In-patient Unit

Our In-patient Unit (IPU) team provide specialist 24-hour care tailored to each person’s

needs at the hospice. The unit is made up of comfortable single bedrooms, each with the best equipment to care for people with complex illnesses, a private patio area, and views of the gardens. Patients can relax in one of two spa suites featuring Jacuzzi baths. And homely family rooms offer loved ones a place to spend quality time together away from the bedside.

Patients may be admitted for help to deal with symptoms that cannot readily be sorted out at home, or for end-of-life care.

St Richard's Family Support

Alongside nursing and medical care, our Family Support Team provides a wide range of services to patients and the people important to them.

Support before and after bereavement is available for children and adults. Support includes counselling, social work, Citizens Advice, group support, bereavement support, spiritual care, and carer support.

Bereavement Support South Worcestershire (BSSW)

Support for adults and children not previously known to St Richard’s who have experienced the death of a loved one, including sudden or traumatic deaths. Support is provided in a group setting, following assessment.

In April 2025, the Family Support Team launched a referral line for anyone seeking emotional support before or after a bereavement. The team offers callers a space to talk, feel heard and will signpost them to hospice or other community services for support. Advice is also given to professionals calling for guidance.

Over the last six months, the Family Support and Bereavement Referral Line was called on average 43 times per month. The line is available Monday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm, via 01905 763963.

Who can access our services?

All services are available to people with illnesses which cannot be cured, and their loved ones, who are registered with a south Worcestershire GP.

The IPU also cares for patients from the Wyre Forest, Redditch and Bromsgrove areas.

How to access our services

To self-refer into our specialist palliative care services, you can:

• Call 01905 763963

• Attend our Wellbeing Café at the hospice on Wednesdays, 10.30am to 3pm

• Or, from Wednesday 1 April, you can complete a form on our website: https:// strichards.org. uk/our-care/accessour-care/self-referrals

Please note, you cannot self-refer to our In-patient Unit. This must be done by a healthcare professional.

To access our Family Support and Bereavement Support South Worcestershire services, you can:

• Call the Family Support and Bereavement Referral Line on 01905 763963, 10am to 2pm, Monday to Thursday

• Complete a self referral form online https:// strichards.org.uk/ourcare/access-our-care/ self-referrals

Dan’s story

“I expected a lot of machines bleeping, people looking like they were on death’s door, and being surrounded by sadness. But the hospice is one of the most alive places I have ever been to.

“This place is one of the highlights of my life. It has given me something for me, at a time where you feel you have got no control over anything.”

Powerful words from Dan Machin who accesses support from our Living Well Services helping him manage symptoms of his multiple system atrophy.

As an outpatient, Dan comes to the hospice for sessions such as massage therapy, tai chi, and fatigue management.

He can spend time with other patients, sharing experiences and support with people in a similar situation to him.

“What this place has shown me is you are a person – you are not just a notepad of symptoms,” says Dan.

Wedding joy

It was our privilege to make Paul Lamb and Dee Harker’s wish to marry a reality earlier this year.

Surrounded by 40 friends and family, Paul married Dee in The Green at the heart of the hospice.

The couple had been together for 18 years before Paul popped the question on our In-patient Unit (IPU).

Our team pulled out all the stops, decorating the ceremony room, and our hospice chef prepared a reception buffet.

“It was absolutely magical,” said Dee. “Everything was perfect, from the room to the catering to the lighting.”

Moments of fun for teen group

Young people supported by St Richard’s had a great day out at West Midlands Safari Park—including a lemur feeding experience!

The trip was part of our monthly teen support group for young people who are bereaved or have a loved one with an incurable illness.

The group is usually held in the evenings and offers teens peer support and a chance to talk openly: something many find difficult to do with family or friends.

It is important for young people to have moments of joy and connection, especially when facing such challenging circumstances.

Activity days like this one happen once or twice a year to give them a break and a chance to just be teenagers.

Thank you to West Midlands Safari Park for gifting us this experience.

on display during an eight-week art trail alongside forty smaller sculptures designed by local schools and community groups.

A Wild in Art trail, we’re bringing our fourth such event to the city to say thank you to our incredible community for its support and to help create lasting memories. We also see the event as an opportunity to raise awareness about issues including loss, loneliness and bereavement and signpost local residents to support services.

weather turns. Just as we do here at St Richard’s – putting our arms around patients, families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.

Another awesome art trail is on its way and it’s your chance to make some fantastic fluffy friends while supporting our care.

Next summer will see Worcester transformed into a free, fun art space as a posse of Peter Rabbit sculptures hop into city streets and public spaces for Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester. Around thirty-five large rabbits will go

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester is all about celebrating our wonderful city once again and giving back to our amazing community who show such love and care for everything we do as a hospice.

“If there is one thing rabbits excel at, it’s snuggling close. Ever watchful and ever caring, they tuck together in cosy nests when the

"Each large Peter Rabbit sculpture will be funded by companies and individuals from across Worcestershire before being auctioned in October 2027 to raise funds for the free care and support we provide. The project builds on our hugely successful art trails in 2018, 2021 and 2024 which saw giraffes, elephants and penguins brighten city streets before raising more than £1.25 million combined, after costs, for our care."

Peter Rabbit™ in the warrens of Worcester will run from Monday, 12 July until Sunday, 5 September 2027.

The project is also supported by The World of Peter Rabbit™, which is managed by Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products division of Penguin Random House Children’s UK.

Challenges & events

Make 2026 unforgettable! Whether you take on a challenge or join us for an event, you’ll be helping make a real difference for our patients and their loved ones.

Find full details of the activities listed here, and book your place, on our website https://strichards.org.uk/events

WALKING

Malvern Hills Walk, Sat, 9 May

Stride out on a two, five, or 11mile route across the stunning hills—all in the name of hospice care. Sponsored by Speller Metcalfe.

Hadrian’s Wall Trek, Fri 26 to Sun, 28 June

Follow in the footsteps of the Roman legions on this 25-mile weekend trekking challenge.

Worcestershire

Way Walk, Fri, 3 July

This is more than a walk: it’s an adventure, a test of endurance, and a way to make a real difference. Push your limits with this 31-mile trek from Bewdley to Malvern in a day. Sponsored by Hagley Homes.

Mount Toubkal Trek, Thu, 29 July to Tue, 3 August 2027

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to North Africa’s tallest summit—Mount Toubkal. Enjoy an exhilarating journey through Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains to the peak at 4,167 metres.

Find out more at a free information evening at St Richard’s Hospice on Monday, 13 April 2026 from 6pm, or join online.

RUNNING

Worcester Full & Half Marathon & 10K Sun, 17 May

Take on the distance of your choice and run through scenic country lanes. Each run starts and finishes at Worcester Rugby Football Club. Thank you to race organisers, Tempo Events, for supporting our care.

Cheltenham Half Marathon & 10K Sun, 20 September

Run through the heart of this beautiful regency town, before an epic grandstand finish at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Chepstow 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

Sat, 15 August

Enjoy the challenge of your choice around the grounds of the impressive Chepstow Racecourse while raising funds for our care.

Rainbow Run

Sat, 22 August

Celebrate summer with a burst of colour at our event at Top Barn, near Worcester. Walk, run or dance your way around the route, while getting covered in plumes of vibrant colour by our paint squad as you go!

OTHER EVENTS

Golf Days - Thurs, 30 April at The Worcestershire Golf Club, Malvern, or Thurs, 17 September at Fulford Heath Golf Club, Wythall.

Join us for a day of friendly competition, fabulous company and fantastic food. Teams of four will play 18 holes, followed by prize-giving, two-course dinner, silent auction and raffle. Sponsored by AA Salt and Whiting Landscape.

Ladies Day – Sat, 6 June

Enjoy exclusive hospitality in our marquee and watch the races at Worcester Racecourse in style. Tickets include arrival drinks, live music, a three-course lunch, and afternoon tea. There will also be a raffle and auction.

Woo Fest - Fri 3 and Sat, 4 July

Great music and entertainment await at this year’s familyfriendly festival at The Drum and Monkey in Upton-upon-Severn.

Sound bath - Tue, 28 April and Tue, 30 June

Soothe your mind, body, and soul with enchanting tones of crystal singing bowls, gongs, and harmonic chimes. Sound baths take place bi-monthly at St Richard’s Hospice.

OTHER CHALLENGES

Skydive Days - Sat, 20 June or Sat, 19 Sept

Take to the skies for a tandem free-fall from 10,000ft at 120mph before landing back at Hinton in the Hedges Airfield, Brackley.

Bungee jump – Sat, 15 August

Take on the ultimate adrenaline fuelled challenge with an over water bungee jump from 160ft in Bristol's Harbourside.

Paddle, Plod, Pedal - Sat, 26 September

In teams of up to 10, cover 35-miles of Worcestershire countryside by boat, foot, and bicycle. This all-day challenge is a real test of endurance, but it’s not a race.

Volunteer News

We are indebted to our volunteers who gift their time, skills, and friendship to St Richard’s.

Volunteers are at the heart of our hospice; they help us provide care, raise funds, run our shops, and much more. Read here a snapshot of how they make hospice care happen.

Sharing the joy of music

"It feels like an absolute privilege to be able to bring our love and enjoyment of music to patients and carers," says volunteer Sue, who leads Music Workshop sessions with her friend Bryan.

Bryan and Sue use their wealth of musical experience to guide patients and their carers in a monthly workshop in the Living Well Centre. Sessions cover music appreciation and singing, including vocal exercises and song requests.

Bryan says: "After two bereavements in a short space of time in 2021, I was offered counselling and complementary therapy sessions at St Richard’s.

"These were free, and so useful. I wanted to give something back and, having been a musician all my life, I know what solace, joy and other benefits music brings me.

"I hope our sessions offer physical, mental and social benefits while also creating a sense of calm, and connection too."

Finding friendship in volunteering

“After losing my husband Dave, I wanted to give something back to St Richard’s for the care we received,” says Sandy, pictured left, who volunteers at our shop in Barnards Green.

“I couldn’t run marathons, but I could give my time. So, I began volunteering to fill my empty time to give back.

“There I met Sue (pictured right), who had also lost someone. We clicked straight away. Now we work side by

side, laugh, lift each other up and even holiday together.

“Volunteering has given me far more than I imagined. It has brought me purpose, friendship and a whole new sense of community.”

Each moment makes a difference

During 2024/25, volunteers contributed more than 106,000 hours to St Richard’s Hospice.

5,844 hours were gifted to services supporting patients Meanwhile, volunteers with our support services and retail clocked up 100,415 hours.

More than 950 people volunteer with us in more than 22 different roles at the hospice, shops and warehouse.

Corporate volunteering

We are grateful to the corporate teams who gift their time and volunteer with us.

Opportunities are available at the hospice, in our shops or warehouse. Volunteering days offer a great team-building opportunity away from the office, while supporting our care.

If you would like to join our volunteer team, we would love to hear from you. Volunteer opportunities are available at the hospice in Worcester, at our shops across the county, and at our warehouse in Leigh Sinton.

https://strichards.org.uk/support-us/volunteering or call

Retail News

St Richard’s in Stourport

Last July, we opened our first superstore selling quality preloved clothes, homeware, books, furniture and more! The superstore is in Stourport’s Tannery Retail Park and has welcomed thousands of customers and donors.

Our existing shop in the town’s High Street reopened in November as our second clearance shop.

Stocked with fantastic donations which haven’t already sold in

our other shops, you can snap up a bargain for £5 and under. The shop promotes sustainable shopping, reuse and recycling by prolonging the life of donated items generously gifted to our care.

eBay treasure trove

Alongside our 20 shops, we sell a host of unique, collectible and unusual items on our eBay store.

You can find our eBay store here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/ strichardshospice

Do you have a quirky or valuable item you’d like to donate for our care? Please bring it to one of our shops, labelled for sale on eBay. Thank you!

Come and see us at RHS

Spring Festival

We’re excited to host a marquee at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival at the Three Counties Showground from Thursday, 7 to Sunday, 10 May. Browse

In 2024/25 we could claim Gift Aid on approximately 40 per cent of the items sold in our shops, raising an extra £291,000 for our care.

If you donate items to our shops and are a UK taxpayer, please consider signing up to retail Gift Aid.

Gift Aid allows us to claim an extra 25 per cent on your donated goods at no extra cost to you.

It’s easy to sign up; call into your nearest shop, visit https://strichards.org.uk/gift-aid or phone our retail team on 01905 763963.

One small action can make a big difference!

handcrafted, preloved, and new items and plants perfect for gardeners and nature-lovers. Funds raised at our marquee help us continue to provide our care for patients and their loved ones.

Sell your designer wear with us

Déjà vu is our dress agency specialising in designer and high-end high street clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories.

We sell on your behalf to raise funds for both you and St Richard’s. If you have items with the wow factor, we would love to hear from you.

Make an agency appointment by calling the shop, based in Malvern, on 01684 577890.

In-memory giving

Giving in memory is a special way to remember your loved one and celebrate their life. There are many ways you can remember a loved one and help secure the future of our care at the same time.

Tribute fund

Sometimes, when you least expect it, a memory of your loved one comes back to you. Setting up an online tribute fund gives you the chance to share those precious memories with others and raise money for our care at the same time.

The fund is easy to set up, and you can invite others to pay their own tributes from wherever they are in the world.

There’s plenty of space to share stories, photos, videos and even the music they loved. Find out more: https://strichards. org.uk/support-us/give-in-memory/ tribute-fund

Memory page

Share precious memories and celebrate the life of someone special with a dedication on our memory page. If you wish, you can add a photograph. https://strichards.memorypage.org

Donate in memory

Choose to make a one-off donation, or set up a regular donation, in memory of the care and support your loved one received from St Richard’s. https://strichards.org.uk/donate

We are here for you.

If you would like more information on giving in memory to St Richard’s Hospice, please email appeals@strichards.org.uk or call 01905 958262 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Tree of Life

Our beautiful Tree of Life sculpture can be found in the hospice Reception, featuring leaves dedicated to the lives of loved ones. Bronze, silver, and gold leaves are available to dedicate in memory of a person important to you.

Simply choose your leaf and donation value, let us know the message you would like engraving, and we will place your leaf proudly on the tree for 12 months.

The leaf is then returned to you as a lasting keepsake.

Contact our Fundraising Team on 01905 958262 or appeals@strichards.org.uk for more information. Or, visit our website https://strichards.org.uk/tree-of-life

Help us plan for the future

This year, it will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.

With just 20% of our income coming from the NHS it’s vitally important we can continue to fund our specialist care and support. You can make a difference by giving a gift which allows us to plan for the long-term future of our care.

Make a lasting difference with a gift in your Will

With UK hospices facing unprecedented financial challenges, legacy income is increasingly important to St Richard’s.

In recent years one in six of those under our care is being supported by a gift in a Will. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help us continue to provide vital care, ensuring that everyone has the support they need for generations to come. Small gifts, large gifts and every size in between will make a big difference to patients needing end-of-life care and their families.

Find out more online https://strichards. org.uk/support-us/gift-in-will or contact

Give a regular gift to St Richard’s

More and more people need our hospice care across the county every day.

Our community is living much longer, often with multiple, complex conditions for which there is no cure. We know that the number of patients and their families who will need us is only going to continue to keep rising.

To be able to meet this growing need, we ask you to consider investing in the future of hospice care. Making a regular gift –no matter how big or small – will help us plan for the future in the knowledge we have your continued support.

Inspiring stories of support

It is only thanks to you, our amazing community, that we can continue to provide free specialist palliative and endof-life care to patients across Worcestershire.

However you choose to support us, we are grateful for your generosity. Below are stories from just a few inspiring people who raise funds to help us to be there for patients and the people important to them.

Luke treks Malvern Hills

Well done to nine-year-old Luke who trekked a tough 14km

across the Malvern Hills to raise £1,318 for our care!

Luke completed the challenge with his mum Katy in memory of his much-loved Nanny Annie Darby who was cared for by our teams. Katy, Annie’s daughter, says: “I’m very proud of Luke for wanting to do the challenge.

"Even when he was getting really tired, he’d have a snack, check the sponsors and then carry on with no complaints.

“It means a lot to us to be able to do this for St Richard’s.

“At the end, when my Mum was dying, we wanted to keep her at home with us. The nurses from St Richard’s swooped in and took the pressure off me and my sister and made it easy for us to do that.

“She died at home with us where she wanted to be. I will be forever grateful for the support we received.”

Nurses hike to Everest Base Camp

Last November, three of our nurses quite literally went the

How to donate

extra mile for patients and their loved ones. Mel, Nicci, and Helen completed a tough, 12-day hike to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal—raising more than £12,300 for our care.

Mel, a Senior Staff Nurse with our Hospice at Home Team, said: “The trek to Everest Base Camp was one of the toughest yet most incredible experiences I’ve ever had.

“Seeing the positive impact the funds we raised have on patients and families makes it all worthwhile.”

If you would like to donate and help us fund our hospice care, you can do this in several ways.

Online: https://strichards.org.uk/donate

Call us: You can donate over the phone with a debit or credit card by calling the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.

Postal: Send a cheque payable to St Richard’s Hospice to Fundraising Department, St Richard’s Hospice, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2QT.

How would you like to hear from us?

To help us save money, you can opt to receive updates on St Richard’s news and events by email rather than post.

Let us know how you’d prefer to be contacted by visiting https://strichards.org.uk/ change-of-details or contact our friendly Fundraising Team on 01905 958262 or appeals@strichards.org.uk