Hello!
A very warm welcome to the spring edition of Thames Hospice Moments
I’m delighted to share our latest news, inspiring stories, and ways you can support us this summer and beyond. As we celebrate World Nursing Day this month, this edition is dedicated to our incredible colleagues, who provide exceptional care, compassion, and comfort to patients and their loved ones every day. Throughout the magazine, you’ll meet some of our nurses and clinical colleagues, and hear about their experiences working at the Hospice. Beyond clinical expertise, our team offer kindness, reassurance, a listening ear and, most importantly, time to those in need.
It costs £56,000 each day to deliver our services, and we simply couldn’t do it without the generosity of our amazing community. Your support enables us to continue offering vital care to patients and their families, which is why we’re introducing ‘Sponsor a Nurse’
Thames Hospice, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2DN
01753 842121
www.thameshospice.org.uk
Charity number: 1108298
Loren Broughton Director of Nursing
– a new campaign to help fund the wages of our dedicated nursing and clinical teams. Find out more on pages 4 and 5.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of Thames Hospice, working alongside such brilliant and dedicated colleagues. I hope you enjoy this issue and feel inspired by the special moments we’ve shared.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Get to know our new Chief Executive Rachael de Caux on pages 10 and 11.
The Lake Family’s story
A journey from uncertainty to peace
For Julia Lake and her family, months of uncertainty and hospital stays gave way to peace and reassurance within 24 hours of her arrival at Thames Hospice.
Julia had endured six months of undiagnosed pain, followed by emergency surgery to remove a brain tumour and a five-week hospital stay. When a palliative care consultant referred Julie to the Hospice, the family didn’t know what to expect.
“I had absolutely no idea what to expect when she came,” says Julia’s husband, Jeff. “But as soon as she arrived, there was such tranquility. I just couldn’t believe my eyes.”
Her daughter Georgina recalls the transformation: “The previous few months had been so stressful, going back and forth to hospital, juggling a full-time job, and looking after Dad. But when we arrived, I immediately felt at peace. It was so light and airy, and there was no dread about visiting. The care was first class.”
With the doors of her room opening into the garden, Julia could enjoy the outdoors – something she had always loved. The family made full use of the Hospice’s facilities, with Georgina staying in her Mum’s room in her final weeks and Jeff using the Visitors Room.
Although they had hoped to bring Julia home, it wasn’t possible, and in time, the family found comfort in knowing she was exactly where she needed to be.
“You can’t fix people here,” says Julia’s sister Barbara, “But you can look after them, and that’s exactly what the Hospice did.”
Julia spent the last few months of her life at Thames Hospice, and for the family, the compassionate care from the clinical team made all the difference.
“When the fatal day came,” Jeff remembers, “We stepped out of the room briefly. A nurse called Lou was in the corridor, and I ended up bawling my head off on her shoulder. She was so supportive.”
Jeff and his family now encourage others to visit and see first-hand the difference hospice care makes.
“It would have been absolutely terrible without this place,” Jeff says. “I just don’t know what we would have done. I’ve got nothing but praise for Thames Hospice.”
Turn the page to find out about how you can help us support more families.
Time to care
Our nurses are the heart of the Hospice, providing unwavering comfort and expert care during life’s most vulnerable moments. They create a safe haven, offering continuous support to our patients and their families. Going beyond service, they transform difficult days into moments of solace, ensuring no one faces them alone. They have the time to care, to listen, and to provide individual attention.
MEET SOME OF OUR TRULY EXTRAORDINARY TEAM…
Triage Nursing Assistant, Kim is the friendly face that welcomes new patients to the Hospice. She makes the first phone call after a patient is referred to us, then she works with the rest of our multi-disciplinary team to make sure they get the right support when they need it.
A gift of £12 per month, over a whole year, could fund the wages of a Nursing Assistant like Kim for an entire shift.
Health Care Assistants like Lauren account for just under half of our nursing team and help provide vital day-to-day support so patients can maintain their dignity and independence.
A gift of £8 per month, over a whole year, could fund the wages of a Health Care Assistant like Lauren for a morning.
Kim Lauren
Senior Staff Nurses like Sultan everything runs smoothly. They build trust with patients and families, listening to concerns whilst using their medical expertise to manage complex symptoms.
How do I Sponsor a Nurse?
Demand for our services is growing, and we need your help to ensure we can be there for everyone who needs us. Always. www.thameshospice.org.uk/ moments-donate
You can set up your monthly gift online in just a few minutes. Donating regularly helps us to plan for our future, ensuring we can continue to care for our community. Even a small monthly gift today will have a lasting impact for years to come. Scan to donate
a whole year, could help to fund
Our nursing team are not just clinical professionals; they are compassionate companions, dedicated listeners, and enduring sources of comfort.
Meet the team at our Reading Superstore
The Reading Superstore team is dedicated to providing an exceptional shopping experience. They work tirelessly to ensure that this expansive space remains a must-visit destination. You’ll discover high quality, unique finds and stylish pieces; everything is thoughtfully displayed with an expert eye, creating a charity shopping experience like no other.
Here’s what our team has to say about working at our Superstore.
Adenike, Fashion Team
“We have new items arrive every day, with fresh colours and trends introduced every fortnight. There’s always something different to discover.
“Our fashion and vintage section is always on point, I’m always in awe of what our supporters choose to donate, it is quite amazing!”
Christine, Store Manager
“I just love it when people walk through the door, and their eyes widen in surprise! An hour later, they’ve stopped for a coffee, and they’re showing me what they’ve bought. It’s such a rewarding experience.
“Every purchase made here, whether it’s an upcycled table and chairs or even a £3 top, all contributes to supporting our Hospice.”
Victoria, Homestore Team
“My favourite part of my job is organising the collection of an item of furniture, seeing it come in from the collections team, then dressing the room set, and finally, seeing the item get sold. It’s such an amazing feeling to watch something come full circle!
“Our donations are incredible – our supporters are so generous. Whether it’s furniture, homeware, or soft furnishings, there’s always something really special to find!”
Lenny, Upcycling Team
“I love the creativity of my job. Seeing a piece of furniture and imagining what we can do with it to give it a new lease of life is really exciting.
“Our upcycled pieces offer something really cool and unique at great prices. And it’s not just about shopping – it’s about finding inspiration and discovering something special that’s been given a whole new life.”
Amy, Alterations Team
“Before I started working here, I was already a regular customer. The store has always been my one-stop-shop for finding unique pieces and giving old clothes new purpose. It’s not just a place for charity shop enthusiasts, but it’s a go-to destination for all kinds of shoppers – from those seeking high-end fashion to those looking for affordable, sustainable alternatives.”
Paul, Café Team
“I truly love chatting and meeting the lovely customers that come into the store every day. “We want our Café to be a friendly space where people can unwind, connect with friends, or even get a little work done while enjoying their favourite coffee. It’s becoming a popular spot for both regulars and new visitors.”
Damla, Homestore Team
“I absolutely love our children’s zone! I think it’s such a fun and inviting space where little ones can explore a fantastic selection of books, toys, and games. There’s so much to explore, read, and enjoy, making it the perfect spot for children to have fun.”
Spotlight on Sue...
Meet Sue, a Staff Nurse who brings over 40 years experience to our Inpatient Services team
“It’s about creating special moments. Those little things that bring joy and comfort.”
Have you ever met someone who just radiates warmth? That’s Sue. After a long and fulfilling career in nursing, Sue joined Thames Hospice bringing her wealth of experience and unwavering comfort to our patients.
Sue understands that care extends far beyond clinical needs. “It’s about connecting with people, finding those little moments of joy, even in the midst of difficult times.” She finds motivation in the simple act of making a difference: seeing smiles, offering comfort, and supporting families to create cherished memories. And crucially, she emphasises, “It’s about having the time to care.”
This dedicated time allows her to truly connect with patients and families, to listen, to understand, and to provide the personalised care they deserve. “We can actually stop and spend time with them and talk through any anxieties or worries.”
Her dedication shines through, like when she discovered a patient’s deep love for Dolly Parton. Determined to bring a bit of that joy into their life, Sue reached out to Dolly’s agents. She secured a special, heartfelt video message, a testament to her commitment to going the extra mile. Though the patient sadly passed before seeing the video, the family treasured that tangible connection, a lasting memory of Sue’s kindness.
Sue with a patient
Volunteer corner
From nursing to volunteering –Sarah is still making a difference, offering reassurance and support to families at the Hospice.
For nearly two decades, Sarah Williams-Kelly served as a theatre sister at Dunedin Hospital in Reading, enjoying a fulfilling nursing career. However, after the loss of both parents within a year, Sarah found herself unable to continue in the same capacity and sought a change.
She joined her husband’s promotional business, immersing herself in a vastly different environment. While the work was enjoyable, Sarah realised she missed the hospital setting and patient interactions. By chance, in 2016, Sarah attended a coffee morning raising money for the Hospice, which led to the opportunity to volunteer for us.
Sarah explains: “The idea of volunteering at the Hospice felt like the perfect way to return to a setting that had once been my life. And now, I specifically help with tidying, managing patient menus and helping staff with various tasks. I’m also there to assist relatives and visitors, guiding them through the Hospice and making them feel more at ease.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to speak with family members. Many visitors arrive feeling scared or unsure about what to expect. I make it my goal to offer them comfort. You need
to be able to read situations. Having been a nurse all my life, I can read those situations, which is helpful.
“The atmosphere at the Hospice is unique. Despite the challenges families are facing, the environment is lively and warm. The Hospice is serene, peaceful, and offers beautiful views, which adds to the sense of comfort for both patients and families.”
Sarah adds: “Every patient has a unique story, and I find it incredibly rewarding to hear about their lives, whether they’ve been a CEO, an artist, or someone who led a quiet, humble life. Everyone is equal here, and it’s a reminder that we all have a story to tell.
“I know that the patients and families I encounter are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Being able to provide even a small amount of comfort or kindness is truly special.”
Meet our new Chief Executive
Dr
Rachael
de Caux leading with heart and purpose
We are delighted to introduce you to Rachael, who joined Thames Hospice as our Chief Executive in December 2024.
Rachael brings a wealth of clinical and strategic leadership experience to Thames Hospice. Before joining us, she was Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, shaping healthcare services across the region. Alongside her role as our CEO, Rachael continues to practice as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
Rachael’s connection to hospice care is deeply personal. Having lost both of her parents to cancer, she experienced first-hand the profound impact of hospice services. Reflecting on this, she shared, “What it allowed me to do was to stop being a doctor with my family and actually be a daughter and make precious memories together.”
Since joining us, Rachael has been actively engaging with our teams, patients and their loved ones, supporters, and local community leaders. She is passionate about collaborating to enhance end-of-life and specialist palliative care in our community. “I already knew that the people who work at Thames Hospice were extraordinary and incredible, but the
passion and commitment to delivering high quality, wrap-around care has just blown me away. Whether they are our clinicians, housekeepers, retail drivers, or volunteers, they’re all working towards the same aim, and it’s really very, very humbling.”
As demand for our care continues to rise and operational costs increase, the support of our community is more vital than ever.
“Two-thirds of our income relies entirely on the generosity of our supporters –through fundraising and our charity shops. We understand it’s a difficult time with the rising costs of living, which makes every contribution all the more meaningful.”
Scan here to read our strategy
Thames Hospice exists because of our community and for our community – every donation, fundraiser, volunteer, and charity shop purchase makes a real difference.
We are thrilled to have Rachael leading our Hospice and working alongside our wonderful community. Rachael is looking forward to meeting many of you over the coming months at our events – see page 17 to find how you can get involved.
Fact file:
Did
you know...
Every single day, we need to raise £39,000 to deliver our care. We can’t do this without your support – thank you.
Favourite movies: Top Gun and Dirty Dancing – both hold nostalgic value from her youth.
Favourite books: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy and Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.
Favourite holiday destination: Grenada in the Caribbean for its beautiful weather and welcoming people; closer to home, North Wales for its majestic mountains and coastline.
Hobbies: Walking up big mountains, Pilates (which Rachael credits for curing her back pain), F45 training, reading crime thrillers, and enjoying live music and theatre.
Pets: Two spirited border terriers named Monty and Barney.
Fun Fact: She used to ride motorbikes!
A day in the life of… Sultan
7:45am
When I arrive at the Hospice, I start my day with a cup of tea. It’s already busy. I’m going to be the Team Leader for the Hospice at Home Response Team, so there’s lots to do. My top priority is to ensure the team feels supported, and that patients are visited quickly.
8:30am
Time for our morning briefing. The whole team discusses what’s happened with our patients overnight. We review patients’ needs and adjust care plans accordingly.
9.00am
My first visit is with a patient who called after an uncomfortable night. I drive all over the area we serve, but this first visit is close by in Windsor. They have increased pain which I can help with. When their pain is more manageable, they can have a sense of normality. It’s a really rewarding part of nursing – being able to allow for more quality and meaningful time with their loved ones.
11.00am
Back at the Hospice, I spend some time at my desk catching up on important admin including updating patients’ clinical records. I also ensure the patient has all the medications and equipment they need before our next visit to them.
1.00pm
We’ve had a call from another patient, so I call them back. We talk about a change in their symptoms and arrange a visit.
3.00pm
I head to Slough for my next visit with a new patient. First visits can sometimes be worrying for patients and families as they can be wary about needing palliative care. From the very first meeting, I try to build a rapport with them, so they feel reassured and confident they’ll be looked after.
I’ve got a few more patients to visit before I head back to the Hospice, but it’s been great to have you with me for the day!
Sultan meeting with Nurse Devii
What we love to sell in our stores
Spring cleaning? Don’t forget to donate your preloved items to Thames Hospice.
Your unwanted treasures could get a second life, and every donation helps us provide care and support to those who need it most.
By donating thoughtfully, you can help us make an even bigger impact.
What we love
Homeware – crockery, glassware, cutlery, lamps, vases
Complete toys & games – with the CE mark
Modern, contemporary pictures
Paired curtains, throws & cushions
No thank you
Coat hangers
Did you know …. last year, we spent over £100,000 disposing of unsellable items? That’s money that could’ve provided more than 500 home visits from our nursing team.
Working electrical items
Paired boots & shoes – clean and in good condition
Clean, good quality
Bags & jewellery –especially vintage finds!
Furniture – tables, chairs, sofas, beds, clean mattresses, chests of drawers & cabinets
clothing – jackets, coats, tops, trousers, skirts, dresses
Single, odd, or chipped crockery
Upholstered furniture & mattresses without a fire-resistant label
Broken or outdated artwork
Pillows, duvets, and feathered
cushions
DIY & gardening tools
Swimwear, underwear, or socks
For a full list of what we can and can’t accept, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/donate-goods
Where and how to donate
Drop off your donations at any of our 23 stores during opening hours. Find your nearest shop here: www.thameshospice.org.uk/find-a-shop
Got a large item to donate? We offer a free furniture collection service! Book your collection online: www.thameshospice.org.uk/furniture-collection
Every donation makes a difference. Thank you for supporting your local Hospice!
Make it your new favourite spot!
Looking for the perfect place to grab your morning coffee, catch up with friends, or enjoy a delicious lunch? Café by the Lake is the ideal place. This hidden gem offers a mouth-watering menu of freshly prepared hot and cold food, fabulous coffee, and sweet treats to brighten your day.
Whether you’re starting your morning with a full English breakfast or winding down with tea and cake, our friendly team is here to make every visit special.
• Breathtaking views of Bray Lake and our beautiful gardens
• Indoor seating or a relaxing outdoor terrace
• Free Wi-Fi and charging points – perfect for remote working
• Daily breakfast served from 8am–11am (9am–11am on Sundays)
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8am–6pm
Saturday: 8am–5pm
Sunday: 9am–5pm
Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, our Café by the Lake is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and enjoy great food with a stunning view.
Come visit us today Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2DN
Spotlight on Lewis...
Meet Lewis, our Community Response Paramedic. His role is to visit patients who are being cared for at home, whenever they need support.
When you think of hospice care, what comes to mind? Some think of sadness, but for Lewis, it’s where profound connection and a subtle, unexpected beauty can often be found.
“Hospice care... it’s not merely an ending, but a transition – a time for connection, for love, and for finding grace in every moment.”
Lewis’ path to hospice care involved a deeply personal experience. Facing his own mortality, his perspective shifted, and he began to see a side of life – and death – that many never witness: a world where compassion, dignity, and even moments of quiet joy exist alongside loss.
“It’s about being present.”, Lewis explains. He finds purpose in supporting patients and
their families through incredibly vulnerable times. He emphasises, “It’s not about ‘fixing’ anything, but about offering comfort, understanding, and a space for people to simply be themselves.”
Lewis sees beauty in the quiet strength of patients, in the love that families share, and in the dedication of his colleagues. He has witnessed acts of kindness, resilience, and even gentle humour in the face of adversity. These experiences have shaped his view of life, death, and what truly matters.
Lewis is keen to help people understand more about hospice care. “It’s not about giving up; it’s about making the most of every moment, about living as fully as possible, even when facing the end of life.”, he says.
Lewis is committed to helping ensure that patients’ final days are filled with peace, comfort, and meaning. “It’s a great privilege to be there to ensure someone’s end-of-life journey is comfortable and dignified. I get a real sense of accomplishment – not only from lessening someone’s pain but having accomplished something for their whole family.”
Lewis visiting a patient in their home
Take the plunge into our
Open Water Swim Challenge!
We are super excited to announce the return of our annual Open Water Swim Challenge on Sunday 22 June 2025, at Bray Lake. This event welcomes swimmers of all abilities offering a range of distances, which you can swim as an individual or as part of a team.
Last year, the Open Water Swim Challenge brought together 150 swimmers, raising an impressive £45,000. These funds could support over 2,000 hours of care from a Senior Staff Nurse, providing essential services Enter today!
Marta, one of our Senior Staff Nurses, has participated in the challenge for the past two years and is eager to dive in again this year. Reflecting on her experience, she shared: “I absolutely loved it. The event was super fun and a good challenge for me. What I loved most was the build-up to the event. Our patients were very excited about staff taking part, with some supporting us from the shores of Bray Lake.”
Marta with patient Maria
Upcoming events
Open Water Swim 22 June 2025
Dive into this exciting event at Thames Hospice this summer with our Open Water Swim Challenge in Bray Lake.
Skydive 20 September 2025
Take the leap and book by 6 June to secure your place.
Sunflower Walk 14 September 2025
Join us for 2.5k, 10k, or half marathon routes around Thames Hospice and the surrounding areas.
Open Gardens
Make a difference by opening your garden and inviting others to enjoy its beauty! Receive a fundraising pack blooming with resources to ensure the day blossoms with success.
Get involved at www.thameshospice.org.uk/upcoming-events
to our patients and their loved ones. With your support, we want to hit and smash this target!
Marta emphasises the sense of community the event fosters: “It’s a reminder that, just like in our daily work, we are never alone. We have a network of support that extends beyond the Hospice into the wider community.
“Please join me and sign up to our Open Water Challenge for an incredible opportunity to push your limits, connect with others and make a tangible difference in our community.”
To find out more and sign up, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/open-water-swim
One of our amazing supporters about to take the plunge
A moment to Thank YOU
Some
of our Hospice colleagues
Our care is only made possible by the incredible support and dedication of our wonderful community. You help ensure that we can continue to be there for our patients and their loved ones at life’s most challenging times.
Whether you’ve contributed by donating to our Cuddle Bed appeal, participating in our Spring Raffle, playing our Lottery, pledging a gift in your Will, signing up for an event, volunteering your time, shopping and donating to our charity stores, or enjoying meals in our Café, each act of kindness plays a vital role in ensuring that future generations will benefit from vital hospice care.
It truly takes a whole community to support us, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do. Thank you for standing with us and for being an integral part of the Thames Hospice family.
Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference.
“I have never encountered such care from a healthcare setting. From our 1st day to our last, all was beyond exceptional.”
“He felt very secure and comfortable at the Hospice knowing he was always look after to the highest standard.”
“Gratitude for all the beautiful care and kindness received. Able to be his wife again and enjoy the precious time we had left together.”
A legacy of love Nicki’s story
Nicki is a passionate supporter of Thames Hospice, inspired by the exceptional care her father, Gordon, received.
Nicki describes her father as someone who “didn’t really do ill,” but when he received a terminal cancer diagnosis, the family’s world changed. “Dad said he had something to tell me – he had cancer, and it was terminal. In the next breath, ‘shall we have a curry or Chinese?’ That was my dad, accepted the hand he had been dealt and got on with it.”
Nicki and her father were extremely close. “Dad was the life and soul of the party –ever the entertainer and host,” she recalls. “An incredible man who touched the hearts of all those he met.”
The evening Gordon was admitted to hospital, he collapsed in the bathroom. “Mum and I couldn’t move him – we looked at each other and knew this was the beginning of the end,” Nicki says. “The hardest part was when the medics triaged him on arrival, a man who prided himself on names and numbers, unable to count backwards from 10 or name the current prime minister – a piece of our hearts broke in two.”
After a week or so, a bed at Thames Hospice became available. “I’ll never forget him being wheeled out of his ward,” Nicki recalls, “He turned to me and said ‘it’ll be ok, everything will be alright’ – probably the last words I heard dad speak.”
Nicki admits, “I didn’t know much about Thames Hospice at the time and just thought it was a place people went to die that wasn’t a hospital.” However, her experience was very different. “When we arrived, I could feel that it was so much more than that – a safe space, a peaceful place, somewhere dad could say goodbye with dignity.”
Nicki was particularly moved by the care her mother received. “At a difficult time, I could see the tension lift from her. I knew she would be well looked after, and dad kept comfortable – no ask was too much.” Gordon passed away peacefully at the Hospice.
Grateful for the Hospice’s support, Nicki became a fundraiser and later decided to include a gift to Thames Hospice in her Will. “For me, it was a gift to him to say thank you for the start in life and opportunities he gave me and knowing his memory will live on in helping others receive the same level of care as he did.” Nicki emphasises the importance of legacy, quoting her father’s funeral reading, she adds, “In one of the readings at his funeral which he had pre-prepared, it said ‘peace is my parting gift to you’ – through leaving a legacy gift in my Will, I know many others will find peace at the end of their journey and their families, just like ours, will have Thames Hospice to turn to.”
Did you know…
1 in 5 of our inpatient beds are provided by gifts in Wills. Every penny really does count, with small legacies forming a vital part of our income. A gift in your Will costs nothing today but will make a difference and help to ensure we can care for local families in the future.
Find out more:
www.thameshospice.org.uk/gift-in-will
Gordon and Nicki
