The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

The Shakespeare Hospice

NEWSLETTER WINTER 2025/26

Support us this Christmas Help keep our nurses on the road and our patients at home YOUR LOCAL HOSPICE NEWS

Read inspiring stories Learn about upcoming events Stay connected with us

A message from our CEO

Hello, More than 30 years ago, our community came together around a simple but powerful belief: that people in South Warwickshire should have choice, dignity and compassion at the end of life.

At that time, that choice did not exist locally. Thanks to the vision and determination of local people — including the Rotary Club of Stratford-upon-Avon — The Shakespeare Hospice opened its doors and changed that reality. Today, our role is more essential than ever.

It costs £3 million each year to run The Shakespeare Hospice. Demand for our services is rising, costs continue to increase, and just 12% of our funding comes from the NHS. Without us, many people in our community would have little or no choice about where they spend the final days of their lives.

For more than 25 years, we have delivered expert, compassionate Hospice at Home care, supporting patients where they feel safest, most comfortable and most loved. It is a service our community relies on — and one we are committed to protecting.

This Christmas, we are asking for your support. We need to raise £50,000 to help keep our nurses on the road and our patients at home. Your gift is not just a donation; it is reassurance — that patients and their loved ones will not face the hardest moments of their lives alone.

By supporting our Christmas Appeal, you are helping to secure choice, dignity and compassion for people across South Warwickshire, now and into the future.

You can find more information about how to support our Christmas Appeal on page 3 of this newsletter.

On behalf of everyone at The Shakespeare Hospice, thank you for standing with us.

I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.

Chief Executive Officer The Shakespeare Hospice

How your donations can help us?

£25

helps keep our ‘blanket of reassurance’ wrapped around local families Page 2

£50

helps give a grieving child or parent a safe space to talk, create, and begin to make sense of their loss

£200

helps provide several hours of Hospice at Home care, helping a patient stay in familiar surroundings, avoid hospital admission, and spend precious time with loved ones.

The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Be Part of “The Blanket of Reassurance” Support Our Christmas Appeal When cherished husband, dad, and grandad Henry Kavanagh chose to spend his final weeks at home, the Hospice’s “Hospice at Home” team stepped in with more than just medical care. They offered compassion, presence, and profound comfort to Henry—and his family in Kenilworth.

In a powerful new video from The Shakespeare Hospice, Henry’s son Steven said: “It was like a blanket of reassurance put around the family. You don’t understand how unsung these people are. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Rebecca, Henry’s daughter, said: “One of the nurses actually hugged me for about ten minutes, which probably was nothing to them, but it was so much to me. The care that the Shakespeare Hospice give, not only just to my family, but to every single family, is unbelievable.”

Jean, Henry’s wife, said: “The day after Henry died, they came and sat and chatted to us. I can't praise them enough.”

But this story goes beyond medical care. Henry’s family also received ongoing help from the Hospice’s Children and Family Support Services, offering emotional support, counselling, and space to grieve — ensuring that care continued long after Henry’s death.

With only 12% of our funding coming from the NHS, we rely on your generosity to provide specialist care free of charge. Your support this Christmas will keep nursing care alive in homes across South Warwickshire, fund emotional and bereavement support for families like the Kavanaghs and wrap even more households in dignity, comfort and help—during life, and after loss.

You can watch Henry’s video in full on The Shakespeare Hospice’s YouTube channel.

Donate to The Shakespeare Hospice Christmas Appeal Help keep our specialised care and support wrapped around your community this Christmas

To donate £20 text BLANKET to 70480

Or scan here to donate online:

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us.

If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text BLANKETNOINFO instead.

Did you know?

The Origins of the phrase “Palliative Care” As we wrap our arms around patients and families during life’s most challenging moments, it’s fitting that the very word palliative is rooted in the idea of a protective embrace.

The term “palliative” comes from the Latin pallium, meaning “a cloak” or covering.

It entered English in the 15th century through Medieval Latin (palliativus) and Middle French (palliatif).

The modern term “palliative care” was introduced in 1974 by Dr. Balfour Mount at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. He sought to bring the principles of modern hospice care into a hospital setting—while avoiding the negative associations the word “hospice” carried in French at the time.

This origin beautifully reflects the heart of palliative care today:

A figurative cloak: symbolising the shielding of patients from distressing symptoms and the emotional weight of illness.

Alleviating suffering: echoing the original meaning—to lessen the intensity of disease and bring comfort.

Comprehensive support: the cloak extends beyond physical needs, offering psychological, social and spiritual care to both patients and their loved ones.

This image of a warm, protective cloak (or blanket) mirrors the work of The Shakespeare Hospice, which surrounds each patient and family with compassionate, holistic support tailored to their individual needs.

“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

Dame Cicely Saunders (1918-2005)

Founder of the modern hospice movement Page 4

The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

TREECYCLE

Recycle your Christmas tree in return for a donation to The Shakespeare Hospice A donation of

£15 can help support a child through bereavement after losing a parent, sibling or grandparent “My Dad passed away in December 2021, and I was seven at the time. I was quite sad when it happened. But The Shakespeare Hospice helped me to talk about it and speak about how I felt.”

Emily, aged 11

Scan here to book your collection:

RECYCLE FOR CARE

Book by 4th January 2026 and support local hospice care

Collection dates: 8th - 9th January 2026 We are really grateful for the support from:

Charity no: 1064091

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Investing in a Safer, More Sustainable Hospice Last year, The Shakespeare Hospice was grateful to receive capital funding from the Government’s £100 million hospice investment programme. This funding could only be used for buildings and infrastructure, not for staffing or the delivery of care, but it has played an important role in strengthening the foundations of our hospice.

Thanks to this capital investment, we have been able to make essential improvements that support safety, compliance and long-term sustainability, including: Upgrading our heating and hot water systems, alongside energy-efficiency measures to reduce environmental impact Resolving a long-standing health and safety issue in the car park, including improvements to the electrical distribution system Completing fire safety upgrades, including the installation of internal fire-rated doors, following a compliance survey by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service These improvements help ensure the hospice remains a safe, compliant and welcoming environment for patients, families, staff and volunteers.

We are grateful to our teams for their flexibility during this period of work, particularly clinical staff adapting to alternative locations, and to Team Ops — Rob Hobbs and Kevin Millington — for coordinating the programme so effectively.

Why Your Support Still Matters While this Government funding has helped us improve our buildings, it does not fund the care we provide.

Services such as Hospice at Home, community nursing, emotional support, therapies and bereavement care rely heavily on charitable income. It is the generosity of our supporters that enables us to be there for people in their own homes, manage symptoms, support families and provide compassionate care when it is needed most.

In short: Capital funding helps maintain the hospice Your donations help deliver care Every visit, every conversation and every moment of reassurance in someone’s home is made possible by the continued support of our community.

A Warm Welcome for Hospice UK CEO During Hospice Care Week In October, we were delighted to welcome Toby Porter, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, to The Shakespeare Hospice during the heart of Hospice Care Week.

Toby spent time meeting patients, staff, and even one of our much-loved therapy dogs during our Lunch With Friends event, where patients enjoyed good company, a shared meal, and creative craft activities. His visit provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the compassionate, communityfocused care that lies at the heart of our Day Services.

The visit was a valuable reminder that hospice care is about so much more than clinical support — it is about living well, connecting with others, and finding joy in everyday moments.

Our Hospice team continue to host a wide variety of activities and events for the benefit of our patients, their loved ones and carers, helping to enrich wellbeing and build meaningful connections throughout the year.

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Creating Moments of Care Beyond Clinical Support Festive Wreath-Making at the Hospice Charitable support also enables us to create moments of comfort, creativity and connection for patients and service users.

Last month, a festive wreath-making workshop brought colour, creativity and seasonal warmth into the Hospice. The session offered an opportunity to relax, connect with others and enjoy a shared experience — supporting emotional wellbeing alongside clinical care.

We are very grateful to Emma and Evie Da Silva from Botley Floral Rooms, whose generosity and creativity helped make the workshop such a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Sharing Stories and Strengthening Hope During Children’s Grief Awareness Week During Children’s Grief Awareness Week in November, we reflected on the powerful journeys of young people supported by our Children & Family Support Service (CAFSS).

One such journey is Leila’s. When Leila (pictured right) first came to us after the loss of her Papa, she felt overwhelmed by painful memories and found it difficult to express how she was feeling. Night-time was especially hard, and talking about her emotions felt daunting.

Within the safe, nurturing environment of CAFSS, Leila began using art and drawing to explore the parts of her story that felt too big for words. Gradually, this creative and supportive space helped her feel less anxious, more understood, and no longer alone.

As Leila continued to share her thoughts and memories, something gently shifted — she began recalling the joyful moments she had shared with her Papa. She created a memory jar (pictured left) filled with those special memories, giving her a way to stay connected to him while growing in confidence to talk about her feelings with others.

Children’s Grief Awareness Week reminds us of the courage shown by children like Leila, and of the importance of giving young people the support and space they need to share their stories — because when they do, hope has room to grow.

If you know a child or young person who is grieving or facing the loss of a loved one, find out more about CAFSS on our website.

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Missed the Christmas post?

Send eCards and donate the cost of cards and stamps to The Shakespeare Hospice Instead of buying and posting traditional cards, you can make a donation to The Shakespeare Hospice and choose from a beautiful selection of designs — a simple, meaningful way to make your greetings go even further.

The Gift That Gives Twice Charity Shop Gift Cards – a Feel-Good Christmas Choice Looking for a Christmas gift that’s a little different this year? Our Charity Shop Gift Cards are the perfect way to spread festive cheer — while supporting your hospice and our community.

Whether it’s for the hard-to-buy-for relative, a Secret Santa, or a last-minute stocking filler, our gift cards are a thoughtful way to give someone the joy of choosing something they’ll love — from pre-loved treasures and vintage finds to homeware, books and unexpected bargains.

And here’s the best bit: every gift card helps fund hospice care.

By choosing a Charity Shop Gift Card, you’re helping to support Hospice at Home services, community care and emotional support for patients and families — including during what can be a difficult time of year.

Order now at Shop.TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk. Perfect for gifts or guilt-free shopping.

Hospice Stories For Karen Clarke, life in Shipston-on-Stour changed forever when her father, Geoffrey Long, began to struggle with his health. Geoffrey (pictured below), a proud man who had endured several strokes, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2023. By June the following year, he had sadly passed away at 82.

Karen

During those final weeks, The Shakespeare Hospice became a source of comfort and support for Karen and her family. Karen first heard about the Hospice through Warwick Hospital. “Dad wasn’t speaking or walking after his strokes,” she explains. “He didn’t Karen (second from left) with her family, want to go out or be seen in a wheelchair.” When including her late father, Geoffrey (front and hospital staff suggested the Hospice’s Day Services, centre) the family hoped it might lift his spirits.

“He loved simple things—just sitting with a drink and a bit of cake,” Karen recalls. “He came a couple of times and enjoyed it because they picked him up and dropped him off. It gave him something to look forward to.”

Sadly, Geoffrey’s health declined rapidly after his cancer diagnosis.

“They told us six weeks, but it was just two,” Karen says. “One of those weeks was in hospital, so we only had a week at home.”

Exhausted and overwhelmed, the family turned to the Hospice at Home team, who provided vital care and reassurance. “It was such a relief,” Karen says. “They didn’t just care for Dad—they supported us too.”

Karen’s story shows the difference your support makes.

Every donation helps fund services like Hospice at Home.

This summer, Karen entered the Hospice’s raffle and won £500. “But the real prize,” she says, “is knowing the Hospice can keep helping families like mine.”

Pictured left: Karen (left) presented with a cheque for £500 from the Sizzling Summer Raffle with Vicki Fenton-Farrington, Individual Giving Manager at The Shakespeare Hospice (right)

Share your story Stories like Karen’s are a wonderful way to raise awareness of the services of The Shakespeare Hospice. If you have benefitted from our clinical services, either as a patient, carer or loved one, we would love to hear from you.

Email us with your details at marketing@theshakespearehospice.org.uk Page 10

The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Fundraising Focus Your generous support helps us continue providing compassionate care and vital services to patients and their loved ones across our community. Here are some of the ways that you have supported us recently.

How are you helping us raise

£3 million?

The Shakespeare Hospice’s annual Dragon Boat Race made a spectacular splash on Sunday, 21st September, with 28 teams taking to the water for a day of fierce but friendly competition — all in support of the Hospice’s vital work.

The atmosphere was electric as hundreds of spectators lined the riverside to cheer on local businesses, clubs, and community groups competing in this year’s event. After a series of heats and semi-finals, six teams made it to the grand final — and the finish was one for the history books.

In one of the closest races ever seen at the event, all six teams crossed the finish line within just 0.55 seconds of each other. But it was Stratford Leg-Ends — a local team made up of friends, co-workers and sport enthusiasts and four members of the same family (pictured above), who narrowly clinched the title.

Team captain Wayne Weatherhead (pictured left with CEO Tracey Sherian) said: “I honestly can’t believe we won! This was our second year of taking part, and we didn’t even make the final last year, so to come back and take first place feels incredible. This event means so much to me as my mother was cared for by The Shakespeare Hospice.

Knowing that so much money has been raised for the Hospice makes the victory even sweeter.”

The Hospice team extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and spectators who made the day possible — and is already looking forward to next year. The 2026 Dragon Boat Race will take place on Sunday, 20th September.

For more information or to register a team, visit: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/DragonBoatRace2026.

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Light Up A Life 2025 Light Up A Life Service Brings Community Together in Remembrance We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us at our Light Up A Life Service at St Andrew’s Church, Shottery. Your presence, kindness and support made the service a deeply meaningful occasion, bringing comfort and togetherness to all who attended.

The Light Up A Life campaign is our annual opportunity to remember and celebrate loved ones during the Christmas season. Supporters are invited to donate in memory of someone special and dedicate a light on the festive Christmas tree in Bridge Street, Stratford-uponAvon, as well as on our virtual Christmas tree (pictured right), creating moments of reflection and connection throughout the community.

Dedications also come with a bespoke Light Up A Life Christmas card and a pin badge, and names are featured on the virtual tree and at the service.

Each light dedicated symbolises a cherished memory and supports our hospice’s vital work — from bereavement support and counselling to specialist nursing care and palliative services for people across our community.

The service itself offered space for shared remembrance through readings, hymns and candle lighting. While the event may have been emotional for some, it was also filled with warmth, love and the comfort of being together. We are grateful to everyone who took part and helped make this special occasion such a heartfelt tribute to those we hold dear.

For those who were unable to attend, or who would still like to make a dedication in memory of a loved one, dedications can still be made via our website: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/Light-Up-A-Life Thank you for being part of The Shakespeare Hospice Light Up A Life family — your support truly brings light, love and comfort to many during the festive season.

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Skydive Day 2025

On Saturday, 2nd August, five brave supporters soared into the skies above Hinton Airfield in Northamptonshire to take part in our Hospice Skydive Day. Molly, Harry, Darcie, Maria and Sarah each faced an extraordinary challenge, showing remarkable courage and commitment in support of The Shakespeare Hospice.

Together, these incredible individuals have raised more than £6,000 to help us continue providing essential care for patients and families across our community. Their determination — from boarding the plane to taking that life-changing leap — embodies the true spirit of our hospice heroes.

Among the participants was Darcie Hunt, who completed her skydive in memory of her mum, Julie.

Julie herself had taken on a skydive when she was younger, despite living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Darcie’s jump was a heartfelt tribute to her mum and a way of honouring the compassionate support their family received from our Hospice at Home team.

We were also delighted to see Molly and Harry from Hall Reynolds LLP, who took on the challenge to raise vital funds for our specialist services, and Maria and Sarah from Brindley Twist Tafft & James Solicitors, who fearlessly joined the team in support of our patients.

We are immensely proud of every participant and deeply grateful for the strength, generosity and enthusiasm they brought to the day. Their fundraising efforts will make a meaningful difference to the lives of those we care for.

Could You Be One of Our Next Hospice Heroes?

If their achievements have inspired you, why not take the leap yourself? Our next Skydive Day is now open for registrations, offering an unforgettable experience while raising vital funds for hospice care.

Find out more and sign up here: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/our-events/skydive-day Take on the challenge, feel the thrill — and help make a lasting difference in our community.

24 Hours of Tennis for The Shakespeare Hospice

On 3rd October, Joe Alexander completed an extraordinary 24-hour tennis-a-thon in memory of his beloved wife, Hannah. His determination and strength shone through every serve, rally and shot, inspiring everyone who followed his journey.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, Joe raised over £4,000 for The Shakespeare Hospice. This remarkable total will help us continue providing specialist care and bereavement support for families navigating loss, just like Joe’s.

On behalf of everyone at The Shakespeare Hospice, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe for turning love and loss into something truly extraordinary and for demonstrating the powerful difference one person’s courage can make.

A beloved Stratford-upon-Avon business honoured a cherished life and gave back to the community in a truly heartwarming way last festive season. Marco’s Italian Delicatessen, a family-run gem in the heart of Stratford since 1991, paid tribute to co-founder Sara with a deliciously generous gesture at the Christmas Lights Switch-On on November 15.

Sara, who co-founded the deli alongside her husband Marco and Father Tony, had been known for her warmth, kindness, and infectious smile. In 2020, she was diagnosed with a degenerative liver condition and received compassionate support from The Shakespeare Hospice.

Sara sadly passed away in August 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and community spirit. In her honour, Marco’s served hot drinks and slices of what was believed to be the UK’s largest panettone at the Christmas Lights event, with all proceeds going to The Shakespeare Hospice.

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

RIDE TO REMEMBER 2026 CYCLE CHALLENGE

September 30th - October 4th 2026 From The Shakespeare Hospice to Paris Every mile from Stratford to Paris powers hospice care — an epic journey for The Shakespeare Hospice.

Scan here to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime challenge: Or visit: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/RideToRemember

Volunteer Voices

Sandra Kirby Retail Volunteer, Henley-in-Arden

OUR T

Volunteers are the backbone of The Shakespeare Hospice. They help us deliver the highest quality of care and support to patients and families across our community.

In each edition, we shine a light on one of the incredible people who make that possible.

This time, we’re celebrating Sandra Kirby, who has been volunteering at our Henley-in-Arden shop for almost seven years.

What inspired you to start volunteering?

After being out of work for many years, I’d lost a lot of my confidence and was struggling with anxiety. A dear friend encouraged me to try volunteering — and it turned out to be a real turning point for me. It may sound dramatic, but it truly was a blessing.

What’s a typical day like?

No two days are ever the same — and that’s what I love.

I start by signing in, checking the manager’s notes and logging onto the till. From there, it’s all about people. I love chatting with customers, many of whom I now know really well. For some of our older visitors, the shop is an important social outing, and it’s a joy to be part of that.

Helping customers put outfits together is especially rewarding — their smiles say it all. And when new donations arrive, it feels like Christmas morning! We’re often called the “Harrods of Henley”, and we’re lucky to receive so many wonderful items.

How has volunteering at the Hospice impacted your life or perspective?

Volunteering has impacted my life in so many positive ways. It has helped restore my self-confidence, given me a renewed sense of purpose, and allowed me to serve and support others. The benefits truly feel endless.

Inspired by Sandra’s story?

Volunteering with The Shakespeare Hospice isn’t just about giving your time — it’s about connection, confidence and being part of something that truly matters.

Join our volunteer community today and make a difference, one shift at a time.

For more details, contact Tracy Ames, Volunteer Co-ordinator at volunteer@theshakespearehospice.org.uk Page 15

The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

What would you say to someone considering volunteering at The Shakespeare Hospice?

For anyone considering volunteering, I would wholeheartedly encourage it. It is truly rewarding, and knowing that you are helping and serving others makes every moment feel worthwhile. Your time and contribution genuinely make a difference to so many people who rely on and receive the wonderful care provided by the hospice. It’s also incredibly good for the soul.

Can you describe a memorable moment or experience you’ve had while volunteering here?

There have been many memorable moments over the years, but the fashion show truly stands out. It was a wonderful experience— the excitement among the staff, volunteers, and, of course, the customers created an incredible buzz. Seeing everything come together, from the outfits and accessories to finally walking down the catwalk at Great Alne Village Hall, was unforgettable. I hope we’ll have the chance to do many more in the future.

Volunteer for us!

As a volunteer, you can help out as much or as little as you like, and there are many different volunteering roles available, reflecting the skills, interests and availability of anyone wishing to support the Hospice in this way.

We are looking for volunteers in: Fundraising Retail Marketing Companion at Home Complementary Therapy Adapted Tai Chi, Yoga or Pilates Not only will you be supporting those in your community who need it most, but you will meet new people, and make new friends - and we guarantee you will have fun!

You may even learn some new skills - ideal for those looking at future employment or a career change!

For more information about becoming a volunteer, please visit TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/volunteering Page 16

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

The Shakespeare Hospice Friends They’re the friendly faces behind the coffee mornings, the energy behind the race nights, and the heart behind every bucket collection.

The Shakespeare Hospice Friends are a passionate group of volunteers who’ve raised over £100,000 to support local hospice care.

Recently, the Friends have held bucket collections at Waitrose Alcester and Tesco Redditch. Thanks to the kindness of staff and the generosity of shoppers, an impressive £1,350 was raised in support of The Shakespeare Hospice.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed — whether by donating, offering kind words, or helping to spread festive cheer. These funds will play an important role in helping us continue to provide vital care and support to patients and families across our community.

Learn more about what events the Friends will be organising in 2026 by visiting:

TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/The-Shakespeare-Hospice-Friends Page 17

The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

Shopping with Purpose Alcester | Bidford-on-Avon | Henley-in-Arden Stratford-upon-Avon | Wellesbourne

The Shakespeare Hospice has seven charity shops across South Warwickshire selling a variety of quality goods which have been donated by our generous supporters. Find out more about our shops by visiting TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/OurShops.

SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING

Donate your unwanted furniture FOR FREE

500

2,230kg

BAGS DONATED avoided going

BY GIFT AID DONORS to landfill

FREE local collection service

30,058kg

Prevents waste to landfill

of CO2 emissions saved through reselling and recycling of donations

Supports your local Hospice

SHOP OF THE MONTH

Bidford-on-Avon

Bidavon Industrial Estate, Waterloo Road, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4JN

The Shakespeare Hospice’s Bidford-onAvon shop, which opened its doors in February 2025, is the newest addition to the Hospice’s retail family.

Situated on Bidavon Industrial Estate, it offers a range of quality pre-loved clothing, books, homeware, and furniture, with all proceeds going directly towards funding the Hospice’s specialised care services.

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Dates for your Diary

Day Hospice Our Hospice team host a variety of events for patients, their loved ones and carers.

All sessions are based at our Hospice in Shottery, and free car parking is available to all.

Carers & Beareved Group - 22nd December (fortnightly) Wellbeing Cafe - 29th December (fortnightly) Lunch With Friends - 30th December (fortnightly) Time For You - 31st December (fortnightly) Connect For Lunch - 6th January (monthly) For further information about all of our Day Hospice events and activities, visit: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/Hospice-Timetable or email us at enquiries@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.

Fundraising Events in 2026 Jail ‘N’ Bail - 20th February Skydive Day - 7th March Stratford Secret Supper - 31st March Shakespeare Marathon & Half-Marathon - 26th April The Shakespeare Hospice Friends Coffee Morning - 22nd May The Shakespeare Hospice Friends Charity Virtual Race Night - 19th June The Shakespeare Hospice Friends Bingo Night - 24th July Dragon Boat Race - 20th September Ride to Remember - 30th September - 4th October For further information about all of our fundraising events and activities, visit: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/Whats-On or email us at fundraising@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.

Join us at our events If you would like to take part in our fundraising events as a volunteer, please get in touch!

For more information about volunteering, please visit TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/volunteering.

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The Shakespeare Hospice Newsletter - Winter 2025/26

A Christmas Thank You - from Your Hospice to Our Community As Christmas approaches, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports your hospice.

You are part of our community, and together we make it possible to care for people when they need us most.

We know that Christmas can be a joyful time for many — but it can also be a difficult one. For those living with illness, caring for a loved one, or grieving, this season can bring added challenges. Because of your support, our teams are able to be there with compassionate care, reassurance and understanding — at home, in the community and at the hospice itself.

While we are grateful for public investment in our buildings, it is your generosity that funds our services.

Your support helps provide Hospice at Home care, community nursing, emotional and practical support, therapies and bereavement care — including throughout the Christmas period.

Your kindness also helps us create moments of comfort and connection beyond clinical care. Small moments of creativity, warmth and companionship can mean so much at this time of year, reminding people that they are not alone.

This Christmas, thank you for standing with your hospice and helping us care for our community.

From everyone at The Shakespeare Hospice, we wish you a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.

Tell us what you think We hope you enjoyed this publication from The Shakespeare Hospice! We're always looking to improve and would love to hear your thoughts. What did you find most interesting or helpful? Is there anything you’d like to see more (or less) of in future issues? Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us better serve our community. Please share your thoughts by emailing us at marketing@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.

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The Shakespeare Hospice, Church Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UL Email: enquiries@theshakespearehospice.org.uk | Telephone: 01789 266852 Registered Charity Number: 1064091 Registered in England & Wales Number: 3291683

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