Month: December 2018

27 December 2018

Conquer the Sahara Desert for Weston Hospicecare

Weston Hospicecare is inviting supporters to get involved in the adventure of a lifetime – by trekking through a stunning section of the Sahara Desert.

The Weston-super-Mare charity is organising a host of new activities and fundraisers in celebration of its 30^th anniversary in 2019, including a wing-walking day and a new Men’s March, as well as plenty of returning favourites.

The latest challenge to be unveiled is a six-day group hiking challenge through the Sahara in Morocco in November.

That means if your New Year’s Resolutions included supporting a charity, seeing the world, or ticking something incredible off your bucket list, you could fulfil all three by signing up.

The challenge will run from 7-12 November, and will see participants – led by Berber guides and hiking as a team – conquer the desert landscape with the beautiful Atlas Mountains as their backdrop.

The hospice is working with Global Adventure Challenges to organise the trek, and a GAC spokesman offered a tantalising description of the challenge ahead.

They said: “Join us on this long-weekend trek for Weston Hospicecare, as we experience the beauty of one of the most breath-taking and largest deserts in the world – The Sahara.

“Our charity challenge is to trek for four days through this ever-changing landscape and to climb to the top of the massive Chegaga Dunes, where we will witness the desert sunrise.

“The days will be hot and the trekking will be tough, but we will help all team members conquer this mammoth desert.

“With traditional Berbers as our guides we’ll experience the delights of Morocco first-hand, in addition to being mesmerised by the remoteness and solitude that the Sahara brings.

“So if you want to take part in one of the most fantastic charity events, but have limited time to take away from the UK, this unique trek challenge is for you.”

The trip includes four days of hiking – with a day of travelling to and from the UK at each end too – and features a celebratory Moroccan dinner at the end of the trek.

There are two ways to fund the trip too. The first is to pay a £175 registration fee and commit to raising a minimum £1,800 in sponsorship, which covers the costs and contributes to the hospice. Or you can pay the registration fee and self-fund the trip for £900, in which case there is no minimum sponsorship, though supporters are encouraged to raise as much as they can.

Simon Angear, the hospice’s challenge manager, said: “We’ve been on the lookout for some exciting new activity ideas to challenge our supporters during our anniversary year, and think this has the potential to be a fabulously rewarding experience for all who take part.

“Sunrise over the Sahara is said to be one of the most beautiful sights on earth – the physical challenge presented by this trip will be made worth it by the beauty on offer.

“Whether you’re already a committed supporter of the hospice, or are spurred on by a desire to explore this beautiful part of the world, we would love to have you on board – so get in touch if you’d like to sign up or find out more.”

If you’re keen to learn more about the challenge, you can investigate the itinerary and other details here.

Those who are keen to sign up can do so here, or if you have questions about some of the details, you can contact Simon on 01934 423947 or by emailing simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk

21 December 2018

Weston Hospicecare volunteer backing the charity after double loss

A Weston Hospicecare shop volunteer says she will do anything she can to support the charity after two close friends received treatment before they both died.

Wendy Griggs (pictured right), aged 71, volunteers in the hospice’s Yatton shop and started six years ago after the hospice cared for a friend.

Three years later, another of Wendy’s friends died in the hospice’s inpatient unit.

Wendy said: “A good friend of mine died six years ago and was cared for by the hospice.

“Then my closest friend died three years ago in the hospice. So even more I wanted to be involved to raise funds, keep the shops open, to help bring about seven-day care. My family and I also run and take part in fundraising events.

“The most rewarding part of my role is raising money for a clear cause but I also enjoy the camaraderie.

“Typically I spend time operating the till, tagging items and welcoming and chatting to customers and listen to their tales.”

Wendy also says the hospice has huge importance it serves and encourages anyone thinking of volunteering at the hospice to join her.

She added: “The hospice is very, very, very important to the local area and I suggest volunteering at the charity to all sorts of people as I thoroughly enjoy it.”

The hospice has an army of volunteers who are worth more than £1million to the hospice through the time they devote to the charity every year.

The NHS provides only 20% of the £4.2million running costs of the hospice annually meaning the remaining 80% must be raised locally.

21 December 2018

Weston boy performs Michael Jackson act to raise money for Weston Hospicecare

A 10-year-old boy from Weston has raised money for Weston Hospicecare in memory of his grandfather by completing a memorial Michael Jackson dance routine.

Finlay Satchwell wanted to raise money for the charity after his grandad, John Satchwell, was cared for by the hospice before he died earlier this year.

The youngster raised a phenomenal £62.37 in collection buckets while he performed his tribute act at Costa Coffee in Locking Castle, entertaining passers-by in the process.

Finlay’s mum Clair said: “The hospice was welcoming and comforting for his grandad John and especially Finlay as he was only nine when his grandad passed.

“But we were able to get Finlay’s grandad home for his last few days, as that was his wish. The hospice is home from home.

“And is very important for the community as hospitals are scary places for everyone and the hospice is like a home.

“Fin used to watch the TV and walk around the gardens whilst his granddad was very ill and also shared a special time with his granddad when we were able to have dinner together in the lounge, memories that will last forever.”

It cost £4.2million every year to fund the day-to-day operation of the hospice with only 20% of that figure coming from the NHS. This means the support gained from the community the hospice serves is vital.

21 December 2018

“We loved the riot of colour” says Weston Hospicecare chief executive

More than 2,000 people completed this year’s 10km Christmas cracker with many running in aid of Weston Hospicecare.

Weston Athletic Club made an incredible donation of £13,800 to the hospice in the wake of the event, and participants who were running in aid of the hospice are set to add to that total.

In what was a wonderful atmosphere, many of the runners opted for fancy dress costumes such as Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas puddings, Christmas trees, presents, angels, elves and there was even a sighting of a turkey too!

Runners started from the Grand Pier at 11am before advancing along the beach towards Uphill where they turned back along Beach Road before finishing under the pier where they started.

The main race was won by last year’s runner-up Tom Lander with a time of 35 minutes and 16 seconds.

Hospice chief executive Paul Winspear said: “Weston Hospicecare is so very grateful to be the charity of choice for Weston Athletic Club’s annual Christmas Cracker.

“We are over the moon with the funds raised for the hospice this year, funds which are vital to providing care and support to those members of our community who battle with life-limiting illnesses, and to their families and carers. And what a superb event the 40^th anniversary was!

“Many of us from the hospice came along to either take part, help with the marshalling, or to cheer the runners along, and we loved the riot of colour, festival spirit, and incredible atmosphere. The fancy dress was brilliant too – it’s the first time we’ve seen a Christmas tree run 10k, and without losing any of his baubles.

“Thank you from all of us at Weston Hospicecare, and we pledge to continue to do all we can to support our local community in 2019 and beyond.”

Weston Athletic Club president Dave Jones presented the hospice with a cheque for £10,000 after the race while the club also generously donated an additional £1,500 from its Mendip Muddle race and a further £2,300 raised during the club’s penguins training programme in the lead-up to the cracker.

Race director Malcolm Gammon said: “I am really pleased with how this year’s event went. The weather turned out fine in the end and it was great to see so many people enjoying the race and entering into the festive spirit. How some of them get round in such elaborate costumes is beyond me.

“I am especially pleased we were able to donate £13,800 to Weston Hospicecare this year and I hope that many thousands more will be raised by our runners through sponsorship support.

“I’d like to thank all of our volunteers who made the event such a success this year. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.”

It costs £4.2million each year to keep the hospice open with only 20% of that figure coming from the NHS meaning fundraising events such as the cracker are crucial to the hospice’s fundraising strategy. Did you, or someone you know, take part in the Christmas cracker this year? See all of our photos from the event by clicking here.

20 December 2018

Take on the Challenge30 in Weston Hospicecare’s anniversary year

Could you run 30 miles – either all at once, or a mile a day for 30 days? Or sacrifice your favourite treats – wine, perhaps, or chocolate – for 30 days? Or maybe you’d consider doing 30 good deeds or devoting 30 hours of your time as a volunteer?

These are just some of the ways in which people can get involved in a creative new charity challenge to help celebrate Weston Hospicecare’s 30^th anniversary in 2019.

The hospice was launched in 1989, meaning that 2019 will mark three decades of its work caring for people with life-limiting illnesses in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas.

A host of celebrations are planned for the year, including new events, exhilarating fundraising challenges and even a birthday party.

However, the anniversary year will begin with the hospice laying down a new challenge for its supporters, all themed around the number 30 in recognition of the charity’s milestone year.

The Challenge30 asks people to test themselves in feats of speed or endurance, either individually or in teams, to give up something special for a fixed period, to take on an unusual personal challenge – or to support the event in a host of different ways.

Ideas include:

Setting yourself a sponsored distance challenge, either all at once, or by completing a portion each day. This could be on foot, on a bike, or in the pool.
Sacrificing a favourite treat. Give up chocolate, alcohol or smoking, donate the money you save, and ask others to sponsor your achievement too.
Combine the challenge with a New Year’s resolution – how much weight could you lose in a 30-day January health kick? Would people sponsor you a pound for a pound?
What could you accomplish in 30 hours? A 30-hour dance marathon, pub challenge, five-a-side football contest or even a sponsored silence, perhaps?
Gather some friends for a 30-person team challenge. Could you unite to take on a sponsored event or sporting contest of some kind as a group of friends or workmates?
Complete 30 good deeds – washing up, mowing the lawn, doing the laundry – around the home or for neighbours in return for a donation. One for younger supporters, perhaps?
Donate time or possessions. Perhaps you could spare 30 hours to volunteer your skills, or have a clear-out at home and find 30 unwanted items to donate to the hospice’s shops?

Hospice challenge manager Simon Angear said: “We are inviting our supporters to support the Challenge30 initiative throughout the hospice’s anniversary year in 2019.

“The great thing about this idea is that people can choose their own way to be a part of it. There are dozens of ways to get involved, but our ideas are only the start – we hope people will be inspired by the Challenge30 project to create their own ideas.

“There is potential there for people to have lots of fun with this idea, and of course their support will be of crucial importance to the hospice in its landmark anniversary year.”

The hospice has partnered with a new online giving platform – home.givepenny.com – for the Challenge30 initiative.

GivePenny is different to traditional platforms in that people can upload information from their phones – using compatible apps like Strava, Runkeeper or Fitbit data – to keep a record of their challenge progress.

That means challenges based around walking, running and cycling can be recorded over multiple days, and backers can offer incremental sponsorship – meaning participants can earn extra money for the hospice by completing extra distance, days or hours, depending on their individual challenge.

Weston Hospicecare chief executive Paul Winspear says Challenge30 will be the curtain-raiser for a year of celebratory events in 2019.

He said: “Next year will provide an excellent opportunity for us to reach out to the community to acknowledge those who have supported us since the start of Weston Hospicecare in 1989.

“We are planning a variety of events throughout 2019 for the community to join us in reflecting upon and celebrating our journey so far with an eye on the next 30 years.

“We will also share with people, who may not be familiar with us, information about what we do, how we do it and how we support not just patients, but also families of our patients, in the area.

“Our aim is to inspire more people to get involved with us by taking part and fundraising in events or by volunteering, during the next 30 years.”

Other new challenges scheduled for the hospice’s anniversary year include a wing-walk on June 21 and a Sahara Desert trek in November.

13 December 2018

Weston Hospicecare plays host to nationwide wellbeing session

Weston Hospicecare has played host to a referral session as part of a nationwide scheme which supports people struggling with visible side effects from life-limiting illnesses.

The Look Good Feel Better charity, who leads the initiative, has teamed up with medical facilities across the UK to expand its goal of providing free skincare and makeup workshops in 104 hospitals, hospices and cancer centres to benefit people with visible side effects.

For the session, attendees were referred from the hospice, MacMillan, the Oncology unit at Weston General Hospital. Beauty and complementary therapy volunteers from the hospice welcomed attendees to the Wellbeing Centre.

Complementary therapist Alison Bailey said: “It was a very successful session and women left with a lovely goody bag. But their self-confidence was unbelievable after the session.

“They all looked so glamorous and all had a good laugh throughout.”

One attendee commented: “I have quite thin eyelashes since my chemotherapy, so the eyeliner and mascara demonstration was very useful. The goody bag was a real treat.”

LGFB also offer online video tutorials for those who are unable to make the sessions or want to learn more after attending a session. Further details can be found by visiting https://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/.

12 December 2018

Former drug therapist says Weston Hospicecare has “extended his life”

A 78-year old emphysema sufferer has praised Weston Hospicecare’s services by stating the care given has “100% extended my life”.

Originally from Bristol, Terry Vanburg moved to Weston when he secured a job as a drug therapist after a substance and alcohol abuse battle of his own during his teens and early twenties.

When he was 23 years old he was given just two years to live due to the damage he had caused himself during his youth. However, after giving up drugs and alcohol he managed to turn his life around and now regularly visits day hospice for treatment for his life-limiting condition.

Terry said: “This place has 100% extended my life and I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the day hospice.

“I was sent here from Southmead from an emergency clinic after having a CT scan and subsequently being told I couldn’t be treated to cure my condition. They recommended attending the hospice as a way of ensuring I could get specialised treatment to relieve symptoms for the remainder of my life.

“Coming to the hospice filled me with dread initially, but after the first time more than three and half years ago I felt at ease straightaway.

“I didn’t want to think about dying and the group has a knack of bringing you out of your shell and after a couple of weeks it was as though I had been here forever.”

Terry attends the hospice’s day services each week and regularly attends fatigue and breathlessness (FAB) sessions with hospice therapist Norma Corp.

He continued: “I have mainly used the day hospice but recently I have also used the FAB group which has really helped me be honest and open with my thoughts and feelings.

“When I was asked to join the FAB group, I wasn’t sure what I would get from it because I thought I knew a lot about my illness. But I was greatly mistaken because I have learnt an awful lot about my illness by going to FAB group.

“One of many things I have learnt at the group is how to deal with panic attacks associated with emphysema. It is almost like asthma attacks you never know when they are going to happen. I have learnt a trick which helps me keep calm when I get an attack which has actually saved me trips to the hospital.

“Being in this atmosphere is what has inspired me to keep going and it also gives me hope.”

Terry then said one of his biggest comforts in the relationship his current wife and his daughter from another marriage have together.

He explained: “Although my family love me dearly, they find talking about end-of-life quite difficult. Whereas when I come here I can talk to anyone about anything and it doesn’t appear to affect anybody which is a great comfort.

“My second wife really gets along with my daughter from my first wife who passed away many years ago. They get their hair done together, they text each other nearly everyday and they’ve built up a small support network between themselves so when I do die they will have one another.”

Amazingly it was at this point Terry revealed he survived a second heart attack of his life just eight weeks prior to speaking to the hospice.

He continued: “I actually had a heart attack a few weeks ago, my wife gave me a coffee at about 8am and from the way I felt during my first one, I knew I was having one again.

“I said to my wife ‘I think you should call an ambulance’ and I was taken straight into Weston General Hospital and I had some surgery on my heart and now I am back here as I was before.

“I am just so blessed, I don’t know why I am but for some reason I am. The hospice is the best thing that ever happened to me. The last few years my life has been so much more relaxed and relatively pain and worry-free.

“I have had the time and support to put my affairs in order which has taken a huge pressure away. I would come every day of the week if I could and I have made some really great friends.

“I know when I am in my last few days I will get all the love and care here that I need, so that takes a lot of fear away.”

6 December 2018

Rooksbridge Christmas tree seller supports Weston Hospicecare

A Christmas tree seller from Rooksbridge has put up a dedicated memory tree at his business in support of Weston Hospicecare.

Premier Christmas Trees is based on the A38 in Rooksbridge and has been selling Christmas trees to the community for 20 years.

This year, the company is running a memory tree in support of the hospice and customers are encouraged to make a small donation in exchange for a seasonal-themed tag to write their own message.

Premier Christmas Trees’ John White says it is important to support the hospice and to give people an opportunity to remember loved ones in what can be a difficult and sensitive time of year.

He said: “The hospice is such a valuable service to the local community. Not everyone can be cared for at the end of their life at home or in hospital. The hospice gives real support to carers and their loved ones who are suffering.

“Christmas can often be a very difficult time for anyone who has lost a family member or a friend. Our memory tree is a special way to remember them along with helping in a small way people in similar situations at Weston Hospicecare.

“The hospice nurses are a great asset to the community and they provide specialised advice not only to individuals and families but also to professionals working within the healthcare sector.”

John says he has been very busy over the last few weeks as time runs out in the lead-up to Christmas.

He continued: “This past weekend has been busy and we are expecting a similar footfall this coming weekend.

“We still have a good selection of trees, wreaths and holly left and we hope to be selling right up until Christmas or until stocks last. All donations are gratefully received.”

The hospice has to raise £4.2million every year so community support such as that given by John and Premier Christmas Trees is vital.

3 December 2018

Christmas fair raises more than £2,700 in aid of Weston Hospicecare

The Friends of Weston Hospicecare’s annual Christmas fair has raised more than £2,700 for the charity.

Proceeds will be donated to the hospice to support the clinical care services it provides to patients with life-limiting conditions.

At the fair visitors were encouraged to take part in a variety of festive games and seasonal items such as Christmas wreaths were on sale to raise money.

Director of fundraising Alison Sopp said: “A huge thank you to our wonderful friends of the hospice and to everyone who came and supported us at Jackson-Barstow House for the annual friends of Weston Hospicecare Christmas fair.

“We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and a huge thanks to those who contributed to raising more than £2,700 for the hospice.

“It was a fabulous event in what was an extremely busy day for the hospice with fundraising events happening across Weston.”

The hospice was also supported by Weston College, Moorhens WI and the Hutton-based friends on the day through other community fundraising activities.

It costs £4.2million annually to support the day-to-day running of the hospice with only 20% of that figure provided by the NHS meaning community events play a vital role in the hospice’s fundraising strategy.