St Wilfrid’s Hospice appeals for day of care sponsors

From small beginnings…

Over the last 40 years St Wilfrid’s has grown to provide nursing and medical care, therapies, wellbeing services and family support to over 2,200 people. Back then there was day care and nursing via the original six-bedded inpatient unit at Mill Gap Road. Today the hospice building is in Hampden Park, patients are cared for in the community, in the 20-bed inpatient unit and wellbeing centre, and there is direct support for carers. Over 70 per cent of the care provided by the hospice is funded by the generous support of the local community.

Last year was tough for the hospice as demand for care increased in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, income was hit by shop closures and restrictions on event fundraising – and some restrictions remain in place.

Local companies sponsoring a day of care for a patient...

A day of care for a patient costs £400 and many individuals and local organisations have generously committed to sponsoring a day. On the date they choose, their donation will pay for a patient at the hospice to receive expert care and comfort, including nursing, therapies, medical care and meals.

Ansvar Insurance, long time supporters of the hospice, has chosen to sponsor June 9 as their day of care, in memory of their colleague Rita Crouch. Rita worked for Ansvar for many years and was passionate about St Wilfrid’s, co-ordinating many fundraising initiatives before she died in 2019. Ansvar said they felt that June 9, Rita’s birthday, was a lovely day to sponsor, and their staff plan to fundraise their £400 throughout the year.

Enterprise Shopping Centre in Eastbourne has sponsored July 4 as their day of care, to celebrate ‘Independents Day’. This day supports local, independent businesses, such as those that make up the boutique shopping centre. It is a fantastic way to support the hospice and spotlight the brilliant range of locally-owned businesses at the Enterprise.

Could you sponsor a day of care in memory or celebration of a loved one, on a birthday, anniversary or another special day? You can do this as an individual or a family, or maybe your business or society might like to club together and organise some fundraising?

St Wilfrid’s can support your fundraising with publicity, balloons, T-shirts, banners and collection pots as well as lots of ideas and activities to help you raise money, just give them a call on 01323 434284.

Share your memories in St Wilfrid’s 40th Anniversary Commemorative book...

A commemorative book containing stories, pictures, and memories of the history of the hospice will be published at the end of 2021 and will celebrate the activities that St Wilfrid’s supporters organise during the anniversary year. The hospice is looking for supporters past, present and future to share their stories about the way the hospice has touched their lives over the past 40 years – please email [email protected].

Sheila Nolan, wife of Denis, the first patient at the hospice is one of those who has shared her story:

‘When we first arrived, I remember thinking how beautiful the building was. Denis had a single room which looked out onto the front garden. It was peaceful and it felt that we could finally sit and talk openly. I am so grateful to everyone who was involved with Denis’ care and that will never go away.’

Visit stwhospice.org/ruby for more information.