Sarah's Story
Shared by Sarah's mum, Susan
"When Sarah was short on time, she didn’t have to worry. She knew that being in the Hospice meant she would get the proper care, and they made her final days so special.
In the last weeks of her life, Sarah was happy at the Hospice. She was being cared for in the best possible way.
The Hospice took care of our whole family every step of the way so I’m asking you to please support them today. Our communities and families need the Hospice. If they hadn’t been there for us, I can’t imagine what that time might have felt like.”
I'm Pippa, a staff nurse at The Hospice of St Francis.
Every month, people in our community hear the news that they may have only months or weeks left to live. There is fear – fear of leaving loved ones behind, of missing out on life, and of spending their final days in pain and without support.
This is terrifying not only for patients, but also for their family and loved ones. Yet, for nearly fifty years, The Hospice of St Francis has been there to soothe these fears – providing hope, symptom control and compassionate care to local people every day of the year.
Today, we’re asking for your help to bring relief and comfort to patients this summer.
You’d be helping patients like Sarah, who went into hospital with stomach pain and was told she had weeks to live after a sudden diagnosis of cancer. Sarah’s mother Susan shared that upon arrival at the Hospice, “they immediately gave Sarah pain relief – it was all about making her as comfortable as possible.”
The comfort wasn’t only physical. Susan was welcomed to stay by Sarah’s side, giving her daughter happiness and security in her final days.
Thank you for believing in the power of hospice care.
And thank you for helping us continue to be there for every person who needs us.
Thank you for standing with us
Donate to help give patients relief and comfort this summer
Across the UK, hospices are facing immense financial strain. Nearly 60% of hospices have made, or are planning, cuts to frontline services this year. We’re facing our own financial challenges, including the increase in National Insurance (costing approximately £125,000 each year).
As we watch other local hospices make redundancies and reduce care services, we’re determined to keep our services running. But we need your help. Unfortunately, while the summer heat can exacerbate patients’ symptoms, it’s also the time of year when donations can decrease.
By making a donation to our care today, you’ll make a difference to someone facing the most difficult summer of their life. You’ll ensure that their symptoms are eased and their days are filled with dignity and compassion. You’ll also help protect our care so that we can be there for you and your community, now and for future generations.
A gift of £40 could fund around six hours of medication on our Inpatient Unit, providing immediate symptom relief as well as peace of mind.
A donation of £25 could help support a family member to stay overnight, visiting a loved one on our Inpatient Unit during their last days.
We're here to help - please do if you have any questions or would like to speak with one of the fundraising team 01442 869555 / fundraising@stfrancis.org.uk
