Christmas message from Rotherham Hospice

Christmas message from Rotherham Hospice

A Christmas message from Rotherham Hospice CEO Sally Napper

 

On behalf of Rotherham Hospice, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Hospice throughout 2022. This year has been challenging for many, and the fact that you have thought about the needs of our patients and staff of Rotherham Hospice shows what an amazing community we have. 

We recently held our Light Up A Life Services to remember those who are no longer with us. It provides an opportunity to share our respect, our love, and our memories both privately and together with others. Everyone at Rotherham Hospice feels privileged that this event means so much to so many of you.  

At Rotherham Hospice we are extremely proud of the care, compassion and support provide for  all our patients as they approach the end of life; as well as those people important to them; either in your own home or at our Hospice. Patients and their families will continue be at the centre of what we do at Rotherham Hospice. With your support, we can ensure the people of Rotherham get the care they deserve. Thank you. 

 

Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to everyone   

Best wishes, 

Sally Napper, Chief Executive 

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you. Thank you.

Thank you for helping us Light Up A Life

Light up a Life

Thank you to everyone who helped Rotherham Hospice Light Up A Life this Christmas

Light up a Life is a special time for all of us. It is a time for reflection and a time in which we come together to remember those who are sadly no longer with us. We gather as a community here in Rotherham, sharing memories and lighting candles for our loved ones.

This year, we welcomed our community to join us in a Service of Remembrance on three occasions, twice in the Hospice gardens, and once in Rotherham Minster. 

Despite very cold conditions, we came together to share this special moment. After the service, it was our pleasure to invite everyone inside for a hot drink and mince pie, and to look through the Book of Dedications. 

You can view the Book of Dedications here:

Stars of Remembrance with messages of love filled the Hospice Christmas Tree in reception, as we gathered to remember our loved ones with beautiful readings, poems, music, and songs.

You can still dedicate a star to your loved one throughout December, although we  recommend collecting and dropping off in person at the Hospice due to postal strikes.

Dedicate your Star

Our Hospice Christmas Tree will be available to view in the Hospice Reception on Broom Road, throughout December.

Light Up A Life star

Special thanks goes to

  • everyone at Rotherham Minster for providing such a beautiful setting for our Sunday service.
  • the Maltby Miners’ Welfare Band, the Hospice Choir, and to Ruth Lockwood for providing lovely music for each service.
  • Wentworth Garden Centre who donated the Christmas Tree.
  • The Rotherham Advertiser for all they do for Light up a Life.
  • All our readers and volunteers.
  • Caffe Massarella, Tesco Rotherham Extra and Aldi Rotherham for donating mince pies.
  • Roma Publishing who produced the programs free of charge.
  • And to you, our wonderful supporters.

Light up a Life will be back for 2023 and we look forward to seeing you all there.

In the meantime, from all of us here at Rotherham Hospice, have a peaceful New Year

Light Up A Life 2022 limited edition pin

Every year we celebrate Light Up A Life with a brand new pin badge. This year is a beautiful teal star of remembrance.

Limited edition Light Up A Life 2022 pin badges are still  available in Rotherham Hospice online shop (click the red button) or for sale in reception for £5 each.

Get your 2022 Pin
Light Up A Life 2022 pin

Your £5 helps Rotherham Hospice fund vital end-of-life care and support for our local community, such as a visit from our Hospice at Home team.

Why your support matters

 

Light up a Life 2022 has raised over £18,000 and counting for Rotherham Hospice. The funds raised are essential for keeping services such as our Inpatient Unit, our Hospice at Home Service, and Sunbeams Child Bereavement Service running all year round. Every penny makes a difference to families across Rotherham. 

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you. Thank you.

Light Up A Life this Christmas at Rotherham Hospice

Light Up A Life 2022

Rotherham Hospice invites you to Light Up A Life

Christmas can be a difficult time when you have lost a loved one. Light Up A Life is a time to come together and remember the special people in your life who are no longer with us this festive season.
 

The Taylor family will be doing just that this December, in memory of their mum Lesley.

Siblings Bri, Charlotte and Daisy lost their beloved mother Lesley in January 2022. Charlotte explains:

“In December 2021 our mum, ma, momma was taken into Rotherham Hospice. The team there, from Gill on reception to Simone who cared for her, everyone involved looked after her with such care and kindness.”

Bri, Charlotte, Daisy and their friends and family are completing a year of fundraising for Rotherham Hospice. You can read all about the Taylor family’s exciting fundraising adventures here.

Charlotte said: “You don’t really know lucky you are to have such an amazing place on our doorstep until you need it. The staff were all so wonderful and kind with mum and with all the family.”

This December, Charlotte and her family will be joining Rotherham Hospice at our Light Up A Life Service of Remembrance. And you’re invited too.

Services of Remembrance

The Light Up a Life 2022 Services of Remembrance are open to anyone who wishes to remember somebody, not just those whose loved one was cared for by the Hospice.

When & Where

8th December, 4-5pm, Rotherham Hospice Garden

10th December, 4-5pm, Rotherham Hospice Garden

11th December, 4-5pm, Rotherham Minster

If you wish to attend a Service of Remembrance, please confirm which date & how many people.

You can call us on 01709 308 919 or email fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk.

Stars of Remembrance

Stars of Remembrance are a lovely way to remember your loved one during the festive season.

Make a donation to Rotherham Hospice, and you will receive two Stars of Remembrance.

  • Each Star has a space on the back to write your dedication to your loved one.
  • Keep one star for your own tree and send one back to us for the Christmas tree in the Hospice.
  • Your loved one’s name will be included in the 2022 Book of Dedications, available to view at all of our Services of Remembrance.
You can dedicate your star online by clicking the red button, by postal cheque or give us a call on  01709 308 919.
Dedicate your Star
Light Up A Life Star of Remembrance

 

Please let us know by 30th November 2022 if you would like your dedication to be included in the Rotherham Advertiser.

Limited Edition Light Up a Life 2022 Pin

Every year we celebrate Light Up A Life with a brand new pin badge. This year is a beautiful teal star of remembrance.

Exclusive Light Up A Life 2022 pin badges will be available at the Service of Remembrance for £5, or get yours now by clicking the red button.

Get your 2022 Pin

 

Your £5 helps Rotherham Hospice fund vital end-of-life care and support for our local community, such as a visit from our Hospice at Home team.

Light Up A Life 2022 pin

Why your support matters

 

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can’t do it without our amazing supporters like you.

Christmas Fun Run cancelled

Christmas fun run cancelled

Christmas Fun Run Cancelled

 

Unfortunately the Christmas Fun Run for Rotherham Hospice has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Our heartfelt apologies to everyone who signed up and were looking forward to joining us during this festive event. We truly value your support, and are planning something bigger and better for Christmas 2023!

 

There are still plenty of ways to support Rotherham Hospice this festive season:

Light Up A Life

Light Up A Life is a time to remember the special people in your life who are no longer with us by dedicating a star in memory of your loved one(s).
 
Stars are not only for those who have died at the Hospice or in Hospice care.
 
If you have somebody you wish to remember this festive season, you are welcome to dedicate a star to your loved one(s), and join any of our services of remembrance this December.
 
Light Up A Life
Light Up A Life 2022
Christmas Pop Up Shop

Shop with us

Shop all your Christmas essentials and gifts galore in one of our 5 charity shops in Rotherham town centre, Wickersley, Herringthorpe, Wath & Dinnington.

Shop online for our range of Christmas cards, calendars, pins & diaries.

Shop now

Give the gift of care

Donate to Rotherham Hospice this Christmas and give the gift of vital hospice care to the people of Rotherham.

Your support ensures Rotherham families get the care they need.

 
Donate
Rotherham Hospice Care Day Hospice Community Therapy Health and Wellbeing Healthcare Counselling Bereavement Support Phone South Yorkshire Facilities 2

Why your support matters

 

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can’t do it without our amazing supporters like you.

Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2022

Sunbeams meet the team

Children's Grief Awareness Week

It’s #ChildrensGriefAwarenessWeek so we’d like to talk about Sunbeams – Rotherham Hospice’s children’s bereavement support group.

Sunbeams offers bereavement support to children and teens who are experiencing the serious illness or death of a loved one involved with Rotherham Hospice care.

We provide support through creative activities in an after-school group on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The activities are designed to promote positive memories of their loved ones, help them to process and understand their grief and how to express and understand their emotions.

Meet the Sunbeams Team

Cath is from a nursing background, and set up Sunbeams more than 11 years ago. Cath realised the young people of Rotherham need specialist support when somebody they love requires care from Rotherham Hospice, and Sunbeams was born.

Lisa comes from an education background, and joined the Sunbeams team in this year. Together with the amazing Sunbeams volunteers, Lisa and Cath help children and teenagers work through their thoughts & feelings through activities and crafts.

Over the years, Sunbeams has supported hundreds of Rotherham families during difficult times.

You can find out more about Sunbeams and how to get a referral here.

How you can help

As a charity, Rotherham Hospice relies on the generosity of our amazing community for services like Sunbeams to keep going. 

The quickest & easiest way to support Rotherham Hospice is to become a regular giver. Anything you can give will make a difference to a Rotherham family experiencing end-of-life illness. Thank you.

Brave soles fire walk for Rotherham Hospice!

fire walk for rotherham hospice

Brave soles fire walk for Rotherham Hospice!

For months our brave fire walkers have been fundraising for Rotherham Hospice, in memory of loved ones, because they or someone close to them have been cared for by our team, or even just out of the goodness of their hearts.

On Monday 7th November at Rotherham Golf Club, they celebrated their achievement by getting their toes toasty with UK Firewalk, enjoying pies, chip butties and drinks provided the golf club and having a boogie with Stephen Kerr.

“Keeping him at home and caring for him the way he wanted us to would never have been possible without the amazing care and support the palliative care nurses gave to him but also to us as a family.” Katie, one of our amazing walkers, was fundraising in memory of her granddad, Walter.

“I will never be able to repay my thanks to them but hopefully we can at least raise some money to show some appreciation.” 

Claire, Nicola and Fiona, co-workers at South Yorkshire Police, were raising money for a colleague and friend currently being cared for by the Rotherham Hospice team.

“They (the Hospice) are there 24/7 and are helping with pain control. We aim to raise as much as possible for them to help them continue supporting those who need their help.”

fire walk collage

A massive thank you to all who took part, those who came to watch, and anyone who donated to our fundraisers’ campaigns, and also to Rotherham Golf Club for hosting the event, UK Firewalk for providing the all-important fire walk, Stephen Kerr for MC-ing, volunteer Saran Sukumar for helping us sell cards and calendars, and Local Hospice Lottery for helping people raise money for Rotherham Hospice by signing up to our lottery.


If you fancy signing up to our Fire Walk next year, please ask for the fundraising team on 01709 308 900 or email fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk to register your interest, or head to our Events Diary to see all our upcoming fundraising events.

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can’t do it without our amazing supporters like you.

Pauline celebrates 12 years of volunteering

Wickersley shop volunteer Pauline with shop manager Julie

Pauline celebrates 12 years of volunteering

In 2022, the Rotherham Hospice Wickersley shop celebrated its 12-year anniversary, and so too did Pauline Bagley. Pauline has been volunteering in the Wickersley shop since it opened, giving her valuable time to a good cause for all those years.

Volunteers and Staff at Wickersley Shop
Pauline with fellow shop volunteers, Hospice Ambassador John Breckin and Emmerdale actor Deans Andrews at the recent opening of the Timeless Emporium in Wickersley’s Tanyard.

“I love working here,” Pauline said. “I just love it. The people I work with, they all care. They’re an absolutely fantastic team.”

Pauline is a constant friendly face at our Wickersley shop, which recently relocated to the Timeless Emporium in Wickersley’s Tanyard. Pauline serves customers, stocks shelves and does a brilliant job representing the Hospice and our values.

“She is an incredibly thoughtful lady who is kind, passionate and caring,” Julie, Shop Manager, said. “She works so hard when she is on shift and is so passionate about the Hospice. Pauline is very proud of her position as a volunteer. The customers love her, and some come in just to see her.”

Six years ago, Pauline’s husband was cared for by the Hospice, making the cause she works so tirelessly for mean that much more. “I can’t praise them enough for what they did for my husband, the caring was second to none. Not just for my husband, but for my family afterwards as well.”

A massive thank you to Pauline for all your hard work over the years and congratulations on such an incredible milestone.

 

How you can help

If Rotherham Hospice means something to you and you would like to give some of your time to a worthy cause, we are always looking for volunteers. You could be like Pauline and volunteer in one of our retail stores, or you could help with the Hospice gardens, driving vans, bereavement support, and much more!

Visit our current volunteer opportunities page to see what positions we have available, call 01709 308 900 or email volunteering@rotherhamhospice.org.uk to find out more.

Timeless Emporium opens in Wickersley

Timeless Emporium shop at Wickersley

Timeless Emporium Opens in Wickersley

After 6 weeks of hard work from our amazing Rotherham Hospice retail staff and volunteers, the new Rotherham Hospice Timeless Emporium opened in the Tanyard, Wickersley on Monday 17th October. 

People were queuing out the door to get in and join the party, with Emmerdale Star Dean Andrews and Rotherham Hospice Ambassador John Breckin cutting the ribbon.

“It’s been a real success this morning and it’s a fantastic turn out from everybody,” John Breckin said after cutting the ceremonial ribbon outside the new Tanyard location.
 
 
John Breckin helping out at the Rotherham Hospice Wickersley Shop
John giving a helping hand behind the till!

"Unfortunately it’ll touch everyone at some point, whether it's family or a loved one or a friend. It’s up to us Rotherham people to keep the Hospice going right on our doorstep.”

John Breckin, Rotherham Hospice Ambassador Tweet
Volunteers and Staff at Wickersley Shop
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers & staff!

Rotherham Hospice would like to say a massive thank you to Julie, Shop Manager, and all her wonderful volunteers for getting this shop up and running and making it such an important part of the Rotherham community.

“The shop looks so classy, congrats to Julie and the team for their hard work bringing it all together. It was heart-warming to see so many volunteers and other shop staff supporting Wickersley,” Bill Patterson, Trustee for Rotherham Hospice who attended the shop opening, said.

“It’s turned out fantastic, we’ve been very busy already,” Julie said. “I think it’s going to be good for the Hospice. I think we’re going to raise a lot more money than we did.”

Rotherham Hospice shops are a vital part of fundraising. Rotherham Hospice has to raise £3 million a year to keep our services running, with a £550,0000 target for our retail stores. 
 
When asked what the new Wickersley shop could do for Rotherham Hospice and the Rotherham community, Emmerdale actor Dean Andrews said, “It’s going to raise important money for a great cause and the people of Rotherham are going to benefit from that with more good looking after.”
 
 
Rotherham Hospice’s Wickersley shop was previously located on Hastings Court but when the opportunity came to move to a more prominent place in Wickersley, Rotherham Hospice decided to make the move. Rebranding the store as a ‘Timeless Emporium’ the new Wickersley shop has so much to offer, not only boasting an amazing pre-loved collection at great prices to help you through the cost of living crisis, but all of Rotherham Hospice’s amazing new Christmas merchandise. 
 
 
The Timeless Emporium in Wickersley, along with our shops in Rotherham Town Centre, Dinnington, Wath and Herringthorpe, stocks our beautiful Christmas card selection, Rotherham Hospice 2023 calendars and diaries, and our new red sunflower enamel pins.
 

Pop down to one of the Rotherham Hospice shops and bag yourself a bargain whilst supporting your local Hospice!

 

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can’t do it without our amazing supporters like you.

There are lots of ways you can help the Hospice. Find out at more about fundraising here. Thank you.

Christmas at Rotherham Hospice

Christmas at Rotherham Hospice

Please join us this Christmas at Rotherham Hospice

 

Whether it’s remembering your loved one at Light Up A Life, or doing a festive fundraiser, there is something for everyone this Christmas at Rotherham Hospice. Check out our full calendar of events here.

Christmas Fun Run

Run, walk or roll one mile around Clifton Park in your finest festive fancy dress on 4th December!

Raise money for Rotherham Hospice by joining in the Christmas Fun Run and help us raise funds for vital end-of-life care.

 

Entry Fee: £5 per child (15 & under), £10 per adult (16 & over)

Sponsorship: recommended £50 per person

Christmas Fun Run
Christmas Fun Run for Rotherham hospice
Tea with Santa

Tea with Santa

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa taking time out of his busy schedule to meet children across the world.

This Christmas we’re delighted to announce that Santa is visiting Rotherham Hospice 1st, 7th, 9th & 14th December between 5-6pm.

Kids sit with Santa at his table, enjoying a yummy hot meal and dessert together. You’ll also have your photo taken with Santa and receive a gift to take home!

Grown-ups are welcome too. There’s a delicious turkey baguette and mince pies for you (meat free options also available).

Price: £20 per child, £10 per grown-up, booking is essential!

Tea with Santa

Light Up A Life

Light Up A Life is a time to remember the special people in your life who are no longer with us by dedicating a star in memory of your loved one(s).
 
Stars are not only for those who have died at the Hospice or in Hospice care.
 
If you have somebody you wish to remember this festive season, you are welcome to dedicate a star to your loved one(s), and join any of our services of remembrance this December.
 
Light Up A Life
Light Up A Life 2022
Christmas Pop Up Shop

Christmas Shopping

Rotherham Hospice has a range of lovely Christmas cards, calendars and diaries for sale this Christmas. All proceeds go to Rotherham Hospice.

Shop online and choose home delivery, or free pick-up from the Hospice.

Visit one of our 5 charity shops in Rotherham Town Centre, Herringthorpe, Wickersley, Dinnington & Wath.

Christmas Pop-up shops at Rotherham Hospice Main Entrance on 27th October, and 9th & 14th November. 

Shop now

Why your support matters

 

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can’t do it without our amazing supporters like you.

Meet your Local Hospice Lottery fundraisers!

Local Hospice Lottery fundraisers

Have you met Steve and Mark, Local Hospice Lottery Fundraisers for Rotherham Hospice?

They are part of a team of Local Hospice Lottery fundraisers you may have seen out and about in our local area.

 

Steve and Mark’s job is to explain how playing the Local Hospice Lottery, a not-for-profit, hospice owned society lottery, is a great way to support Rotherham Hospice. This regular and reliable income makes a big difference to the amount of exceptional care that can be provided to people affected by terminal illnesses across Rotherham, and you could win cash prizes!

 

Taking part in the Lottery is an easy, affordable, and fun way to help Rotherham Hospice to keep caring locally and anyone can get involved by joining online now here or calling 0800 316 0645.

 

Get to know our Fundraisers

 

Steve Simpson, Team Leader, has been fundraising with Local Hospice Lottery for about 3 years. Steve had worked in fundraising with national charities for a long time but relishes the opportunity to help raise money for his local hospice, a cause that is close to his heart. His favourite thing about the job is talking to lots of different and interesting people. When Steve isn’t busy explaining the benefits of playing the Local Hospice Lottery, he loves to ride his bike, play golf, and support Leeds United – but we won’t hold that against him!

 

Mark Bowen has been working with Local Hospice Lottery for over a year. Mark enjoys his job because, “I like helping people, and what better way to help my local hospice directly.  Plus, the Lottery is not-for-profit, so the money raised goes where it is needed.” When Mark isn’t working, he loves spending time with family, playing golf and listening to old vinyl records.

 

If you see Mark, Steve or any of our official Local Hospice Lottery fundraisers in your local area, please say hello. And remember, you’ll know they are official fundraisers for Rotherham Hospice by their ID cards and uniform.

If in doubt you can find an up-to-date list of fundraisers here.

 

Lottery at Rotherham Hospice

Anyone aged 18 or over can join the Local Hospice Lottery and play in support of Rotherham Hospice and have a great chance to win as they help the Hospice to keep caring for local families in need. Membership costs just £5 per month and there are currently 201 cash prizes to be won every week:

  • Guaranteed £2,000 prize
  • A £1,000 rollover prize (which can reach as high as £25,000!)
  • A £100 prize
  • 8 x £25 prizes
  • Plus 190 x £10 prizes

That’s a total weekly prize fund of £5,200 – the largest of any hospice lottery!

There are also three Super Draws that take place every year, giving players the chance to win an additional guaranteed top prize of an incredible £10,000 every March, September and December!lottery play now button