News - Rotherham Hospice

Summer Fair

Join Us for a Spectacular Summer Fair!

Get ready for a fun-filled day of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories at our annual Summer Fair! It’s the perfect day out for all the family, raising money for Rotherham Hospice, with official media partner Rotherham Radio.

When

22nd July 2023, 12-4pm

Where

Herringthorpe Stadium

Price

FREE entry!

A Wonderland of Fun

Step into a world of joy as we transform Herringthorpe Stadium into an exciting wonderland!

With delightful entertainment, fun games, arts & crafts, circus workshops, supercars and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Games Galore: Test your skills and win fantastic prizes at our exciting game stalls. There’s friendly competition for all ages.

Fun activities: face painting, circus workshops, supercar display & a bouncy castle!

Fantastic Shows: Be captivated by wonderful performances by local acts throughout the day, from talented musicians to stilt walkers.

Delicious Treats: Savour a wide array of mouth-watering treats that will satisfy every craving. Indulge in sweet treats, German sausages, specialty coffee, ice cream, burgers, Mexican food and so much more.

Shop til you drop: whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself, you’re bound to find something special among our range of quality stalls from local independent businesses.

Our Summer Fair is not just a fun day out – it’s an chance for your family to come together & create memories, all while raising money for local charity Rotherham Hospice.

So gather your loved ones, invite your friends, and join us for an incredible day of family fun. Admission is free, and smiles are guaranteed!

We can’t wait to see you at our Summer Fair.

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rotherham hospice Summer Fair

Remembering dad this Father’s Day

Remembering Dad on Father's Day

Father’s Day can be a bittersweet occasion if you have lost your dad or father figure. While the day serves as a reminder of the void left behind, it is also a chance to cherish the memories and honour your dad who was so dearly loved.

Though he may no longer be physically with us, his influence and legacy continue to inspire and guide every day.

As Father’s Day approaches, remembering dad and celebrating his life can help keep him close in your heart. You could visit a place that was special to you both, watch his favourite film or sports team play, or cook a meal he would have loved. A leaf on the beautiful Memory Tree at Rotherham Hospice is another special way to remember your beloved dad.

By dedicating a leaf to your dad on the Memory Tree, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are facing end-of-life journeys, and help ensure that other families receive the same compassionate care and assistance that meant so much to you.

You can easily come and visit the Memory Tree in the reception area of Rotherham Hospice.

On this Father’s Day, let us remember and honour the dads & father figures who have passed away, celebrating the lasting legacies they have left behind.

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.

Rotherham Hospice welcomes new CEO Mat Cottle-Shaw

New Rotherham Hospice CEO Mat Cottle-Shaw is welcomed by head of Trustees Bill Patterson

Rotherham Hospice welcomes new CEO

Rotherham Hospice is pleased to welcome Mat Cottle-Shaw as Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Sally Napper.

Mat joins Rotherham Hospice from the Bone Cancer Research Trust, the leading national charity dedicated to primary bone cancer research, awareness and patient support. With over 18 years in the charity sector, Mat has extensive experience in fundraising, marketing, and charity leadership. Mat says:

“I am honoured to be Rotherham Hospice’s new CEO. Firstly, I would like to thank and congratulate my predecessor, Sally, who has led the Hospice steadfastly for many years to become the incredible force for good that it is today, providing excellent palliative care and complimentary services for patients and their families throughout the region.

We may not be able to add more time to the life of our patients, but we can certainly add more life to their time.”

Mat, from Barnsley, knows all too well the vital role a hospice plays in end-of-life care for patients. At the age of 10, Mat’s father passed away from cancer. Before his passing, his father benefited from inpatient and day care services and Mat himself benefitted from child-focused activities. This was a year before Rotherham Hospice opened its services, so Mat’s family had to travel further afield for support. Mat continues:

“I am truly excited for what the future holds as we work to reach more patients and their families with our services at such an important part of their lives. Rotherham Hospice is powered by the support of our community, and together with them, our brilliant team will continue to do our very best for all the patients and families in need of our help.

I cannot wait to get started and look forward to growing our services further.”

Rotherham Hospice Chair of Trustees Bill Patterson explains, “I’m confident Mat’s energy, enthusiasm and caring attitude will help us achieve our mission of continuously improving Hospice services for the benefit of our patients and their families.“

We hope you will join Bill, and all staff and volunteers at Rotherham Hospice in welcoming Mat to the Hospice in July 2023.

Family Drop-In Support Sessions at Rotherham Hospice

Drop-In Family Support Sessions at Rotherham Hospice

Carers (family and friends) don’t choose to become carers – it just happens and you get on with it. To continue to care safely and maintain your own physical and mental wellbeing you may need support.

Rotherham Hospice offers carers support services to support carers who are looking after someone with a long-term health condition in the palliative stage of their illness, including our monthly Drop-In Family Support sessions.

Drop-in Family Support sessions are a chance to talk to others in a similar situation, share any concerns and get hints and tips about how to cope with the day-to-day challenges of being a Carer.

Who

Drop-in Family Support sessions are for the family and carers of Rotherham Hospice patients.

Where

Rotherham Hospice, Broom Road, S20 2SW

When

2pm – 4pm on the following dates:

Friday 16th June 2023
Friday 14th July 2023
Friday 25th August 2023
Friday 22nd September 2023
Friday 20th October 2023
Friday 24th November 2023

We look forward to welcoming you. Refreshments will be available.

If you wish to join us, please come into the Hospice reception where you will be met by a member of staff.

If you have any questions, please call the Hospice Reception 01709 308900, and ask for the Patient and Family Support team,

or email reception@rotherhamhospice.org.uk.

bereavement support carer support Hospice help Patient & Family Support rotherham hospice

Rotherham Hospice CEO Sally Napper Retires

Rotherham Hospice CEO Sally Napper being wished well on her retirement by Head of Trustees Bill Patterson

Rotherham Hospice bids a fond farewell to our Sally

On Wednesday 24th May, we said goodbye to our Sally Napper, who is retiring after being CEO of Rotherham Hospice for the last 5 years.

Sally Napper has worked in the health service for 42 years – since leaving school – and her ethos has always been to put the patient at the centre of our care. Sally steered us through Covid-19, when the world and our healthcare system faced unimaginable difficulties, and she has always ensured we provide essential care to the people of Rotherham.

“As my time as Chief Executive of Rotherham Hospice comes to an end, I would like to thank all staff, volunteers and member of the Board of Trustees for their support and hard work over the last 5 years.

I have really appreciated the contribution that everyone associated with the Hospice makes towards ensuring that we provide high quality care for all of our patients and families and I’m sure this will continue going forward.”

The Hospice held a leaving party for Sally at lunchtime on Wednesday 24th May, with staff and volunteers from all departments coming to say farewell.

Bill Patterson, Chair of Trustees, said: “When I think of the words I would use to describe Sally Napper, resilience is one.”

“The stress the sector has experienced during Covid is unbelievable and it’s a testament to Sally’s resilience that she has lead this organisation through that period of time.”

“I think when Sally looks back at her legacy here, she will see she has left us in a far better position than when she arrived. I’m very sad she’s leaving but we wish her and her family all the best for the future. I would like to thank her on behalf of everybody at the Hospice for all her efforts over her time here. “

Thank you to Sally from all the staff & volunteers at Rotherham Hospice, and from all the people whose lives you have touched through your work here!

Midnight Memory Walk 2023

Midnight Memory Walk for Rotherham Hospice is back!

Join us on Saturday 24th June 2023 for the Rotherham Hospice Midnight Memory Walk. Who will you walk for?

Rotherham Hospice Ambassador and RUFC honorary president John Breckin is on a mission to bring our whole community together to remember their loved ones and support a service close to so many people’s hearts – Rotherham Hospice. As John says:

The Hospice was there for my family when we needed them. Now’s our chance to come together, remember our loved ones, and be there for the Hospice!

With your help, the Midnight Memory Walk will be our biggest event ever. By walking 10K or 15K through Rotherham in the middle of the night, you’ll be supporting people affected by end-of-life illnesses across Rotherham.

Online sign up for the Midnight Memory Walk 2023 has now CLOSED.

You can sign up on the night at New York Stadium for £10.
Please arrive between 10pm and 11.15pm for registration.

When

Saturday 24th June at midnight (finishing Sunday 25th June).

Where

Starting and finishing outside Rotherham United FC’s Aesseal New York Stadium, the 10K or 15K route goes around Rotherham, passing the Hospice on the way.

10K route and directions here.

15K route and directions here.

Sponsorship

Getting sponsored is a wonderful way for your friends & family to show support, both for you and in memory of your loved one. And Rotherham Hospice is here to help.

You can quickly and easily set up an online Just Giving page here. Unsure how? We’ll send you a step by step guide once you’ve signed up.

We’ll also send you a printable sponsorship form, posters and more to help you smash your fundraising goal!

Midnight Memory Messages

A Midnight Memory Message is a sweet way to remember your loved one.

For a donation of your choice, Rotherham Hospice will send you a Midnight Memory Message tag for you to fill in.

This will then be part of our Midnight Memory Celebration Display, which will be viewable outside the Hospice on Broom Road during the Midnight Memory Walk.

Volunteer

Are you interested in being part of our biggest event of the year, but don’t fancy walking 10 or 15K?

As a charity, Rotherham Hospice relies on amazing volunteers to help to make the Midnight Memory Walk a fun and safe event.

You could volunteer to:

be a midnight marshall to ensure walkers stay on the course
help register our walkers before the event begins
distribute Midnight Memory Walk T-shirts in the days before

If you would like to help the Hospice, please call 01709 308 700 and ask for fundraising, or email fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk.

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 to our Corporate Sponsors

A huge thank you to our Corporate Sponsors who are backing the Midnight Memory Walk for Rotherham Hospice.

ASD Lighting

Burrows Motors

Elvin Automation Services

Skoda Rainsworth

If your business would like to get involved in making the Midnight Memory Walk a huge success, please email fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk. Thank you.

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Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III

Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III

Rotherham Hospice joins the rest of the country in celebrating the coronation of King Charles III on 6th May 2023.

The coronation gives us an opportunity to come together to celebrate and reflect. We are supporting the people in our care to enjoy this historic moment however they choose to.

We hope our Rotherham community enjoy the day of festivities with their family, friends and loved ones, and special thanks goes to those who have chosen to run fundraisers at their coronation celebrations.

Your generosity ensures we can continue to support and care for those in Rotherham with life-limiting illnesses.

Free Furniture Collection Service with Rotherham Hospice

free furniture collection service in Rotherham

Free Furniture Collection Service now available in Rotherham

Having a clear out? Need to make some space? You can now donate your unwanted furniture to Rotherham Hospice without having to leave your home.

By using Rotherham Hospice’s free furniture collection service, you’ll be helping our charity shops raise much needed funds to care for our local community.

How to book your free furniture collection:

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.

Gaming For Good – a fun way to show you care

Gaming for Good: how to get started for Rotherham Hospice

Did you know, the gaming industry is one of the biggest in the world and streaming platforms such as Twitch get more views than YouTube videos. And gamers are making great things happen through Gaming for Good.

Gaming for Good is a movement where gamers dedicate a stream or complete a gaming challenge for a charity, encouraging those watching to donate as they enjoy the show. Most streamers complete a Gaming Marathon. This is where the streamer plays games for a set amount of time (often 24hrs), streaming the full event and raising money as they play.

Gaming for Good for Denise

Nic is one such gamer. When Nic’s honorary mum Denise became ill and needed hospice care, Rotherham Hospice was there to make sure Denise was comfortable during the end of her life.

In August 2022, Nic did a 24 hour live stream, as well as shaving his head live on the internet (that’s optional!).

Hundreds of people watched, joined in gaming and donated to Nic’s 24 hour live stream, ultimately raising £2K to help Rotherham Hospice keep caring for people like Denise.

In Nic’s own words:

I did it in memory of an amazing woman, and as a thank you to the Hospice who gave us some very important help and moments with her. I'd do it five more times given the chance!

Nic, fundraising in memory of Denise

If you love gaming, and Rotherham Hospice means something to you like it does for Nic, why not complete a Gaming for Good challenge and raise money for the Hospice!

Just Giving has written a detailed guide on how you can organise a charity gaming stream, but here’s a few tips to get you started.

If you’re interested in setting up a fundraiser and need more information or guidance, or a Rotherham Hospice T-shirt, please contact our Fundraising Team on 01709 308 900 or fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk.

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.

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5 Hospice Care Myths

Hospice Care: 5 Myths Busted

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about hospices and hospice care, whether that be who can receive hospice care, the services we offer, or who pays for hospices. Let’s explore what’s a myth, and what’s a truth at Rotherham Hospice!

Myth: Rotherham Hospice is just for those about to die

Hospices care for people who are dying, however palliative care is more than the last few days of life. Rotherham Hospice supports patients at varying stages of their illness, from the diagnosis of a terminal illness until the patient’s death and beyond, caring for the patients’ loved ones with our bereavement services.

Some people receive hospice care for just a few days, while others get support for several months, both in the Hospice and at home.

Myth: Hospices are a sad place to be

There are sad times, of course, but our staff and volunteers try to make the Hospice a home away from home, where patients are comfortable, and their loved ones can focus on just being together. Hospice care is not about giving up, rather about making the best of the time we have.

“The remaining days my beloved Mum had could not have been in a more perfect place – surrounded by wonderful people, filled with such compassion and kindness – you have touched our hearts and I know you made my mum feel special.”

Patient's relative

Myth: Hospices are just for older people

Hospice care is available for anyone who needs it, at any age. Rotherham Hospice is an adult hospice, caring for people aged 18 to over 100. It is a common misconception that hospice care is exclusively for the elderly, when in fact 25% of those that die in Hospices across the UK are under 65.

At Rotherham Hospice, our care doesn’t end with patients. We also offer bereavement support and counselling for the loved ones of our patients, including children aged 5-18 through our Sunbeams support group. Rotherham Hospice is a welcoming space for everyone.

Myth: You can only be cared for by Rotherham Hospice in the Hospice itself

Hospice care happens wherever is the best place for it to happen, whether that is in our specialist 14 bed In-Patient Unit, in the Day Hospice, or in a patient’s own home, cared for by our Hospice at Home team. Rotherham Hospice supports patients to be where they want to be at the end of their life.

Myth: We shouldn’t talk about death

Conversations about death and dying with the people we love can be difficult. It brings up uncomfortable emotions, so we tend to shy away from it. We might try to ignore what is happening until a loved one’s death is very close. But starting conversations early is important to allow time for everyone to talk openly and honestly.

Being able to talk gives us the opportunity to share worries, fears or wishes. We can talk about our own death, a loved one’s death, being with someone when they die, asking what they want and knowing what to expect, and what we can do to make it the best death it can be.

For helpful tips on how to get started, check out these resources by Dying Matters from Hospice UK.

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.

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Join Us for a Spectacular Summer Fair!

When

Where

Price

A Wonderland of Fun

Remembering Dad on Father's Day

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice welcomes new CEO

Drop-In Family Support Sessions at Rotherham Hospice

Who

Where

When

Rotherham Hospice bids a fond farewell to our Sally

Midnight Memory Walk for Rotherham Hospice is back!

Online sign up for the Midnight Memory Walk 2023 has now CLOSED.

When

Where

Sponsorship

Midnight Memory Messages

Volunteer

Why your support matters

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors

Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III

Free Furniture Collection Service now available in Rotherham

How to book your free furniture collection:

Why your support matters

Gaming for Good: how to get started for Rotherham Hospice

Gaming for Good for Denise

Why your support matters

Hospice Care: 5 Myths Busted

Myth: Rotherham Hospice is just for those about to die

Myth: Hospices are a sad place to be

Myth: Hospices are just for older people

Myth: You can only be cared for by Rotherham Hospice in the Hospice itself

Myth: We shouldn’t talk about death

Why your support matters

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