Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Rotherham Hospice

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Rotherham Hospice

Everyone at Rotherham Hospice wishes you a Merry Christmas

This Christmas, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and share the incredible impact your support has had on Rotherham Hospice throughout 2023. The past year has been marked by unwavering support, remarkable milestones, and the ever-present spirit of our incredible community and we wanted to reflect on these 

Caring for Each and Every Individual

So far in 2023, our dedicated team at Rotherham Hospice provided compassionate care to 437 individuals on our InPatient Unit. It’s a testament to the commitment of our staff, ensuring that each person received the comfort and support they needed during challenging times. In addition to this, our outreach extended to 8,624 home visits, bringing our services directly to those who required it most. Our 1,100 counselling sessions provided a crucial lifeline to loved ones, offering support and solace as they navigated the complex emotions that accompany loss.

Our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Group played a vital role in helping 328 children find healing and connection in a safe and supportive environment. It’s in these small moments of connection and understanding that we see the profound impact of our work.

Community Spirit in Action

The spirit of the Rotherham community shone brightly through the incredible fundraising efforts throughout the year. The Midnight Memory Walk in June raised an astounding £61,000, and the Light Up a Life campaign during Christmas garnered over £25,000. Your generosity has allowed us to expand our reach and continue our mission of providing care and support to those in need.

A significant milestone in our journey was the announcement by Rotherham United, with 6 Diamond Partners investing in featuring Rotherham Hospice as the main sponsor on the 23/24 season shirt. The overwhelming support from the club, Diamond Partners, and the RUFC community has been instrumental in propelling our cause forward and we can’t thank them enough for all their support in 2023.

Read more about the Diamond Partners here.

Your Voices Shape Our Future

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our survey, sharing valuable thoughts, ideas, and stories. Your input is the compass that guides us as we strive to improve and enhance our services to better serve our community. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete our survey here. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to shape the future of your Hospice for your loved ones.

Looking Ahead to 2024

The coming year holds exciting promises for Rotherham Hospice, with more fundraising events than ever. Save the dates for the Quiz Party Night at Magna on Friday, March 15th, the return of the Midnight Memory Walk on Saturday, June 22nd, and our Inaugural Rotherham Hospice Ball at Magna on Saturday, September 28th. Be sure to sign up and join us in making these events memorable successes.

Our commitment to caring for the Rotherham community remains unwavering. Through our Hospice, Hospice at Home team, bereavement services, and Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Support, we will continue to provide comfort, understanding, and support to those who need it most.

As we celebrate the joy of the festive season, let us also celebrate the strength and resilience of our community. Thank you for being an essential part of the Rotherham Hospice family. May your Christmas and New Year be filled with love, warmth, and cherished moments.

Navigating Grief During the Festive Season

Navigating Grief During the Festive Season

Navigating Grief During the Festive Season: A message from Rotherham Hospice

At Rotherham Hospice, we understand that this time of year can be particularly difficult for individuals and families who are navigating the complex emotions that accompany loss. Grief doesn’t take a holiday, and it’s okay to acknowledge and embrace the sad feelings that may arise during this season.

Embracing the Complexity of Emotions

Grief is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. During the holidays, emotions can be especially intense as we reminisce about past celebrations and traditions shared with those who have died.  It’s essential to recognise that feeling a mix of sadness, nostalgia, and even moments of joy is a normal part of the grieving process.

Honouring Memories

This Christmas, consider finding meaningful ways to honour and celebrate the memories of your loved one. Lighting a candle, creating a special ornament, or sharing stories with family and friends can be powerful ways to keep their spirit alive during the holiday season. These rituals can serve as a comforting bridge between the past and the present.

Seeking Support

Navigating grief can be a challenging journey, and it’s crucial to remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Whether through counselling, support groups, or reaching out to friends and family, connecting with others who understand your experience can provide comfort and a sense of shared understanding. Remember that crying is a natural response to extreme sadness, not something to be avoided.  Those who are strong and sensible, seek out appropriate support when they are feeling low.

Adjusting Traditions

It’s okay to reassess and adjust holiday traditions to accommodate the changes brought about by loss. Whether it’s starting new traditions or modifying existing ones, finding ways to honour your loved one while allowing space for your own healing is an important aspect of the grieving process. You may want to visit a cemetery or a favourite place of your loved one. Some people have a tradition of walking in the countryside or even sharing time doing an activity or hobby the loved one used to do.

Self-Compassion

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, remember to be kind to yourself. Grieving takes time, and it’s valuable to prioritise self-care. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment alone, indulging in a favourite activity, or seeking professional support, giving yourself the space to feel and heal is a crucial part of the journey.

Christmas candles against a backdrop of snow

As we navigate the complexities of grief during the holiday season, let us be gentle with ourselves and with others. At Rotherham Hospice, we extend our support to those who may be finding this time of year particularly challenging. Remember, your feelings are valid, and there is a community ready to offer understanding and compassion.

May this holiday season be a time of reflection, connection, and healing for all those who carry the weight of grief in their hearts. From our Hospice family to yours, we wish you moments of peace, comfort, and the strength to embrace the love that endures beyond the physical presence of those we hold dear.

Christmas Tree Collection with Rotherham Hospice

Christmas tree collection with Rotherham Hospice

Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling with Rotherham Hospice

Let Rotherham Hospice take the hassle out of disposing of your real Christmas tree. For a donation of your choice, we will collect and responsibly dispose of your real Christmas tree.

Christmas Tree collection dates are 11th, 12th and 13th January 2024.

Go to www.just-helping.org.uk/register-tree/ to find out more and book your collection now.

Choose your donation amount and help support hospice care in your community.

  • £10 could help a child cope with the loss of a loved one in our Sunbeams group – Rotherham’s only bereavement support service for children and teens.
  • £20 could pay for freshly cooked meals for a patient staying at the Hospice.
  • £50 could pay for a tank of petrol for a nurse to visit somebody in their own home.

Whatever you can donate, thank you for supporting Rotherham 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. In the past 6 months, our supporters have help with

How you've helped Rotherham Hospice

The Christmas Shop is OPEN!

Christmas shop now open

The Rotherham Hospice Christmas Shop is now open! Stock up on Christmas cards, calendars and diaries and support local hospice care in Rotherham. 

Christmas Cards 

When you buy Christmas cards from Rotherham Hospice, you’re helping us support families going through an end-of-life illness, not just at Christmas but 365 days a year.

We have 8 festive designs available in our Hospice charity shops, on our website and at pop-up shops at Rotherham Hospice on 2nd, 7th and 15th November.. 

From a cheerful Santa, to traditional designs, we have cards that will bring a smile to your loved one’s face.

Each pack contains 10 beautiful Christmas cards. 

2024 Calendars 

Our ‘Landmarks of Rotherham’ 2024 calendar makes a wonderful gift! 

Featuring photographs of local landmarks taken by local people, this calendar looks lovely hanging on anyone’s wall. 

The pictures are also perforated and can easily be removed and turned into postcards.

Diaries

 

Our 2024 Diaries are now available in two fresh designs! 

Cheerful light blue with with our gorgeous Hospice red sunflower.

Stylish dark green with the Hospice logo in silver. 

These diaries are the perfect size to pop into your handbag or coat pocket and get organised for 2024. 

Where to buy

 
  • Shop online and choose home delivery, or pick up from the Hospice
  • Rotherham Hospice has 5 charity shops stocking a wide range of brand new cards and diaries, as well as lots of pre-loved bargain gifts. You’ll find them in Rotherham Town Centre, Herringthorpe, Wickersley, Dinnington & Wath.
  • There will be several pop-up shops at Rotherham Hospice:
    • Thursday, 2nd November, 4-7pm
    • Tuesday, 7th November, 4-7pm
    • Wednesday, 15th November, 4-7pm

 Come and see us on Broom Road, Rotherham, we’d love to say hello!

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.

£20, £50 or £100 raised could make a big difference to Rotherham Hospice

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.

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

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.

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.
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.

 

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.
 

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.

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.

 

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 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

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!

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.
 

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

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.

The Christmas Shop is OPEN!

Christmas Online Shop Rotherham Hospice

Christmas Cards 

Every year, Rotherham Hospice releases a collection of Christmas cards and this year they’re better than ever! 

 

Each pack contains 10 beautiful Christmas cards. 

We have ten festive designs available, all located in our Hospice shops and available to purchase on our website. 

From a cheerful Santa, to the traditional three kings, to pigs in blankets, we have cards this year for everyone! 

And by buying these Christmas cards you are supporting Rotherham Hospice to provide vital end-of-life care to our local community.

Shop Now
Shop Now
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2023 Calendars 

Our ‘Landmarks of Rotherham’ 2023 calendar makes a wonderful gift! 

Featuring photographs of local landmarks taken by local people, this calendar looks lovely hanging on anyone’s wall. 

The pictures are also perforated and can easily be removed and turned into postcards.

Diaries

 

Our 2023 Diaries are now available in two fresh designs! 

Cheerful light blue with with our gorgeous Hospice meadow and bees.

Stylish dark blue with the Hospice logo in gold. 

These diaries are the perfect size to pop into your handbag or coat pocket and have information about the Hospice and what we do inside. 

Rotherham Hospice Pin Badges

 

We have just launched our lovely red sunflower pin badges. They make brilliant stocking stuffers or just a little gift for your friends and family this Christmas! 

They’re a brilliant way to show your support for the Hospice.

Where to buy

 
  • Shop online and choose home delivery, or pick up from the Hospice
  • Rotherham Hospice has 5 charity shops stocking a wide range of brand new cards and diaries, as well as lots of pre-loved bargain gifts. You’ll find them in Rotherham Town Centre, Herringthorpe, Wickersley, Dinnington & Wath.
  • There will be several Pop-up shops at Rotherham Hospice, on 11th & 27th October, and 9th & 14th November. Come and see us on Broom Road, Rotherham, we’d love to say hello!

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.