Rotherham Hospice voices the need for fairer funding in national inquiry

White flowers in focus with hospice office staff working in the background, representing Rotherham Hospice’s commitment to compassionate care and advocacy for sustainable funding.

Rotherham Hospice has submitted written evidence to the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into the financial sustainability of adult hospices in England.

The inquiry follows a 2025 National Audit Office report which highlighted growing financial pressures across the sector. In 2023, total UK hospice income of £1.8bn comprised around £0.5bn of state funding, with the remainder coming from charitable sources. Many adult hospices reported the threat of needing to cut services by up to 20% without additional support, and an estimated 300 out of 2,200 inpatient beds were lost due to lack of funding. While the government has since committed £100m in capital funding for hospices in England, demand for palliative care is continuing to rise due to the UK’s ageing population.

Find out more about the inquiry here.

Our contribution draws on our experience as an Outstanding-rated hospice serving over 1,700 patients and their families every year, both at our Broom Road site and through our 24/7 Hospice at Home service.

We are proud to deliver care that is personalised, compassionate and cost-effective — but like hospices across the country, we face the ongoing challenge of meeting growing demand within an unsustainable funding model. Currently, just 37% of our annual running costs are met through our NHS contract with the local Integrated Care Board. The remaining 63% — over £6 million every year — must be raised through fundraising, retail and donations.

In our submission, we have called for a fair and consistent approach to hospice funding, so that no matter where someone lives, they can rely on high-quality end of life care when they need it most. We believe a national funding formula and more equitable commissioning would protect services, support our NHS partners, and give patients and families the dignity, choice and support they deserve.

As ever, we will continue to work alongside our community, our healthcare partners and policymakers to make the case for a stronger, fairer future for hospice care.

Together, we can ensure that everyone’s life ends with comfort, dignity and choice.

Hospice CEO Assesses the New NHS Plan: Will It Deliver for End-of-Life Care in Rotherham?

As Chief Executive of Rotherham Hospice, I’ve reviewed the NHS’s Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England with deep interest and a firm sense of responsibility, both to our patients and our wider community. This is my honest assessment of what the Plan means for the people of Rotherham, and for the future of end-of-life care across our town. I write not just on behalf of the Hospice, but on behalf of every family we support, every life we help ease, and every individual who deserves to die with dignity, comfort, and choice. This new Plan sets out transformative ambitions for the health service, but the question remains: does it deliver for the dying?

At Rotherham Hospice, our mission is clear. We want everyone in our community to easily and confidently access palliative and end-of-life care tailored to their individual needs and wishes, wherever and however they choose. Our strategy, Living Life’s Wishes, is a bold commitment to expanding services, offering support from the point of diagnosis, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can die with dignity and on their own terms.

So, does the 10-Year NHS Plan align with this? And will it realistically lead to improvements for people in Rotherham nearing the end of life?

Let’s start with the numbers...

 In Rotherham, over 50,000 people are aged 65 or older, making up nearly 20% of our total population, a figure that is expected to grow significantly in the coming decade. Nationally, the Office for National Statistics forecasts that by 2040, the annual number of deaths in England and Wales will increase by nearly 25%, driven by an ageing population and the growing prevalence of long-term conditions such as dementia, heart failure, and chronic respiratory disease.

Yet an estimated 118,000 people in England each year do not receive the palliative care they need. That’s 1 in 4 people dying without the right support, an appalling and unnecessary failure of the system.

And it’s not just a moral issue; it’s an economic one too. Research shows that hospices save the NHS around £1.4 billion a year by delivering more cost-effective, personalised care outside of hospital settings. This is particularly significant when you consider that the average cost of an inpatient hospital bed is over £400 per day, compared to less than half that in a hospice setting or through home-based care.

The Funding Disparity

Despite this vital role, palliative care services remain chronically underfunded.

At Rotherham Hospice, only 37% of our running costs are covered by the NHS. The rest must be raised through fundraising, retail income, donations, and legacies, despite our services being a statutory requirement under National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. This year, we are operating with a planned deficit of £1.1 million, simply to maintain the level of care our community needs.

Compare this with maternity care. Both maternity and palliative care are subject to NICE standards and expected to be universally accessible. But while the NHS fully funds maternity nurses, midwives, and delivery services, hospices are expected to fundraise for essential nurses who care for the dying.

We’re not suggesting maternity care is overfunded, far from it. But it is telling that we do not ask parents to hold raffles to fund their midwives, yet we rely on cake sales and charity runs to fund our end-of-life nurses. In a country where death is one of the only certainties, this mismatch is indefensible.

A Missed Opportunity?

The NHS Plan outlines a welcome move to neighbourhood-based health services: local, personalised, community-led care delivered through new neighbourhood health centres. This model strongly aligns with how many hospices, including ours, already operate: delivering care in people’s homes, supporting carers, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and providing around-the-clock support through services like our Hospice at Home team.

Yet hospices are almost entirely absent from the NHS Plan’s vision of neighbourhood-based care. This omission risks overlooking some of the most experienced and effective providers of local care. Hospices don’t just talk about joined-up, place-based working; we’ve been doing it for decades. If the NHS is serious about shifting care into the community, as outlined explicitly in the Plan, it must bring hospices to the table as core partners, not peripheral players. The NHS Plan rightly identifies the need to support people with complex, chronic, and terminal conditions closer to home, and this is precisely the point at which hospices naturally align. We already have the infrastructure, workforce, and local knowledge to do that. What we don’t have is secure funding or inclusion in national commissioning frameworks.

So what does this mean for Rotherham?

At Rotherham Hospice, we’ve laid out a clear and locally grounded strategy:

  • Expand our community services so more people can die at home if they wish.
  • Start care from the point of diagnosis, not just in the final days or weeks.
  • Deliver holistic support, emotional, physical, and spiritual, for both patients and families.
  • Invest in inclusive, culturally sensitive care, reflecting our town’s rich diversity.
  • Champion innovation, from digital health to personalised therapies.

These aims align strongly with the NHS Plan’s broader aspirations, such as personalised care plans, community integration, and better management of chronic and complex conditions. But alignment on paper is meaningless without action on funding, policy, and partnership.

Read our full strategy here

So, Will the Plan Deliver?

Based on what has been communicated so far, frankly, we cannot see how it will. Without explicit recognition of hospices as critical partners, clear funding pledges, or a strategy to address existing inequities, the reality is that this ambitious Plan risks overlooking those nearing the end of life entirely.

Hospices have once again been sidelined, despite providing precisely the type of integrated, personalised community care that the NHS says it wants to deliver. Right now, there are no national targets for palliative care, no guarantees of equity, and no central strategy outlining how hospices will be integrated into this future community model. The Plan is bold in ambition, yet sadly silent on the needs of the dying.

However, it is not too late. If the government and NHS urgently rethink their approach, providing secure funding, clear policy direction, and genuine partnership, this Plan could still deliver the compassionate, community-based end-of-life care that everyone deserves.

If we are truly building a health system “fit for the future”, we must remember that a compassionate society is judged not just by how it treats the living, but by how it cares for the dying.

Hospices like Rotherham are ready to be part of the solution. But the NHS, and government, must act now to provide the investment and inclusion needed to make that possible. We need a future where end-of-life care is not optional or charitable but guaranteed.

Dying well should never depend on a donation bucket.

Rotherham Hospice Soars to New Heights with ‘Outstanding’ CQC Rating

Rotherham Hospice is thrilled to announce that, following a rigorous inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), we have been awarded an overall ‘Outstanding’ rating, the highest possible standard of care in England.

This is the first time in our history that we have achieved an ‘Outstanding’ overall rating. It marks a significant milestone for our hospice and our community.

This exceptional result speaks to the heart of our 2024–2030 strategy, ‘Living Life’s Wishes’, which commits us to delivering personalised, compassionate care, fostering inclusivity, and investing in our people. The CQC rated us as ‘Outstanding’ in both ‘Well-led’ and ‘Caring’ domains, directly reflecting our first strategic aim: to ensure care is delivered based on what matters most to the patient. This means that our leadership team was recognised for creating a culture of continuous improvement, openness, and accountability – a culture where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to provide exceptional care. In the ‘Caring’ domain, the CQC highlighted how our staff and volunteers go above and beyond to treat every person with dignity, kindness, and genuine compassion. Together, these ‘Outstanding’ ratings demonstrate that at Rotherham Hospice, every decision, every moment, and every conversation is guided by the voices and wishes of our patients and their families – because that’s what matters most.

Mat Cottle-Shaw, Chief Executive of Rotherham Hospice, said:

“To be rated as ‘Outstanding’ for the first time in our history is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire hospice family; staff, volunteers, and supporters. Achieving this during my first inspection as CEO fills me with immense pride and gratitude.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who contributes to the hospice, from those who deliver care at the bedside to the supporters and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. This ‘Outstanding’ rating belongs to you all. It’s proof that our commitment to truly listening, empowering choice, and ensuring dignity in every moment is not just words on a page; it’s lived every single day because of your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support.”

Large group of Rotherham Hospice staff, volunteers, and supporters celebrating CQC Outstanding rating with confetti outside the hospice building.

Bruce Warner, Chair of Trustees at Rotherham Hospice, said:

“As Chair of Trustees, I am immensely proud of this achievement and of the outstanding care delivered every day by our remarkable team. This rating reflects the strength of leadership, the depth of compassion, and the unwavering commitment that runs through every part of Rotherham Hospice. Since becoming Chair in October 2023, I have seen first-hand the integrity and dedication with which our staff and volunteers approach their work, and this recognition from the CQC affirms what we already knew, that our hospice is a place of excellence, driven by purpose, and grounded in love for our community.”

Rotherham Hospice staff celebrating CQC Outstanding rating outside the hospice building, holding a banner reading 'We’re Rother Outstanding'

The CQC’s findings highlight the compassion and professionalism that underpin our work, from the bedside to the boardroom, values deeply rooted in our strategic pillars of Comprehensive Care, Community Focus, and Knowledge and Expertise.

This ‘Outstanding’ rating is more than an accolade; it’s a powerful validation of our mission to make sure everyone in Rotherham can easily and confidently access the very best palliative and end-of-life care. Looking ahead, we remain determined to build on this success, to expand our services and strengthen our capacity to meet the growing needs of the people of Rotherham, ensuring that everyone has access to care that honours their wishes and enriches their final days.

Today, we celebrate this milestone as a reflection of our past and a promise for our future. Rotherham Hospice is, and always will be, here to add more life to every day.

Chris Edwards, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS South Yorkshire ICB and Place Director for Rotherham, said:

“This ‘Outstanding’ rating is a remarkable achievement for Rotherham Hospice and a moment of real pride for our local health and care system. The hospice plays a vital role in supporting people and families across Rotherham with expert, compassionate end-of-life care. The CQC’s recognition reflects not only the skill and dedication of the hospice team, but also the strength of local partnerships that place people and their wishes at the centre. We are proud to work alongside Rotherham Hospice and celebrate this success with them.”

Rotherham Hospice to Feature on Rotherham United’s Centenary Shirt Thanks to Diamond Partners

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Rotherham Hospice will appear on the front of Rotherham United’s official 2025/26 shirts, as part of a landmark charity partnership during the club’s Centenary season.

This special edition Rotherham United Centenary shirt will carry our refreshed Hospice logo across all three kits, bringing national visibility to the work we do right here in the local community.

Celebrating 100 Years of the Millers – and 30 Years of the Hospice

As Rotherham United celebrates its 100th anniversary, we’ll be marking our own major milestone – 30 years of providing specialist end of life care in Rotherham.

To be selected as the charity to front the Millers’ Centenary kit is a powerful show of unity – a coming together of two local institutions that have been part of this community for generations.

We’re deeply thankful to AESSEAL, Hughie Construction, IPM Group, Mears Group, SteelPhalt and TMG Mortgage Network, whose generosity has made this possible through the club’s Diamond Partnership programme.

Charity Shirt Sponsorship with Real Impact

Being featured on the Rotherham United home, away and third shirts isn’t just about visibility – it’s about community impact. Every time these kits are worn, they raise awareness of the growing need for support at Rotherham Hospice.

We now require over £10 million a year to keep our care going – and around £6 million of that must come from charitable donations. This platform will help amplify our voice at a time when it’s never been more vital.

Two Local Legends. One Mission.

Quote from

Rotherham United

“To be able to continue the Diamond Partnership into the club’s historic Centenary Year and for a third consecutive season is both a huge honour and a great privilege. Not only does it speak volumes of the continued selflessness of those businesses involved, it also facilitates a fantastic opportunity for our kits – which we hope will be remembered for many years to come – to proudly sport the branding of a local charity close to our hearts.

“While there were numerous worthwhile causes in the Rotherham region which were considered to feature on the front of our shirts during this milestone campaign, it became clear after canvassing the opinion of the Diamond Partners that the Rotherham Hospice and everything they do for our community made them the ideal candidates for a year in which we will celebrate all of the aspects of this town and the people within it that make it so special.

“The Rotherham Hospice is also a fitting metaphor for the football club in this, it’s 100th season, in that, they have shown fantastic resilience to overcome the challenges posed to them each year in terms of the funds they need to raise to continue to operate and are a cornerstone of our local community.

“Our eternal gratitude is this year extended to AESSEAL, Hughie Construction, IPM Group, Mears Group, Steelphalt and TMG Mortgage Network. Without them, this amazing gesture which provides a local charity with such an impactful opportunity over the course of a year simply would not be possible.

“We recognise that our Centenary Year Diamond Partnership represents a real opportunity in respect of fundraising for the Rotherham Hospice, which now needs £10 million per annum to stay open, £6 million of which is through charitable donations. It is clear that their work has touched the lives of many of our supporters and you only need to look at the Memory Walk taking place here at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday and the recent Millermen fundraiser to see just how firmly Millers fans get behind this amazing cause.”

Quote from

Rotherham Hospice

“It is a huge honour for Rotherham Hospice to feature once again on the front of Rotherham United’s shirts, especially in such a landmark year. As the club celebrates its centenary and we mark 30 years of compassionate care in our community, this partnership is more meaningful than ever.

To see our new logo and refreshed identity proudly displayed on the shirt is a powerful symbol of progress, pride, and partnership. We’re incredibly thankful to the local businesses whose generosity has made this possible, and to Rotherham United for choosing us – two local institutions side by side.

This moment isn’t just about visibility, it’s about unity. It’s about Rotherham coming together to support its club and its Hospice, and to ensure our care can continue for the next 30 years and beyond.”

Join the Movement

The 2025/26 Rotherham United shirt sponsorship isn’t just about football – it’s a bold reminder of what happens when Rotherham pulls together.

As our logo takes to the pitch at the AESSEAL New York Stadium and beyond, we hope it brings attention to the work we do every day: easing the physical and emotional pain of death and dying in our town.

Support Rotherham Hospice today. Help us add more life to every day.

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Discover Stories of Hope, Care and Community – Read Our Spring/Summer Newsletter Today

There’s something truly special about the people of Rotherham and you’ll find their strength, compassion, and generosity shining through every page of our latest Spring/Summer 2025 newsletter.

From heartfelt stories of families supported through the most difficult of times, to exciting upcoming events and inspiring fundraising updates, this edition is a celebration of everything your support makes possible.

🌿 Meet Heather, who is facing a terminal illness with courage and humour, and is determined to live on her own terms — with the support of our team every step of the way.

🌟 Read about Imogen, a young person finding comfort and connection after loss through our Sunbeams bereavement support programme.

💛 Explore the Feather Appeal, a powerful tribute in memory of loved ones, coming to the gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse this August.

💬 Hear from our CEO, Mat Cottle-Shaw, on why your support is more important than ever as we work to ensure no one is left without the end of life care they need.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter, a recent donor, or simply curious about our work, this newsletter is a reminder of the difference we can make when we come together.

📖 Read the full newsletter now and see the impact of your kindness:
👉 rotherhamhospice.org.uk/newsletter (Replace with actual link)

Together, we’re living life’s wishes — and that’s something worth sharing.

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Angela’s Story: Give the Gift of ‘Cherished Memories’ This Christmas

Give the Gift of ‘Cherished Memories’ This Christmas: Angela's Story

This festive period might be the last for people in our care. Please donate today to help us fulfil their final wishes and add more life into every single day for our patients and their loved ones. 

Our team at Rotherham Hospice make it their mission to give the gift of comfort and joy to those in our care every single day, but this Christmas they went above and beyond for Angela and her family… 

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Angela is a social butterfly, lovingly described by her family as ‘glamorous, crazy and funny’. Her life has always been full of colour and creativity – from her love of holidays, to being in the garden and crafting with her grandchildren. She treasures her trips to Filey, keeping her house pristine and eating cakes and egg custards. After running her own crafting business for years, she started working at Rotherham Civic Theatre where she became an invaluable member of the team. Her energy was infectious and her zest for life continues to inspire everyone around her. 

This is why, when Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, it came as a huge shock to her and her family. She underwent treatment for the cancer and made a full recovery, but then in early 2024 she found out that the cancer was back, but this time it was CUP (cancer of unknown primary) and that it had spread to her lymph nodes. Determined to fight, she spent seven weeks receiving treatment at Weston Park and her family was relieved when the chemotherapy and radiotherapy seemed to have worked. But then in September, a routine check-up delivered Angela devastating news. The cancer had returned, this time having spread, and her diagnosis was terminal.

In October, Angela caught a sickness bug and by the end of the month, she arrived at Rotherham Hospice to manage her symptoms and build back her strength. From the moment she arrived, it was clear to the team at the hospice that Angela’s greatest wish was to continue enjoying special moments with her family. So, our staff got to work straight away.  They made sure that the whole family could be together to watch the fireworks on bonfire night, and even managed to set up a special meeting with Santa so that Angela could share in the Christmas magic and joy with her treasured grandchildren. 

And there was still one more wish for the hospice team to fulfil. For Angela, seeing her daughter Harriet get married to her partner Lee was non-negotiable. She was determined to be there to celebrate with her family and to walk Harriet down the aisle.  

Lee had always planned to propose to Harriet towards the end of 2024 but when Angela received her terminal cancer diagnosis in September, he knew that it had to be sooner rather than later. He popped the question in October, and they set a wedding date for just four weeks later. That didn’t stop the pre-wedding festivities though… Angela, Harriet and their family enjoyed some fizz, cakes and games at the Hen Party thrown by the hospice team.

The following week, they were treated to a pamper session in our therapy room with massages, treatments and some much-needed tranquility as our kitchen staff created a decadent afternoon tea for Angela and Harriet to finish off a relaxing day before the big event.  “We cannot express how thankful we are for the amazing experiences we’ve been given by the Hospice staff; spending quality time together and creating cherished memories.” 

Thanks to the efforts of the staff at the hospice, Angela’s wish was fulfilled, and she was able to attend Harriet’s wedding on Sunday 17th November. She was right by her daughter’s side as she walked down the aisle, and nurses made sure that Angela’s pain was managed and that she had the correct accessible equipment to enable her to attend the whole day. After a beautiful ceremony and a day full of love and happiness, the family arrived back at the warm and welcoming hospice. 

“We have never experienced care like it. We are so appreciative of the support given by every single member of staff. From the moment we stepped foot in the Hospice, we were made to feel so welcome and part of a loving family. The staff have ensured mum has spent her final days happy and we have created the most amazing memories.”  

At Rotherham Hospice, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our patients, making every day as meaningful and fulfilling as possible. However, it is only because of generous donations from our supporters that we are able to ensure that the wishes and dreams of those we care for are not only heard but lived, creating lasting legacies of love, joy, and cherished memories.  

This Christmas, please donate and help us give the gift of care to those we support both in the Hospice and at home. 

Thank you so much for your support! 

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Other ways to show your support to Rotherham Hospice this Christmas

Make a dedication to your loved one as part of our Light Up a Life Campaign.
Book your Christmas Tree in for a collection for a donation of your choice.
Purchase a raffle ticket from our retail stores or our Hospice reception.

Join us in Making a Difference

Please donate now – with your generosity, another person in Rotherham will get access to the care and support they need at the end of their life.

Together we can ensure nobody faces terminal illness alone.

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Our New Strategy: Living Life’s Wishes

Our New Strategy: Living Life’s Wishes

We’re excited to share the launch of our brand-new Strategic Plan for 2024-2030: “Living Life’s Wishes.” This plan is all about making sure we continue to provide the very best care and support for our patients, their families, and our Rotherham community.

Since we first opened our doors in 1988, Rotherham Hospice has been a place of comfort and support for those facing the toughest times. We’ve come a long way since then, caring for over 1,700 patients each year and reaching even more through our community services. But we know there’s always more we can do. That’s why we’ve been listening to what you, our community, have to say.

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Listening, Learning, and Taking Action

This new strategy is based on conversations with 656 of you—patients, families, staff, volunteers, and local partners. Here’s what we heard:

  • You want care that’s truly personalised, focused on what matters most to each patient.
  • Many of you told us how important it is to get support earlier, right from the point of diagnosis.
  • There’s a strong desire for more services that can be delivered at home, so families can stay together in familiar surroundings.
  • Inclusivity matters. You want us to be there for everyone in our diverse Rotherham community, making sure our care is accessible and welcoming to all.

We’ve taken all your feedback to heart, and it’s helped shape the seven key areas of our strategy. Here’s what we’re planning:

Our Seven Aims: What We’re Going to Do

  1. Personalised and Compassionate Care: We’re putting your wishes at the heart of everything we do, creating care plans that are tailored just for you.

  2. Early Support and Intervention: We’re making it easier for you to access support as soon as you need it. We’re working with healthcare professionals to simplify referrals, and we’re even exploring ways for you to refer yourself.

  3. Inclusivity and Equity: We’re committed to making our services open to everyone. No matter your background or circumstances, we’re here for you.

  4. Strengthening Our Finances: We’re working on new ways to raise funds, so we can keep providing the best possible care. Whether it’s through local events, donations, or new fundraising campaigns, we’re counting on your continued support.

  5. Innovation and Growth: We’re always looking for better ways to care for you. This includes expanding our services and exploring new technologies to improve patient care.

  6. Supporting Our Amazing Team: Our staff and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re investing in their training and well-being to make sure they have the skills and support they need.

  7. Raising Awareness: We want everyone in Rotherham to know what we do and how we can help. We’ll be reaching out more through social media, local events, and by working with local organisations.

What This Means for You

Our vision is simple: to make sure that everyone in Rotherham can get the palliative and end-of-life care they need, wherever and however they choose. We believe that every day should be filled with as much joy, comfort, and meaning as possible—because it’s not just about adding days to life, but life to those days.

“Living Life’s Wishes” is about making sure that your wishes guide everything we do. We’re here to listen, support, and help you live life the way you want, right until the end.

How You Can Get Involved

We couldn’t do any of this without the support of our amazing community. If you’d like to help, there are lots of ways to get involved:

  • Fundraise: Host an event, join a sponsored challenge, or support us through your business.
  • Donate: Every little bit helps us provide care for those who need it most.
  • Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers who make such a big difference every day.

To learn more about our new strategy, upcoming events, or how you can get involved, visit our website or give us a call. Together, we can make a difference and add more life to every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

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Help Our Nurses Provide Compassionate End-of-Life Care: Lynne & Johnny’s Story

Help Us Provide Compassionate End-of-Life Care: Lynne & Johnny's Story

My wife, Lynne, was lucky enough to experience the incredible care provided by the nurses and staff at Rotherham Hospice. After being in and out of the hospital, the difference in the care we received at the Hospice was truly remarkable.

For Lynne and me, arriving at Rotherham Hospice felt like stepping into a place of comfort and support, where the compassion and attention of the nursing staff made a real difference. Lynne was initially admitted for advanced symptom management, her time there showed just how above and beyond the dedicated team would go to make a difference. She felt so comfortable, it became Lynne’s wish to die at the Hospice.

It was a wish of mine and Lynne’s to get married, but with the changing situation, our original plans had to be cancelled. That’s when the nursing staff suggested we have the ceremony at the Hospice. On Thursday, June 13th, they turned the Hospice conservatory into a beautiful wedding venue. What we thought would be a simple signing of paperwork became a magical wedding, with friends, family, and fellow patients there to share the moment. The nurses, who dubbed themselves “Team Bride,” made sure Lynne had an unforgettable day.

Lynne said that during her time here in the Hospice, the nurses became like family and I couldn’t agree more. From a simple smile, to a well needed cuppa on a hard day, to the honest conversations we needed about Lynne’s condition that made processing our situation easier, the team here at the Hospice made us feel welcome, reassured and comfortable.

I was with Lynne when she passed away at the Hospice on Thursday, July 11th – one month after our wedding. While the pain of losing her will never go away, I’m comforted by the memories we made during her time there, and I’ll always be grateful that she spent her final days surrounded by such love and exceptional care.

Please donate today to ensure that everyone in Rotherham receives the care they deserve at end of life like Lynne.

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More people than ever now need Rotherham Hospice’s care

Every year, 2,362 people in our community require end-of-life care, yet currently, only 45% of them receive this essential support.

Every day, four individuals in our area die without having had access to end-of-life care.

Sadly, this number will only increase. Rotherham Hospice is seeing more people needing care than ever, and they need our help to support as many people in our community as possible.

Today, I’m reaching out to ask if you can help by contributing to Rotherham Hospice’s nursing care. Any amount you can give will help ensure that patients receive the highest quality care, in a safe and comfortable environment. Your donation will be put straight to work, making sure nobody like Lynne misses out on the treasured life-changing moments or vital nursing care they deserve at the end of their life.

Rotherham Hospice is a charity and relies on people like you to help provide this essential care to patients and their families. The clinical team is skilled at managing complex symptoms and end-of-life care, covering everything from physical to emotional, spiritual, and social needs. They’re there not just for the patients, but also to support families and friends, offering guidance and advice about their loved one’s illness, symptoms, and treatment.

From my own experience, I can tell you that the staff at Rotherham Hospice are truly remarkable. They didn’t just focus on Lynne—they also checked in on me, and on her family and friends who visited. They could take one look at me and know how I was and what I needed.

I want to make sure that everyone who needs it, can receive the same incredible care that Lynne and I experienced at Rotherham Hospice.

Join us in Making a Difference

Please donate now – with your generosity, another person in Rotherham will get access to the care and support they need at the end of their life.

Together we can ensure nobody faces terminal illness alone.

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Midnight Walk 2024 raises over £90,000 for end of life care in Rotherham!

Rotherham Hospice Midnight Walk Raises Over £90,000 for end-of-life care Rotherham

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the 2024 Rotherham Hospice Midnight Walk was a resounding success, raising an astonishing £90,353! With the support of over 900 passionate walkers, this incredible achievement will go a long way in helping us continue providing the essential care and support our community needs.

A Night Filled with Love, Reflection, and Togetherness

The Midnight Walk was more than just a fundraiser—it was a night where our community came together to remember, reflect, and honor those we’ve lost. It was a chance to celebrate their lives while making a real difference for others.

For many, this walk held a special place in their hearts. One participant shared a touching reflection:

John Breckin kicking off the Memory Walk 2024 at Magna, raising money for Rotherham Hospice to support end-of-life care in Rotherham.

“My mum was nursed at Rotherham Hospice until the end in March this year. The staff are ALL truly amazing, and I know my mum was with us on the walk. She would be amazed at what we achieved in her memory.”

This sentiment was echoed by so many walkers, each with their own stories, memories, and reasons for walking. Glenn and Chris, who took part in the walk just four days after their sister Janet’s funeral, said:

“What can I say? You’ve done it again. It was an absolutely brilliant night, turning Magna into Magma, overflowing with generosity and joy. We look forward to doing it all again next year.”

The Impact of Your Support

Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our walkers, the funds raised will directly support the crucial services Rotherham Hospice provides. Whether it’s offering comfort and dignity to those facing life-limiting illnesses or supporting their families through difficult times, every pound raised will make a meaningful difference.

One walker perfectly summed up the spirit of the night:

“All in all, it was a very enjoyable experience, and I’m glad to be able to give something back to the Hospice and raise desperately needed funds. Keep up the good work.”

Looking Forward to 2025

With such an amazing turnout and incredible results in 2024, we can’t wait to do it all over again next year! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 7th June 2025, as we aim to make the next Midnight Walk even bigger and better. We’re already looking forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones as we come together once again for a night of unity, reflection, and hope.

Register for 2025 NOW for just £5!

Get Involved

Whether you walked with us this year or are thinking of joining us for the first time, we’d love to have you with us in 2025. You can walk, volunteer, or simply spread the word—every bit of support helps us continue our vital work.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Midnight Walk such a success. Your kindness, generosity, and community spirit are what make Rotherham Hospice such a special place.

Let’s make 2025 another unforgettable year!