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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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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Rotherham Hospice Welcomes the New “Letters to Heaven” Post Box

Children and teachers from Thrybergh Fullerton School in front of the Letters to Heaven post box they fundraised for.

Rotherham Hospice Welcomes the New “Letters to Heaven” Post Box, Fundraised by Thrybergh Fullerton School for Our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Support Group

At Rotherham Hospice, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to our community, especially to the young hearts in need. Today, we are thrilled to announce the installation of our new “Letters to Heaven” post box, a heartfelt addition that has found its place in our beautiful Reflection Garden at the front of the Hospice.

A Gift from the Heart

The inspiration behind this post box came from a touching news story about six similar boxes being installed around Sheffield. This idea resonated deeply with us, particularly within our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Support Group. Sunbeams offers a safe haven for children dealing with loss, and writing letters to their loved ones in heaven has been a cherished activity within the group. Until now, these letters were lovingly placed in a handmade box in our lodge. Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Thrybergh Fullerton School, we now have a dedicated, beautifully crafted post box where these precious messages can be sent.

Our Letters to Heaven Post Box in our Hospice Reflection Garden

A Community Effort

The students and staff at Thrybergh Fullerton School have shown extraordinary generosity and spirit in their fundraising efforts. Their commitment to supporting Sunbeams is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. When the school representatives visited the Hospice to see the new post box, they shared their heartfelt sentiments:

"Sunbeams is run and maintained by a group of very special people who have so much love and care for the young children of Rotherham. They provide invaluable support for children in their time of need and support each one individually. The hard work that is done by everyone at the hospice is something to be recognized and our school, along with others, are very grateful for this. We look forward to fundraising with you again in the future."

Thrybergh Fullerton School

We are deeply moved by their words and grateful for their support. The partnership between Thrybergh Fullerton School and Rotherham Hospice demonstrates how we can come together to create meaningful and lasting impacts in the lives of children and families.

A New Way to Stay Connected

Lisa, our Sunbeams Coordinator, has seen firsthand how the act of writing letters brings comfort and a sense of connection to the children in our care. She shares:

"Our Sunbeams children have written letters to heaven for some time but posted in a handmade box in our lodge. To have something like this with a beautiful Reflection Garden beside it will be fantastic for the children and adults here at the Hospice."

Lisa Worrall

Writing down thoughts and feelings helps children process their emotions and communicate with their loved ones who have passed away. Whether they are sharing news about a goal scored in a football game, their progress at school, or a recent birthday celebration, these letters allow them to maintain a bond and feel close to those they miss.

"The act of writing down thoughts and feelings can bring comfort. Our Sunbeams children have used it as a way to share how they are feeling and to communicate news with their loved ones, telling them about a goal scored, how they are doing at school or what they did on their birthdays. It's a way for them to still feel connected."

Lisa Worrall, Sunbeams Coordinator

A Sacred Space for Memories

Every letter or card placed in the “Letters to Heaven” post box is treated with the utmost respect and is never read. This new post box is more than just a receptacle; it is a sacred space where children and adults alike can express their deepest thoughts and keep their memories alive. It stands as a symbol of hope and connection in our Reflection Garden, providing solace and peace to all who visit.

Join us in Making a Difference

Rotherham Hospice is a beacon of hope and care in our community. We provide essential services to individuals and families facing serious illnesses and bereavement. However, our ability to offer these vital services relies heavily on the generosity of our supporters. Every donation, whether large or small, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.

Our “Letters to Heaven” post box and Reflection Garden are just one example of how community contributions can create a lasting impact. With your help, we can continue to offer compassionate support to children through our Sunbeams group and extend our care to countless others who rely on our services.

We invite you to be a part of our mission. Whether you choose to make a donation, participate in fundraising events, or volunteer your time, your involvement is invaluable. Together, we can ensure that Rotherham Hospice remains a sanctuary of comfort and care for all who need it.

For more information about how you can contribute to Rotherham Hospice, please click here.

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Crafted with Care: Our new Care Boxes for patients

A photo of care boxes provided to terminally ill patients who are cared for at Rotherham Hospice filled with luxury pamper products, a colouring book and pencils, and forget me not seeds to give to loved ones.

Crafted with Care: Our new Care Boxes for patients

At Rotherham Hospice, we are committed to providing compassionate care that extends beyond medical treatment. Today, we are excited to launch our new Care boxes, specially crafted to welcome our patients and serve as meaningful mementos for their loved ones.

As part of our ongoing commitment to person-centred care, our nursing staff have meticulously assembled each Care box. These boxes are more than just practical items; they embody our dedication to ensuring every patient feels comfortable and valued during their stay with us.

Jayne Lowe, Deputy Director of Clinical Services and Head of Patient Experience, expressed the importance of these Care boxes, stating, “This is just another way we go above and beyond for our patients and make sure their stay with us here at the Hospice is as comfortable and welcoming as possible.”

What's Inside?

Each Carebox contains carefully selected items designed to enhance comfort and promote relaxation:

  • Charcoal infused loofah for gentle skin care
  • Nail brush and hair comb for personal grooming
  • Luxury soap, lotions, shower gel, and shampoo & conditioner for a pampering experience
  • Soft flannel for everyday use
  • Forget-me-not seeds to symbolize lasting memories
  • A heartfelt poem to uplift spirits
  • A relaxing colouring book and pencils for moments of tranquillity

Beyond the Present

Beyond their immediate use, these Care boxes serve another profound purpose. They can be transformed into memory boxes after the patient has passed away, becoming an important part of the bereavement journey for their loved ones. This transformation allows families and friends to gather meaningful memories and treasures that celebrate the life and legacy of their loved one.

Jayne Lowe emphasized, “Turning these Care boxes into memory boxes is an important step in your bereavement journey, helping you to collect meaningful memories of your loved ones.”

Gratitude and Support

The creation of these Careboxes would not have been possible without the generous support of our community. Your donations have enabled us to provide these thoughtful and comforting items, enriching the lives of our patients and their families during a challenging time.

Join us in Making a Difference

As we continue to uphold our commitment to compassionate care, we invite you to join us in supporting initiatives like our Care boxes. Your contribution can make a significant difference in enhancing the quality of life for our patients and their families.

If you would like to help us continue providing special things like these Care boxes, please consider donating today. Your support allows us to create moments of comfort and joy for those in our care.

At Rotherham Hospice, every detail matters. Our Care boxes exemplify our dedication to person-centred care and creating lasting memories that bring comfort and solace to those we serve.

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