St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich launches Be a Star appeal to raise funds over the festive season
Residents across Suffolk are being encouraged to take part in fund-raising events this festive season in aid of an Ipswich-based hospice's Christmas campaign.
St Elizabeth Hospice has launched its Be a Star appeal to raise funds which will go towards caring for people with progressive and life-limiting illnesses in Norfolk and Suffolk.
The hospice is asking people to make donations to the charity, buy Christmas cards or gifts from its online store or take part in socially distanced or virtual fund-raising events.
Pauline Donkin, head of individual giving and supporter care at the hospice, said: "Every year we help families and their loved ones over Christmas, during what for some will sadly be their last.
“Illness doesn’t stop during the festive season and via our Ipswich inpatient unit, our virtual ward providing nurses in the community and six specialist palliative care beds in Beccles we will be supporting more than 900 patients and their families over Christmas.
“As a charity, we are always grateful for the community support we receive but to allow us to help as many people as possible this Christmas we are calling on the public to get behind our Be a Star appeal and make the world of difference to members of their community during very difficult times in their lives.”
Last year, the hospice raised the majority of its funds through its shops and local fund-raising activities - both of which have been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic this year with shops closed and events cancelled.
One of the 3,000 patients cared for by the hospice staff in 2019 was Shirley Turner, whose husband John said the staff's support was a 'relief' for his whole family. John's daughter Carrie, 32, was also cared for at the hospice before she died.
“St Elizabeth Hospice is a charity that I have called upon twice," said John.
"On the first occasion 18 years ago, when my 32-year-old daughter Carrie died, the hospice was an immense support stepping in when my wife and I were so exhausted. The hospice allowed us to enjoy time with our daughter, instead of being her carers.
“Last year we called upon the hospice once again, in November 2019 my late wife Shirley needed palliative care. It was her wish to die at home. St Elizabeth Hospice once again was there for us and with other agencies they cared for her until she passed away in December.
"None of us know when we will need the support of the hospice, I was so relieved they were there for me and my family.”
To find out more about the appeal, click here or call 01473 727776.
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