Hospice Care Week 2022

Fantastic Hospice Care

Monday 10^th – Friday 14^th October Hospice Care Week is taking place.

Here at Your Hospice Lottery we would like to take this opportunity to shout about the fantastic hospice care that is provided by our hospice partners.

It is so important to stop and take the time to acknowledge the incredible work that hospices do within the local community. At some stage in your life, you may need your local hospice, or maybe you have already received support from them?

Below are some stories from some of our hospice partners that truly highlight the excellent standards of hospice care they provide.

Stories of Care

Danielle and Ryan – Supported by St Helena Hospice

Danielle and Ryan were supported in their time of need by St Helena Hospice. Ryan was only 23 when he was diagnosed with a rare cancer.

Danielle reflects on their final moments together in the hospice:

“When we both finally settled in for the evening, we kissed and said we loved each other, then went to sleep. Something woke me in the early hours of the morning which I cannot explain but I jumped out of bed to check on Ryan. That’s when I immediately knew he had gone. He looked so peaceful and although completely heartbroken, I felt strangely calm and part of me felt peaceful too. Although I wished I could hold onto him forever, looking back, it happened in the best way for us both.

“I will always be grateful to St Helena Hospice for supporting us in a dignified and individual way that let me continue to be involved in caring for Ryan, as we both wanted, but giving us the extra helping hands so we could continue to spend time together. I will always treasure the happy memories we made and feel grateful for the time we had together.”

Billie – Supported by Arthur Rank Hospice

Billie was only 12 years old when her father David died. 13 years on Billie has spoken about how important the care delivered to her family has been.

Billie Said “I used to visit the Hospice after school. Everyone was so kind, the nurses were always there for me, the would arrange drinks and they always had a hug ready if needed. I felt like part of the Arthur Rank Hospice family.”

Joan and Frank – Supported by Nottinghamshire Hospice

When Frank delivered a eulogy at his wife Joan’s funeral, he started with the words “I am going to tell you a love story.”

The couple, who had been together for 42 years, had rarely spent time apart; so, when Joan was taken into hospital, Frank found it very hard being apart from her and wanted to bring her home.

Nottinghamshire Hospice played its part in their love story by enabling them to be together at home at the end of her life.

Hospice Care that makes a difference

It is within these special moments that truly highlight the important role that hospice care has within the local community. To be able to make moments last with loved ones is such an important part of being able to process such devastating loss.

Giving back to Hospice Care

Many people who have been supported by hospices, chose to give back in any way that they can. Some decide to play Your Hospice Lottery as a fun way to make donations back to the hospice, whilst having the chance to win amazing cash prizes. The team love to hear why our supporters choose to support;

“My husband was looked after when he had cancer”

An anonymous supporter of St Helena Hospice.

“They looked after my mum in 2016, so if I can help keep someone alive for a bit longer by supporting then that’s what I’ll do.”

An anonymous support of Cynthia Spencer.

“My mother was in the hospice, so it means a lot to me. I wish I could do more.”

An anonymous supporter of The Friends of the Wisdom Hospice.

Since the start of Your Hospice Lottery back in 2001, we have raised over £23 million for our hospice partners! This allows them to provide the essential end of life care and support for patients and their families, as it gives them an income that they can rely on. We simply couldn’t do this with out the incredible support of our generous players!

You can make a difference too!

If you are looking for a way to give back to hospice care, click here to sign up to play Your Hospice Lottery in support of your chosen hospice today.

When you play, you make a difference.