"For me, Christmas at Dove House is what hospice care is all about. Our specialist services continue throughout the festive period - in fact at this time of year they are often busier than ever. The festive period is a time where our care is more important than ever, we want to ensure that every family has the Christmas they want and need. We are person centred every day, but over Christmas I think this is even more crucial.
Some patients and their families love the festivities and fully embrace all the season has to offer whereas some
find it incredibly difficult and need things to be a lot more subtle, especially when it’s likely to be the patient’s last
Christmas. It’s our job to make Christmas special for every family, and we can’t do that without you.
Every year there’s lovely decorations and often carol singing on the Inpatient Unit. We do what we can to really make a cosy home from home environment, and it is during the run up to Christmas that we can bring some magic to patients. Last year we had festive afternoon teas and for one young family we organised a Christmas movie night for them all to enjoy together. Christmas means different things to different patients and we try to make the season full of moments that families can treasure for years to come. It is only with your support that we can make Christmas this special for the people in our care, for many of whom it will be their last.
We’re hoping to raise £24,250 from this Christmas Appeal – the cost of running our Inpatient Unit for the
Christmas week. A donation of £32 could cover the cost of a patient enjoying festive meals for a day, or could you be one of 60 people to donate £55 to cover the costs of our Inpatient Care on Christmas Day.
However you feel you can support the hospice this Christmas, please know that your donation will make a real difference to people needing expert care at this time of year."