Patron Richard Madeley with Nuala Demetriou and Julie White from the Hospice at Home team

This winter, the Saint Francis Hospice Christmas Appeal will share the wonderful work of the Hospice at Home care team who work every day of the year, including Christmas. 

The hospice believes that everyone should be able to choose how and where they receive care. Many people with an illness that can’t be cured or treated prefer to be at home at this time of year – either because they don’t feel like celebrating, or because they want one last family Christmas together in familiar surroundings.

On his latest visit to the hospice, our patron Richard Madeley, the TV presenter, met with staff and even sat down to talk with some of the family members of Hospice at Home users.

Richard spoke with Nuala, who shared how the team cared for her dad John at the end of his life and helped the family make the most of the time they had left together.

Nuala shared, “We kept Dad at home. It was payback time and an honour to care for him. But there were times when we did not know what to do. That’s where the wonderful nurses came in. They made a sad time a much better experience for us.

“The day before Dad died, Julie (from the Hospice at Home team) pulled out every stop to get him a comfortable mattress, she stayed longer than she should have. She went above and beyond.”

The Christmas Appeal also shares the experience of Heidi, whose father used the services of Hospice at Home. When Heidi’s dad, Ken, took a turn for the worst, the nurses arrived at his home to care for him on what turned out to be the final day of his life.

“We were running around the house, not knowing what to do before the nurses arrived,” said Heidi.

“They treated him with so much dignity. Moments after Dad died, the nurses cleaned him, dressed him in fresh clothes, and prepared him wonderfully. The guidance they gave us in Dad’s final moments was fantastic.” 

Last year, Saint Francis Hospice cared for 632 people in this way – more than ever before. Bringing personal care and comfort to all of those that need it at Christmas is impossible without the kind and generous gifts from supporters. Donations from the public make up 72% of their income, so any support received at this time of year is truly appreciated and vital.

If you would like to give the gift of compassionate care this Christmas, please visit https://www.sfh.org.uk/christmas-appeal or call 01708 753319.