A new year boost of over £720 has been donated to St Richard’s Hospice.
The money was raised at the first Christmas Tree Festival of St John in Bedwardine Parish Church.
St Richard’s Hospice and other local businesses and organisations, each decorated a tree with a theme that represented the community of St John’s. The festival included a host of activities including a Christmas fayre, carol singing and breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Visitors were treated to concerts with St Richard’s Hospice Choir, Colla Voce and Worcester Concert Brass.
St Richard’s Fundraiser, Charlie Homer, said the hospice was delighted with the donation. “It’s wonderful to be supported by our local community in this way and we really appreciate their support. Every pound raised makes a difference to our patients and their loved ones. For example this donation could pay for a Day Hospice Nurse for six days.”
The Festival also raised funds for the church.
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,600 patients and family members in Worcestershire with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.
Photo caption: Charlie Homer of St Richard’s , 3rd from left, with Tracey Ward, Sylvia Render, Rev Chris Stuart, Joy Job, Mary Jenkins, creative therapist at St Richard’s and Sandra Nash.