care news - feb 2013

February 2013

London to Paris...and back again

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Care New February 2013.indd 1 22/01/2013 11:36

Many of you will be aware that some preliminary work has started on the site of the QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City. To date it has involved clearing an area to accommodate a temporary car park so that construction can begin on the new QEII hospital which will be built on the site of the existing main car park. Completion date for the new hospital is currently scheduled for late 2014/early 2015. Services in the current QEII will either be transferred to the new QEII or to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage. That then raises the question, what will happen to the old hospital, and in particular our In-Patient Unit which is physically connected to it?

The Hospice has a lease to December 2045 and our landlord is East & North Herts NHS Trust, which runs the current QEII so we shall work with the Trust to ensure that all vital services (e.g. supply of electricity, gas, water etc) are maintained and that the In-Patient Unit can continue to operate as normal until the old hospital block is eventually demolished.There will then be a period of transition for which our planning has been under way for some time. We have undertaken a feasibility study to understand our options for redevelopment of the Hospice in much the same position as now, in line with the master plan for the site, (details of which are available on the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s planning portal website) and we are currently developing a service strategy to enable us to brief architects in more detail.

The exact timing of events 2015 and beyond is uncertain because the redevelopment of the rest of the site has yet to be agreed. However our plans allow for that uncertainty and ensure we can continue to operate until such time as the old hospital tower block is demolished. At that point we shall almost certainly need temporary accommodation, for which we have made initial contingency plans.In the meantime, we shall develop detailed plans for a new or refurbished hospice building so that we can continue to serve our local community. Watch this space for news of that later in the year.For details of the new QEII, visit the NHS website: www.hertfordshire.nhs.uk

The QEII hospital re-build and our futureby Nigel Furlong, Isabel Hospice Chief Executive

The Isabel Hospice “Win a Car for Christmas” winner is Kaajal Paul, who won the Ford Ka Studio 1.2 car with just one £1 ticket she bought from a work colleague at Roche in Welwyn Garden City. How lucky is that!Kaajal picked the car up with her mum Gurmit, a nurse. She said “I was rather overwhelmed to get the call to say I had won. I only bought one ticket and never normally win anything. I have decided to give the car to my mum. She has been looking for one for a while and when I told her she nearly cried.My sister had already bought her a personalised number plate so she is now all set! The plate is in memory of our dad who died when I was just 8, so this really is a perfect car for it!”

Isabel Hospice Mass Events Co-ordinator Katie Robertson said “We have been overwhelmed by the popularity of this fundraising event. We have now raised over £30,000 and each ticket was just £1. We are thrilled for Kaajal, and pleased the lucky winning ticket was sold at Roche who are great supporters and the sponsor of our Starlight Walk on June 29th. We would also like to thank John R Ford car dealership and BestDigital for supporting this campaign. We will be making Win A Car For Christmas an annual fundraiser, so if there are any generous individuals or car dealerships that would like to help us by sponsoring this event for 2013, please get in touch!”

She won the Car, for £1

Photo: Katie Robertson, John Lockhart (Isabel Hospice President) Kaajal Paul (car winner) Gurmit Paul, Richard Ford & Lee Childs (John R Ford dealership)

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When Angela’s family was tragically struck twice by bereavement in quick succession she was left struggling emotionally. First her younger brother, who had been diagnosed at the age of 5 with type 1 diagnosis, was found dead by work colleagues from Hertfordshire

Police, in his new home, then her much loved step

mum, affectionately known as Mig, who

was registered blind, died following a battle with bladder cancer. Angela said “As a family we were all

very close and saw a lot of each

other. Mig had a positive outlook and

a determination to enjoy life. In Sept 2010, following

18 months of bladder problems, she was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder and it was removed. She coped very well - my dad was fantastic, changing her stoma bag as she couldn’t, due to her blindness. We were optimistic and were confident they had got rid of the cancer. On 21st December 2010, I took them to see the oncologist at Chase Farm for a follow up. We sat there and as soon as he used words like “Palliative Care”, I knew things were bad. The cancer had spread. The unexpected death a few months later of my baby brother shattered my life. However, very quickly, I realised that my mum and step dad and my kids needed me. I tried to be strong and keep going for their sake, but I was hanging on by a thread. I remember Mig saying she was there for me if I ever needed someone to talk to, what a brave lady to say this while fighting cancer herself.

A week after Steve died, Mig was taken into Chase Farm Hospital. She was very unwell, losing weight and looked jaundiced. She hated it in there and longed to come home. When she was moved to Isabel Hospice, what a contrast - she was treated with such respect and compassion and my dad was able to stay there with her in a room they have for relatives. As he doesn’t drive, this enabled them to spend as much time together as possible - a wonderful gift when time is running out. They literally gave Mig her dignity back.Sadly on 18th April 2011, Mig passed away peacefully at the Hospice, with all of us at her bedside. The Hospice staff were fantastic and really supportive of the whole family. Nothing was too much trouble. They gave us information about bereavement to take away in case we needed it in the months to come.After the funeral, without anything to focus on, grief hit me very, very hard. I knew if I was to keep going and support my parents and kids, I needed help for myself or I would give up completely. I remembered the information I had been given by the Hospice and contacted the support team. I think I cried solidly through my first 3 sessions with Andrea who was literally a light in a very dark time. It was the only place I could cry

without feeling like I would make someone else start crying too. Gradually, I was able to talk and make sense of all my feelings of anger, hurt and pain. My dad also accessed bereavement support, as did my daughter. My dad began to attend Hospice Bereavement Group coffee mornings and was even picked up and

brought home by a Hospice volunteer. Nothing was too much trouble.I finished my sessions with Andrea, and promised myself and her, that when I felt better I would do something to say thank you. A year later I held a charity

disco attended by over 100 family and friends. We raised nearly £2000, to be split between Diabetes UK in memory of my brother, and Isabel Hospice. I was so pleased to be able to hand Andrea a cheque. I knew Mig would have been so proud and the thought that the money raised might help someone else in a similar situation was the most healing part of the process. What would I say to someone who is thinking about fundraising? DO IT!!!! You will know when the time is right for you and it really gives you a sense of purpose. It feels like something good has come out of the worst possible time of your life. You cannot underestimate the feeling of pride and achievement you get when you do something to say thank you to people who are actually strangers but show the greatest kindness at the very worst time of your life. Isabel Hospice is a truly worthwhile cause - give something back, whether it’s selling tickets, sponsored walks, or whatever... it’s so important to say thank you and in doing so, you help others who really need it. “Angela Peacock

It was the only place I could cry without feeling like I would make someone else start crying too.

The thought that the money raised might help someone else in a similar situation was the most healing part of the process.

After they’ve goneOur Family Support Team provide a comprehensive bereavement service. Andrea Tett, Bereavement Co-ordinator said “Bereavement often sheds light on a whole host of other challenges in a person’s life. In our work we know that the bereavement itself is what brings the person to us, but helps them talk through lots of intertwining things in their life. The story you will read below highlights this, Angela had so much to contend with at one time she really needed our help and we are so pleased to be able to give it to her.”

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In the run up to Christmas our Lottery Gift Certificates proved popular presents for friends and family. We have now extended the Gift range, so you can buy them tailor made for Birthdays, Anniversaries, and as Thank You Gifts. The ideal gift that gives Twice.This gift will not only give someone you know the chance of winning £1000 or one of 27 other cash prizes each week, it will directly support the vital work of the Hospice.

We will send you a certificate for you to give your friend or loved one designed for any occasion. They will be entered into our weekly draw for the duration of your gift. For example, if you purchase a £52 gift membership, the recipient will be entered into our draw for 52 weeks. If you would like to buy a Gift Certificate contact Lottery Manager, Lisa Archer for more information on 01707 382594 or alternatively download a form from our lottery section on our web site.

Lottery Gift CertificatesThe ideal gift that gives twice!

As the Lead Nurse for the Community Team I see first hand, every day the real difference the team make to people across eastern Hertfordshire. They visit patients where ever they live after they have been referred to Isabel Hospice by their Hospital Teams or local GP. The Clinical Nurse Specialists provide Palliative Care by listening to the needs of patients and families and offer support and advice that helps them to cope with their concerns and enable them to manage difficult circumstances. This work is very often confused with that of the work of the traditional community based Macmillan Nurse as the role has many similarities. However, there are no Macmillan community nurses providing this service in our Hospice catchment area of eastern Hertfordshire*, only the Isabel Hospice Community Nursing Team. It is a common misconception as historically, when the Hospice was first formed, some 30 years ago, the first two Community Nurses were funded for three years by Macmillan, but this has not been the case now for many years. Patients and their family members often think that our Clinical Nurse Specialists are Macmillan nurses which is understandable because ‘Mac’ nurses are so well known, and in such difficult and emotional times it is an

easy assumption to make. This misconception is not an issue at any time apart from when the family wishes to fundraise or make a donation in their loved ones memory to the charity that has given their care. This is where I feel that it is really important to distinguish between the two charities. Macmillan are a wonderful national charity, and do lots of good work in our local hospitals and by providing Cancer support in this area, but they no longer provide Community care in the boroughs of Welwyn and Hatfield, Broxbourne and East Herts. This is the Isabel Hospice team. There are of course Hospital Macmillan nurses who care for cancer patients specifically as well as Macmillan Nurses for the palliative care patients in the QE11, Lister, Barnet & Chase Farm and Princess Alexandra Hospitals. The Isabel community team work collaboratively to ensure that the care is seamless from hospital to home wherever that may be.We have been told many times by our fundraising colleagues that donations

in memory of people we have cared for are being made to Macmillan rather than the Hospice due to this common misconception. We do know that some of those families are then very upset to know that although they are donating to a great national charity, the money has not directly gone to the local charity providing the nursing staff who delivered care for their loved one’s at home.I am very proud of the work the team deliver in the community and thank all our supporters for enabling us to continue that care.Lesley Ford - Lead Nurse

*Macmillan is a national charity, providing Macmillan Community Nurses across the country but not in eastern Hertfordshire. There are Macmillan nurses working in the community in North and West Herts as well as in Essex. They also work in both Lister and the QEII Hospitals.

We are Isabel Nurses...

not Macmillan

in memory of people we have cared for in memory of people we have cared for

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STARLIGHT WALK

Walking the labyrinthAt Isabel Hospice, not only do we provide medical care, we also provide spiritual and emotional support. As part of this holistic approach to our life journey, we have given patients and their carers the opportunity to walk a labyrinth, painted on calico which we can lay on the floor. We also have a handheld, mahogany labyrinth, made by Bill, one of our nursing staff, for patients who are not able to walk.

Sue Jeppesen, lay chaplain at Isabel Hospice, explains the concept. “A labyrinth is a pathway made in a particular pattern, for walking. We have been trialling its use in the Hospice. You can’t get lost, it’s not a maze, as the path leads to the centre and then back again. It is thought that these ancient patterns can connect deeply with our unconscious as an archetypal image and honour our spiritual dimension helping to bring connection and balance to body, mind and spirit. When our patients walk it, we ask them to try not to have any expectations but just be in the present moment, step by step.”

Janet Daniels (above) was introduced to the labyrinth at our Day Care Service. Janet has Multiple Systems Atrophy which is associated with the degeneration of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. This cell degeneration causes problems with movement, balance, and other autonomic functions of the body such as bladder control or blood-pressure regulation.

“When I was first told about the Day Care at the Hospice I wasn’t sure, as at only 62 I thought everyone may be older than me and we wouldn’t have anything in common. How wrong I was, as I immediately clicked with a 75 year old and we’ve become best mates! I walk with the help of a walker as my movements are very unsteady and I shuffle, but when I started on the labyrinth, I felt like I was taller and more graceful. I stoop as part of my condition, but I felt myself straighten, and it was like I was ice-skating. I’ve never been graceful in my life but everyone watching commented on how graceful I was.

I was aware of other people in the room, but they didn’t disturb my thoughts as I progressed around the lines. I felt quite lost in myself. It was amazing. I would recommend it to anyone. “

Its going to be bigger, better and earlier! Our Midnight Walk has a new name and a new start time – The Starlight Walk! We had lots of comments following last year’s event about you all needing your beauty sleep, so we have changed the start time to 10pm. It’s the same route and the same start point, at Fanshawe Pool and Gym in Ware so don’t delay, sign up today.Take advantage of our “early bird” entry price. Sign up before 28th February for just £13 per adult or £10 per child. www.isabelhospice.org.uk

Starlight WalkSaturday 29th June

See enclosed application form

The Major, South, Tunbridge Wells, 9th March 2013All of The Major courses are hilly, wet, muddy, dirty, challenging and fun! You can guarantee you’ll be laughing your way around the course with your running comrades and that your trainers will never look the same again!

The Major course is about 10 - 12km and Military Instructors will be located at all major obstacles or difficult sections on the course to help you through and keep you motivated.

We are an affiliated charity partner - any one interested in taking part in this event should book their place directly and choose Isabel Hospice from the list of charities listed to support. www.majorseries.com

Are you reAdy to tAke on the

MAjor’s ChAllenge for IsAbel hospICe?

Bill and the handheld

labryinth

Our Day Care

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Corporate Care News

Barclays Bank hands on approachThe Barclays Bank Herts and Essex Mortgage team visited our In-Patient Unit to work on a project making one of the bedrooms look as good as new! Tracey Dodd, Citizenship Manager for the Eastern Region said “We are delighted to be working with the Hospice again following our redecoration of their counselling rooms in 2011. Helping our local community and supporting vulnerable people is something we are passionate about.” Emma Lippiatt said “Barclays are great Hospice supporters. To commit such a large team for a whole day was fantastic. We find it best to offer companies a variety of ways in which they can help us. Monetary donations and event sponsorship are very much appreciated, but sometimes businesses prefer a more ‘hands on’ approach. We would like to thank them for all their support.”

Celebrating a move!In celebration of moving to new 10,000 square feet of premises, TASS Enterprise (Transport and Storage Solutions) hosted a charity fundraiser at their new Hertford warehouse. They raised more than £450 at their celebration. TASS was launched by Hertford businesswoman Lynn Bound in 2007. Originally based on the outskirts of Hertford the company has grown so significantly over the years that Lynn recently relocated.

Christmas Window CompetitionThe Hospice’s 2012 window competition in Bishop’s Stortford, was won by a new shop to the town, Consortia. It was supported by Coopers of Stortford, the Herts & Essex Observer and Price Bailey. Natalie Gomez from Consortia beat off 26 other entrants. The judges were the Observer editor Paul Winspear, deputy mayor Cllr Janice Elliott, fellow town councillor Gillian Campbell, Deborah Dobson of Right Angle Design Consultants and Emma Lippiatt.Christmas Networking with HeartAround 60 people attended our Christmas networking drinks party in The Priory, Ware. Thanks to everyone who attended. Book on-line for the networking events in 2013. www.the1stthursday.com www.the3rdthursday.comJail & BailA brand new fundraising challenge is taking place on 1st March. Jail cages are going up in The galleria in Hatfield, The Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City and Jackson Square in Bishop’s Stortford. Around 30 well known local faces will be locked up. Their mission is to raise £1,000 bail money in order to be released! All they can take to jail with them is their mobile phone and a contact list. Sounds fun doesn’t it? Keep an eye on our website for up to date details of who the ‘Convicts’ will be! You might want to make a donation to release them, or maybe even a donation to prolong their stay! If you would like to be jailed contact Emma.

Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors - Why we support Isabel HospiceEach year the staff nominate and vote for a Charity of the Year. In 2012 there was a clear front runner, Isabel Hospice! With offices in Hertford, Ware, Harlow and Loughton and staff of around 100 we were struck by how many people here had been directly affected and ultimately assisted by the Hospice. We heard from our colleagues how the Hospice had provided invaluable care to loved ones, with the nurses being described as ‘angels’. They said that they “wouldn’t have got through the day without their calmness, experience, empathy and kind thoughts for us all”. It is clear that the Hospice is a truly remarkable place and the care that everybody there and in the community receives from the “fantastic and courageous nurses” is second to none. As a local business we are conscious of our corporate social responsibility, but this works best when the whole firm gets behind the charity and really supports the fundraising initiatives. We are lucky enough to have that again this year. Our support for the Hospice is only strengthened and assisted by the relationship we have built up with both Emma and Lisa Seccombe, the Hospice Director of Fundraising and Public Relations. They are quite simply brilliant, their fundraising ideas and general enthusiasm for the Hospice knows no bounds. Attwaters Jameson Hill is proud to support Isabel Hospice and we look forward to continuing and expanding on this in the months to come.

An exciting new event!Hanbury Manor Charity Golf Day23rd MayHeld at the prestigious Hanbury Manor, Ware. Three course lunch and auction. £600 per team. Practice round available 2 weeks prior to the event. Contact Emma Lippiatt for details.

Emma Lippiatt Corporate Relationship Managere: [email protected]: 01707 382547

Here is just a snap shot of some of the help we have and are currently receiving from our corporate supporters.

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Ain’t no mountain high enough for our supporters as they take on a challenge of a lifetime in November by trekking to Everest Base Camp. The 16 day trip will go through some of the world’s most spectacular and beautiful landscapes, and will raise thousands of pounds.Emma Lippiatt, Corporate Relationship Manager for the Hospice said “We are very excited to be able to offer this incredible challenge. What a wonderful opportunity to be able to see the sights of Nepal, push yourself to the limit and support Isabel Hospice all at the same time! The trek takes you through the homelands of the Sherpa

people, among their villages and Buddhist monasteries, with distant views of Everest and neighbouring Ama Dablam, considered by many to be among the most beautiful mountains in Nepal.Without doubt, the highlight for most will be the awe-inspiring views which unfold from the summit of Kala Pattar, the chaotic ice sculptures of the Khumbu Glacier, and the base camp of Everest itself. The trip includes two important acclimatisation days to allow the trekkers to adjust to the increasing changes in altitude and to

do some local exploring.

One acclimatisation day is spent at Namche Bazaar, the bustling market town in the heart of the Sherpa country, and the other at Pheriche, a cluster of houses set among the high summer grazing pasture of the region.Each day’s trek is between 5 and 8 hours, culminating on day 11 at Base Camp Everest. If you want to sign up or find out more please contact Emma Lippiatt at on 01707 382500 or email: [email protected]

On the 24th September 2011 I lost my wonderful husband to bowel cancer after a long and sometimes painful journey that had lasted 2 1/2 years.During his last days we were fortunate enough to experience the home care that was offered by Isabel Hospice and I cannot thank them enough for the tenderness, care and dignity that they gave to Alex that day. At the time the care was only available at weekends and several months later I decided that I would like to raise money for the Hospice to see if the service could be extended.Luck would have it that around that time the Hospice newsletter, Care News, arrived on my doorstep and inside were various challenges. I fancied the parachute jump

but was unavailable that day. However there was a Sahara Challenge that would depart on 7th October 2012. I took it as a sign as the 7th October 2011 was the date of Alex’s funeral.

So on the 7th October my friend Diana and I set off on our trek. We departed Heathrow for Marrakech with our desert kit borrowed and begged from friends and family and full of nerves. Nerves were not necessary. That night we met up with our fellow trekkers and guide and looked forward to the week ahead. I learnt first hand what good work this money can do as there were two members of the Hospice team trekking with us and also raising money. They do a wonderful job.I had some real highs, and some other less favourite moments which had to be:•The encounter with the very large white

poisonous spider. Nerve racking when setting up your tent for the night, and the Berber guide explaining the spiders normally don’t travel alone (not funny!) so zip up your tent!

•The lack of a decent toilet (and actually most of the time the lack of a toilet full stop!)

•My horrendous blisters•Constantly irritating flies•The sore backs and hips from sleeping

on the ground that made us feel like old ladies (no comments please!).

Things I missed so much, a chair, bed, running water and a toilet in that order!!However, the highs so significantly outweighed the lows. The warmth of the local

people when they had nothing, the sunny smiles and welcomes we received and the sense we were making a difference. The stars were amazing, and made us feel very small and insignificant when lying and looking at our very own planetarium every night. The incredibly hair raising journey through the Atlas Mountains and feeling so far from home in a mysterious and exotic land, pretty cool to be trekking 40km from the Algerian border and 52 days by camel to Timbuktu!! The exhilarating feeling of standing on top of a sand dune and realising you really are in the middle of the desert.We talked and laughed constantly during the trip. We talked about how strange it was that if Alex hadn’t passed away I would never have done a trip like this, but what an amazing experience. We chuckled that he would be saying - blimey girls why didn’t you just go to a spa?!I’ve now got the bug for adventure and I am wondering what next?

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Cycling for RobLondon2Paris… and backSisters Katie and Georgia Lewis took part in an epic cycle ride to raise money for the Hospice who are currently providing care for their uncle, Welwyn Garden City man Rob Clough (64). Rob has Motor Neurone Disease and attends our Day Care at Hall Grove once a week. Katie and Georgia cycled the 500 miles from London to Paris and back again, and raised an amazing total of over £2,000. They set off from Buckingham Palace cycling via Chichester to Newhaven. They then took the night ferry to Dieppe before a 4:30am start to

get to Forges-les-Eaux. From there they travelled to Boisemont and then into Paris and the Eiffel Tower. They had a few days in Paris before beginning the return trip home. Katie said “We had an incredible time and were so moved by all the support we’ve been shown - it was a great motivator to think that every mile we cycled was effectively an extra pound each in the bag for a wonderful charity close to our hearts.”If you would like to show your appreciation for their efforts, you can do so at:

www.justgiving.com/Georgia-and-Katie-London2Paris

If you would like to show your appreciation

PaymentCheque I enclose a cheque for £ made payable to Isabel Hospice.

Credit / Debit Card I authorise payment of £

Card No: Start Date: Expiry Date:

Security Code: Please tick box if you would like a receipt

Signed: Date:

Disclaimer: Before registering for this event entrants must be in good health to participate. Riders who have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about their health should seek medical advice before submitting their registration form. Isabel Hospice and sponsors of ‘On Your Bike/Sunday Cycle Ride’ cannot be held liable for personal injury, loss or damage caused or sustained during participation in this event. Routes are carefully planned and marshalled and whilst Isabel Hospice has taken all reasonable precautions to eliminate the risk of injury, as with any activity it carries minimal risk and all riders must be aware that they take part at their own risk. All riders must ensure that their bicycles are in a roadworthy condition and they must observe the rules of the Highway Code. Isabel Hospice reserves the right to remove any participant who does not abide by the rules.

Signed: Date:

Bike Rides for Isabel Hospice – two to choose from, or do both!

To enter either or both of the bike rides above, complete the form and return to us at Isabel Hospice, 61 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JR.

Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club, Hadham Road, Herts CM23 2QE.This annual cycle ride now has a new 100km route! The event is open to teams, individuals and families. Starting and finishing at the Bishop's Stortford Rugby Club, there are now three distances to choose from: 25km, 50km and 100km. BBQ and refreshments available to purchase.Early bird Entry £10 per adult & £3 per child (under 14) until end of Feb Entry up to 17th May £15 per adult & £5 per childOn the day £20 per adult & £10 per childPlease sign me up for On Your Bike 25K 50K 100K

Individual Team Name

Team Name

No. in team No. of adults No. of children (under 14)

Address

Email

Tel No

Woolmer Green Village Hall, Hall Lane, Nr. Datchworth SG3 6XA.Back by popular demand, this event is great for families and friends. You can take part in a 10/25 or 50 mile circuit through country lanes in aid of the Hospice. Adults £12, children aged 12 and under £3. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. BBQ and refreshments available to purchase. Enter our ‘Pimp your Ride’ Competition and win an iPad.Adults £12, Children (12-16) £3 and kids under 12 go free.Please get sponsorship for Isabel Hospice!Please sign me up for Sunday Cycle Ride 10 mile 25 mile 50 mile

Individual Team Name

Team Name

No. in team No. of adults 12-16s 12 & under

Address

Email

Tel No

Sunday 12th May Sunday 19th May


Staff from Daniel Robinson & Sons recently fundraised for Isabel Hospice to provide two new chairs to be used for complementary therapies for the patients and their family members who attend the Hospice’s Day Care sessions at the Barnabas Centre in Thorley. They raised money in memory of colleague Chris Lynn, a popular Funeral Manager.Nigel Appleby, Senior Manager, from Daniel Robinson & Sons said “Everyone about town knew Chris, he was a lovely man and great character. He had around 400 people at his funeral, held at the St Barnabas Centre, a real testament to the man he was.”Lyn said “When Chris was diagnosed with cancer his reaction was one that his friends, family and work colleagues would have expected from him… he kept positive. He loved life, he wasn’t ready to die and even after his diagnosis of stomach cancer, he carried on going to work. However, when the cancer spread, and when all treatments and clinical trials proved unsuccessful, we were referred to Isabel Hospice. We regularly saw an Isabel Hospice Clinical Nurse Specialist and began to attend the Barnabas Centre Day Care. “Everyone from Isabel Hospice was welcoming and calm. I was so impressed by

what they could do for Chris that I just wanted to tell the world about it. We could talk to nursing staff and sat with

the volunteers and had the opportunity to do some craft and art activities. Chris also enjoyed the complementary therapies he received, including aromatherapy massages.

Chris’ colleagues at Daniel Robinson & Sons were just marvellous. They arranged for cars to bring him to and from the Hospice Day Care whenever I wasn’t attending. They also sent a car and driver to take us up to London for his treatments. Nothing was too much trouble.”Emma Lippiatt, Corporate Relationship Manager for Isabel Hospice said “Our volunteers and staff are very grateful for the donation of the chairs. They are extremely comfortable and tilt back to enable the patient to get into just the right position for the therapist. Daniel Robinson & Sons are wonderful supporters of Isabel Hospice.”

Photo - Jackie Walsh complementary therapist, Lyn Lynn, Joanne Dellow (Daniel Robinson) Julia Moodey (Isabel Hospice Clinical Nurse Specialist), Nigel Appleby (Daniel Robinson), Emma Lippiatt.

“ Chair-itable” donation

“When Chris was diagnosed with cancer his reaction was one that his friends, family and work colleagues would have expected from him… he kept positive. He loved life.”

Dickens Christmas Ball met Great Expectations!Guests in splendid Victorian dress attended the Dickens Ball at Capel Manor celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Hospice.The evening conjured up Dickens’s world with the reception marquee decorated as a Victorian tavern “The Three Cripples” with Miss Havisham from Great Expectations seated, waiting, at her wedding breakfast table. The dining marquee was a candlelit delight; dressed in gold and burgundy with Christmas wreaths surrounding the candelabras.There was nothing Scrooge like about the evening with plenty of good food and wine, a champagne reception and scintillating entertainment. The MC dressed as Mr Fezzywig introduced the evening in Victorian style and after dinner the guests were entertained with highlights from the musical Oliver performed by Phoenix Theatre Arts. Guests packed the casino tables and danced to the live band Roller Coaster.The silent Auction had fabulous prizes including a stay in a house in Barbados which raised £8,500 and a Rocking Horse which sold for £1,550, and will be named “Isabel” by the new owner.Guests included Paul Winspear Editor of the Herts Essex Observer, Quinton McKellar Vice Chancellor University of Hertfordshire, Helen Dodd Director of Hospice Services, Lisa Seccombe Director of Fundraising and Public Relations and Matt Seccombe Director of Trading.The organiser Barbara Doherty MBE Isabel Hospice President said “This was a very special evening, the marquees looked beautiful in their Christmas splendour & the food by Caterers Carte Blanche was wonderful. I would like to thank all the sponsors and donors for their generosity and my Committee for all their hard work. Guests were very generous on the night and I hope to have raised many thousands for Isabel Hospice.” Photos Richard Clarke Photography

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Many people think that only the very wealthy leave money to charity in their Wills, but over the years Isabel Hospice has been the beneficiary of various legacies made by ordinary people, people who simply care very much about the work of the Hospice. Here you will read about just such a person, a man whose gift to the Hospice will help us to provide support within the very community for which he cared so passionately.Gordon Travis, a key figure in the Goffs Oak community, sadly passed away in April 2011. During his lifetime Gordon had been a staunch supporter of various charities, with a particular passion for healthcare. He was hugely community spirited and a great believer in doing good; his voluntary work included fighting to get the GP practice in Goffs Oak opened, as well as being part of the NHS patient forum, and right up until his death he was involved with the local cottage hospital. Gordon was full of admiration for organisations such as hospices, recognising the importance of their work and realising the challenges that face them in terms of funding. On his death this generous spirit continued to shine through, with several significant bequests to healthcare charities, including one to Isabel Hospice. His goddaughter

Peggy said “Right until the end, Gordon lived his life for other people. Healthcare was something he was incredibly passionate about. He was an inspiration and had an influence on all our lives”.Gordon had supported the Hospice for many years by remembering his late wife, Yvonne, at the annual Lights of Love service in Cheshunt. Although Yvonne hadn’t been in the care of the Hospice, he took great comfort from the service each year, and after his death, Peggy found the silver stars, which he collected each year, tucked in his diary. Gordon’s generous gift will help to pay for our Community Team of Clinical Nurse Specialists who provide end of life care for over 1,100 patients in their own homes each year. His legacy will enable us to provide support in the local community for which he cared so greatly, and we are enormously grateful to him for supporting the Hospice’s work in this way.Legacies are hugely important to Isabel Hospice and help to ensure the sustainability of our services for future generations. For more information on how you can remember Isabel Hospice in your Will, please call Charity Warnes on 01707 382544.

Charity WarnesDeputy Director of Fundraising

We are extremely grateful to The Garfield Weston Foundation for their £20,000 funding of our Respite Service which was launched in 2011. This funding enables us to offer short admissions of 4 days and 3 nights to patients known to Isabel Hospice, which means that their carers can have a much needed break, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being well cared for.

Trusts & Grants News

Lasting Legacies and Silver Stars

Thank you to all the charitable trusts and foundations which have supported Isabel Hospice. If you are a Trustee or have links to a charitable trust or foundation and would be interested in supporting

Isabel Hospice, please call Charity Warnes on 01707 382544.

The James Tudor Foundation recently awarded Isabel Hospice a grant of £15,000 which will help fund our newly restructured Hospice at Home service, enabling patients to be cared for in their own home at the end of life if this is their wish. Thanks to this and other funding, we have now been able to extend this service from 4 to 7 days a week. We greatly appreciate the support that The James Tudor Foundation has given to Isabel Hospice in recent years, enabling us to develop and expand our services.

Gordon with Peggy’s son Toby

Isabel Hospice, Head Office, 61 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1JR Tel: 01707 382500

www.isabelhospice.org.ukRegistered Charity No. 1046826

4th-8th March 2013Have you been putting off making or updating your Will?

Now you have an opportunity to ensure that your family and loved ones are properly provided for whilst also donating to Isabel Hospice!

Make A Will Week

*Please note that this offer applies to simple Wills or Mirror Wills. More complex Wills may incur a charge.

Local solicitors will prepare or amend your Will, and instead of charging a fee, they will invite you to make a donation to Isabel Hospice.*

In order to make an appointment, contact any participating solicitor from the list opposite and quote ‘Isabel Hospice Make A Will Week’.

Book now to avoid disappointment, as some solicitors are only able to offer a limited number of appointments!

For further information about Make a Will Week or including Isabel Hospice in your Will, please call Charity Warnes on 01707 382544.

Bishop’s StortfordLever & Co Solicitors and Notary Public25B White Horse CourtNorth Street, CM23 2LDTel: 01279 758760 or 07957 377587Pellys RJPSworders CourtNorth StreetCM23 2TNTel: 01279 758080Tees Solicitors6 High StreetCM23 2LUTel: 01279 755200Whiskers LLPThe Folly18 Hadham RoadCM23 2QRTel: 01279 439439

BroxbourneBraddon & Snow SolicitorsRiverside HouseStation Road EN10 7ATTel: 01992 467479

Maddersons Solicitors97 High RoadEN10 7BNTel: 01992 444421

CheshuntBreeze & WylesTurners Hill Chambers1 Albury Grove RoadEN8 8XRTel: 01992 642333CurwensCollege HouseCollege Road, EN8 9BLTel: 01992 631461CuffleyAngela LeverLever & Co Solicitors and Notary PublicTel: 01279 758760 or 07957 377587

EnfieldBernard Pearce & Co626A Hertford RoadEnfield Highway EN3 5TGTel: 020 8804 5271CurwensCrossfield HouseGladbeck WayEN2 7HTTel: 020 8363 4444

Goffs OakGisby HarrisonGoffs Oak HouseGoffs Lane EN7 5HGTel: 01707 878300

Hertford Betteridges25A London RoadSG13 7LGTel: 01992 505406Braddon & Snow Solicitors23A Fore StSG14 1DJTel: 01992 536503Duffield Harrison27-29 Fore StreetSG14 1DJTel: 01992 587065Garden House Solicitors23 London RoadSG13 7LGTel: 01992 422128Longmores Solicitors24 Castle StreetSG14 1HPTel: 01992 300333

HoddesdonBraddon & Snow SolicitorsMontagu House68 High StreetEN11 8HATel: 01992 464552Curwens19 High StreetEN11 8SXTel: 01992 463727

Duffield Harrison56 High StreetEN11 8EXTel: 01992 442911

Potters BarStanley de Leon45 Darkes LaneEN6 1BJTel: 01707 657277

SawbridgeworthMLC Solicitors36 Bell StreetCM21 9ANTel: 01279 722453

WareThe Probate Bureau3 Crane Mead Business ParkCrane Mead, SG12 9PZTel: 01920 443590

Welwyn Garden CityCrane & StaplesLongcroft HouseFretherne RoadAL8 6TUTel: 01707 329333Ewart Price1st Floor16-18 Church RoadAL8 6PSTel: 01707 332383HRJ Law1st Floor, Gate HouseFretherne RoadAL8 6RDTel: 01707 887700R A Savage & CoGate HouseFretherne RoadAL8 6NSTel: 01707 373037

Make a Will Week general poster A4 1 21/01/2013 09:56

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Isabel Hospice, Head Office, 61 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1JR Tel: 01707 382500

www.isabelhospice.org.ukRegistered Charity No. 1046826

4th-8th March 2013Have you been putting off making or updating your Will?

Now you have an opportunity to ensure that your family and loved ones are properly provided for whilst also donating to Isabel Hospice!

Make A Will Week

*Please note that this offer applies to simple Wills or Mirror Wills. More complex Wills may incur a charge.

Local solicitors will prepare or amend your Will, and instead of charging a fee, they will invite you to make a donation to Isabel Hospice.*

In order to make an appointment, contact any participating solicitor from the list opposite and quote ‘Isabel Hospice Make A Will Week’.

Book now to avoid disappointment, as some solicitors are only able to offer a limited number of appointments!

For further information about Make a Will Week or including Isabel Hospice in your Will, please call Charity Warnes on 01707 382544.

Bishop’s StortfordLever & Co Solicitors and Notary Public25B White Horse CourtNorth Street, CM23 2LDTel: 01279 758760 or 07957 377587Pellys RJPSworders CourtNorth StreetCM23 2TNTel: 01279 758080Tees Solicitors6 High StreetCM23 2LUTel: 01279 755200Whiskers LLPThe Folly18 Hadham RoadCM23 2QRTel: 01279 439439

BroxbourneBraddon & Snow SolicitorsRiverside HouseStation Road EN10 7ATTel: 01992 467479

Maddersons Solicitors97 High RoadEN10 7BNTel: 01992 444421

CheshuntBreeze & WylesTurners Hill Chambers1 Albury Grove RoadEN8 8XRTel: 01992 642333CurwensCollege HouseCollege Road, EN8 9BLTel: 01992 631461CuffleyAngela LeverLever & Co Solicitors and Notary PublicTel: 01279 758760 or 07957 377587

EnfieldBernard Pearce & Co626A Hertford RoadEnfield Highway EN3 5TGTel: 020 8804 5271CurwensCrossfield HouseGladbeck WayEN2 7HTTel: 020 8363 4444

Goffs OakGisby HarrisonGoffs Oak HouseGoffs Lane EN7 5HGTel: 01707 878300

Hertford Betteridges25A London RoadSG13 7LGTel: 01992 505406Braddon & Snow Solicitors23A Fore StSG14 1DJTel: 01992 536503Duffield Harrison27-29 Fore StreetSG14 1DJTel: 01992 587065Garden House Solicitors23 London RoadSG13 7LGTel: 01992 422128Longmores Solicitors24 Castle StreetSG14 1HPTel: 01992 300333

HoddesdonBraddon & Snow SolicitorsMontagu House68 High StreetEN11 8HATel: 01992 464552Curwens19 High StreetEN11 8SXTel: 01992 463727

Duffield Harrison56 High StreetEN11 8EXTel: 01992 442911

Potters BarStanley de Leon45 Darkes LaneEN6 1BJTel: 01707 657277

SawbridgeworthMLC Solicitors36 Bell StreetCM21 9ANTel: 01279 722453

WareThe Probate Bureau3 Crane Mead Business ParkCrane Mead, SG12 9PZTel: 01920 443590

Welwyn Garden CityCrane & StaplesLongcroft HouseFretherne RoadAL8 6TUTel: 01707 329333Ewart Price1st Floor16-18 Church RoadAL8 6PSTel: 01707 332383HRJ Law1st Floor, Gate HouseFretherne RoadAL8 6RDTel: 01707 887700R A Savage & CoGate HouseFretherne RoadAL8 6NSTel: 01707 373037

Make a Will Week general poster A4 1 21/01/2013 09:56

11


We were delighted that the two nominations we made for the Mercury & Observer newspaper Community Awards 2012 were successful.We nominated our very own volunteering dream team, Fred & Sylvia Hyland for the Volunteer of the Year award, and they won! We also nominated Hope Gilbert, and we were delighted when she was awarded Highly Commended for Carer of the Year.

Fred and Sylvia HylandThis couple started giving up their time to help our Hospice patients when they retired 12 years ago and have become much loved and respected members of the volunteer team.Sylvia is the smiling face of the In-Patient Unit reception once a week, and Fred drives patients from home to the Hospice’s Day Care Services. As if that wasn’t enough they also head up the garden volunteer team at the Day Care centre in Welwyn Garden City, keeping the garden neat, tidy and

glorious for the patients, their families and staff to enjoy.“I do love working in the garden” said Sylvia. “There is a real feeling of camaraderie and we all have a good laugh although we work hard, but my time spent on the reception at In-Patient Unit is something special.When patients and their families come to the IPU for the first time it can be such a frightening experience for them. I always make sure I greet them with a smile to try and ease the tension. It’s not unusual for the family member to be physically shaking as they sign their mum, dad, husband or wife into the visitors book.”Fred said, “2012 was a memorable year for so many. In our case starting on 3rd February with our Golden Wedding anniversary celebration. Sylvia and I receiving our volunteer award has been a delight, whilst having in mind other volunteers that do such good work in contributing to the needs of Isabel Hospice and indeed so many other great charities.Sylvia and I felt honoured to have been nominated and we accept the award on behalf of the strong Hospice volunteer force. The presentation

evening at Hanbury Manor, where we were supported by Jane Hollowday and our daughter Clare, was certainly enjoyed by all. We were spoilt by receiving a fantastic prize to see the musical Les Miserables coupled with a nights stay in a hotel wonderful!! We also received a fine glass engraved sculpture detailing our award. Thank you.”

Since retiring as a teacher in 1997, Hope Gilbert has given her time to help the patients and family members of the Hospice in many roles.Starting as a fundraiser with the Bishop’s Stortford Fundraising Support Group, where she undertook house to house fundraising collections for many years, Hope then added Bereavement Support to the way in which she helped those at the Hospice.“Although I still fundraise, in 2004 I wanted to do more on the patient care side as I truly think we as Isabel Hospice volunteers make a real difference. I decided to undertake the Hospice’s Bereavement Support

training and now go to the Day Care Service at the Barnabas Centre in Thorley once a week, meeting family members who have recently been bereaved.It is a real relief for them to go along; you can see that in them. They come when they have said all they can about their loss to their family and friends, and they can then talk to me, an impartial listener, who is not burdened by the emotion of it all. I am there simply listening and supporting them. They really need to tell their story and I know I am helping them by letting them do so, it’s a very rewarding experience.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering in any capacity, go to our website www.isabelhospice.org.uk or give us a ring on 01707 382500

Award Winning Volunteers!

Hope Gilbert

Photos courtesy of the Herts & Essex newspaper group12


Claire Powell was a volunteer at our Cuffley charity shop. She writes a blog called Sweet Charity about the joys of charity shops which will inspire any style conscious bargain hunter.“As someone usually found in a charity shop, either side of the counter, I would like to share the wonderful world of charity. I see them as palaces full of beautiful, original clobber at bargain prices. Whilst I am a strong advocate of shopping in these delightful stores, I am also a firm fan of working in them as well. Having volunteered in St Mary’s Hospice charity shop in Birmingham and more recently in Isabel Hospice charity shop in Cuffley.When I walk into Isabel Hospice shop to volunteer for the morning, I’m like a kid in a sweet shop. Not knowing what to focus on. First, I do a quick scout of the shop floor before moving into the back room to see what lovely delights I can feast my eyes on. As a self confessed hoarder, a charity shop is the ideal place for me. With every new sack brimming with endless amounts of interesting goodies, I get all the excitement of ripping them open to discover what’s inside, plus the delight of trying to place the contents ‘artistically’ on the shop floor, without having to add to my already packed wardrobe or cluttered bedroom.

Saying that though, I never fail to leave without buying at least one little gem that I really just can’t resist. However it’s not just the array of donations that make my time so enjoyable. Both the people I work with, most notably Teresa the Shop Manager, and also the visitors to the shop, both regular faces and newcomers, make every shift different. With such a mixture of ages gracing the shop floor, there’s a real sense of community spirit with everyone working together for such a good cause. Plus as so many volunteers are there giving up their free time, the back room is never without laughter as we all share in the weird and wonderful world of charity shop donations - honestly you really would be surprised what we get through those doors!!That same infectious feeling was also found when I spent the morning at the warehouse at Isabel Hospice’s head office in Welwyn Garden City. Grateful for anyone willing to lend a helping hand, I was welcomed into what I can only describe as ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ with open arms. Rows of clothes arranged in the most meticulous fashion, surrounding beautiful antique furniture with books piled high – you name it, the warehouse has got it.

Luckily for me, volunteering with Isabel Hospice is such a pleasant experience that when I walk out I not only get the buzz of having spent such an enjoyable, unpredictable morning but I also get that lovely feeling of knowing I have helped such a worthwhile charity. It’s a win win situation! So if you’ve got a morning spare, why don’t you find out how you can get involved with Isabel Hospice near you.”Thanks for volunteering when you could Claire! To find out about volunteering in our shops, call 01707 382500. Please continue to donate to our shops to keep rails and shelves full of bargains.

We will be opening a new shop in the coming weeks to compliment the work of our existing shop in Stonehills. The shop in Fretherne Road will be able to sell larger items of furniture than we are able to accommodate in our existing Welwyn Garden City shop.For more information or to make a donation of items for sale, call our Trading Team on: 01707 382500

All the items Claire is modelling were bought from either Isabel Hospice or other charity shops.

Astrakhan coat £50 in Isabel Hospice Cuffley shop.

Vintage Jaeger skirt £8 Peace Hospice, Chorleywood

Topshop dress £7 in Isabel Hospice Cuffley shop

Guy Laroche Jacket £6,

Blouse £3, Bag £5 from St Mary’s

Hospice shop Selly Oak

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New shop opening in Welwyn Garden City

Charity ShopsA fresh look at our Aladdin’s caves


Saturday 16th MarchBook a swim slot between 5pm -10pm

(1hr maximum)

Take on the

1 mile challenge!

Haileybury Swimming Pool, Hertford Heath SG13 7NU

Swim as a team or individual!

Take on the Take on the Take on the

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

mile challenge!

or swim as few or as

many lengths as you like

TEL: 01707 382500www.isabelhospice.org.uk

Care News Ad.indd 1 18/12/2012 12:13

Have you signed up for Gift Aid?Please be aware that from 1st January 2013, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have changed the wording as to what constitutes a valid Gift Aid declaration.From that date, for a Gift Aid declaration to be valid, the donor must indicate that they understand the following:•That they have paid enough Income

and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover the amount that all charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) they donate to will reclaim for that tax year

•That Council Tax and VAT do not count when considering how much tax the donor has paid

•That the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that the donor gives.

As explained in the article “New guidance on Gift Aid declarations: What charities need to do” published by www.hmrc.gov.uk,“It has always been the case that the donor must pay enough tax to cover all of their charitable donations and not just

the donations made to that particular charity at that particular time.The mandatory information on the forms ensures that the donor is making an informed declaration, and understands that the Gift Aid declaration is not valid if they have not paid enough tax to cover all the donations they make under Gift Aid, not just those to one charity or CASC.”Isabel Hospice has updated all publications where claiming Gift Aid is an option, to ensure we comply.Please note that if you have already filled in an enduring Gift Aid declaration (i.e. for all donations until you let us know otherwise) then there is no need to supply a new declaration. However, if you would like to complete a new form with the new mandatory wording then please go to our website and download the form at www.isabelhospice.org.ukGift Aid is a vital source of income for the Hospice at no additional cost to you.

Christmas Card Competition If you would like to submit a photo or a piece of artwork for our Christmas Card Competition, please contact:

Jenny Burke [email protected] or call 01707 382500. Entries to be submitted by May 10th.

If your design is chosen, the cards will be sold in all our Hospice shops and online from October.

One of last years winning designs

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Name Caralyn RobinsonPosition within the Hospice Ebay AssistantDate when joined Hospice 3rd Dec 2012Where do you live? Welwyn Garden CityLast book read: 1984 By George Orwell.Favourite Journey: I have been told that I am not allowed to say “skipping into work in the morning” but I don’t really travel.Where in the world is your favourite place to visit? Paignton, Devon.Happiest when: I am happiest when with my family.Favourite Food: Indian, Chicken Madras.Most memorable day: When my husband and I re-took our wedding vows on our 10th anniversary.Favourite ever film: It’s a Wonderful Life, James Stewart is yum!What would be your desert island luxury? Solar powered music player, I could not live without music.

What is the most surprising thing that has ever happened to you? My children constantly surprise me with their amazing personalities, they are such fun.Name one ambition you would like to realise before you retire To see the ebay team grow and to help increase the takings beyond expectations.What is the proudest achievement in your working life? Getting this post.Sweet or Savoury? Savoury.If you weren’t in your present job, what would you like to have been? If I drove I would have loved to have been a Health Visitor or District Nurse.What are your hobbies? Reading, Sudoku puzzles, watching films and walking.

Our Isabel Hospice ebay shop is going from strength to strength, selling anything and everything, from a Cornish crabbing boat, to a vintage Laura Ashley dress. Caralyn Robinson joins Lee Petite in the ebay team. Why not have a look at what they’re selling this week! www.isabelhospice.org.uk

Getting to Know

Saturday 16th MarchBook a swim slot between 5pm -10pm

(1hr maximum)

Take on the

1 mile challenge!

Haileybury Swimming Pool, Hertford Heath SG13 7NU

Swim as a team or individual!or swim as few or as

many lengths as you like

TEL: 01707 382500www.isabelhospice.org.uk

Care News Ad.indd 1 18/12/2012 12:13

You

One of last years winning designs

Check out Isabel on

We

need

your feet!

We have places in a few

running events this year,

so if you would like one,

contact: Maria Alexander

on 01707 382500.

25-26th MayLondon To Brighton Challenge -100km, walk it, run it, your challenge your way! Most will walk the 100km, some will jog and others will take it on as an Ultra-Marathon! However you decide to tackle it, do it for Isabel Hospice. Participants should book directly and commit to raising £400 for Isabel Hospice. www.london2brightonchallenge.comSunday 14th AprilBrighton Marathon – We have 3 spaces which are being sold on a first come first served basis. It is a £45 entry fee and you must commit to raising £500 for the Hospice.Sunday 15th SeptemberGreat North Run - 1/2 marathon. We have 9 places available. No minimum sponsorship.

Maria Alexander [email protected]

When five members of the Isabel Hospice In-Patient Unit nursing staff were asked to re-organise the stock-keeping facilities in five key areas on the end-of-life care unit, they knew that they had their work cut out! Plus the fact that they needed to do it within a very tight budget!Nurses John Beazley, Tracey Bryant, Caroline Kadim, Denise Murray and Sarah White, discussed storage ideas and tactics and after some research agreed that it was going to be a difficult task if they were to keep costs to a minimum.The stock needed to be kept in sealed, easily cleanable containers of varying sizes which meant the solution was going to be lidded plastic boxes. The nurses then came up with a brainwave and decided to ask local shopkeepers for help. They turned to a Welwyn Garden City shop, “Future Gifts”.Denise and Sarah visited the shop one afternoon and explained their plight. The shop owner Anthony Clements had the sizes of boxes that were needed and was most apologetic that he could only give the nurses a small discount initially. They returned to his shop several times whilst off duty and purchased many more boxes, now at a discount of nearly 50%!Sarah White said “Our task of a Productive Ward is now complete. Our storage areas are neat and tidy. Every box is labelled and it is much easier to find what we need when we are busy.

Boxing Clever forHospice Nurses

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Thank you to all those who attended our 8 Lights Of Love Ceremonies and all those who took part. Your continuing support for the Hospice is much appreciated. ‘Grief is not forever, but love is’ (Anon) and this love shines through as every tree is lit. The ceremonies raised around £35,000.

The annual Jingle Bells & Bows Fun Run & Walk saw 249 people run and walk around Stanborough Lakes in a variety of festive costumes. Thanks to our sponsor John Lewis Welwyn and everyone who helped us raise nearly £6,000.

The Chadwell After 8’s finished off their year of fundraising with a donation of £1,000. Thanks to Shirley Storey and all her group for their continuing support. Their next event is an Auction of Promises on 15th March, see page 19.

Bishop’s Stortford health and beauty salon and spa, Urban Spa & Elements hair held Christmas Shopping Evening at the Water Lounge. Thanks to Jackie Colman and her staff for all their fundraising over the years.

Thanks to all our amazing trekkers who took part in our Sahara Challenge in October. Please see page 7.

“There are so many people and businesses that help the Hospice throughout the year; we are grateful fo each and every one. Here is a snapshot of some fundraising events that have taken place since the last issue of Care News that we hope will inspire you. We would like to thank everyone that has helped us.”Lisa Seccombe Director of Fundraising & Public Relations

You made it happen

Lindsey Peters from Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness is our very own Duracell Bunny! She does warm ups for our events and led our Midnight Walk and The Kardy-O-Fun Party has been organised in aid of Isabel Hospice and Rosemary Conley’s charity and was led by the man who created Kardy-O-Fun, the charismatic international fitness instructor Kardy Laguda.

Bells & Bows – Thanks to Martin Vella and the directors of Pexhurst for the £2,000 donation to cover our Bells & Bows promotion. Thanks also to all our collectors who stood in freezing weather around our area and those members of the public who gave so generously!

Thanks to Gary Collier who raised over £5,000 when he Ran To The Beat for the Hospice. Thanks also to everyone who has put on a pair of trainers and run to raise money for the Hospice in various capacities throughout 2012!

55 members of staff from the Concerto Group took part in The Major Series in October, running through smelly mud, smoke, and water logged fields before finally having to climb a huge slippery slope, only to slide down the other side! Thanks guys, your stamina was amazing! They raised £15,703.14. To take part in this event in March, see page 5.

A host of musical events over the last few months have raised lots of money for us. Thanks to Ware Choral, Welwyn Garden City Band, Roselands School Choir from Hoddesdon, the Salvation Army for their carol concert, the Radlett Light Operatic Society, Three Valleys Male Voice Choir.

16


Annie Thomas celebrated her 60th birthday in 2012 and set about a year of fundraising. Thanks Annie, your continuing enthusiasm and energy is remarkable and much appreciated.

A Festive Care4ACuppa was held by Cllr Diane Hollebon raising £227.50. Thanks to all those who held the tea and coffee fundraisers throughout the year.

The Wind in the Willows charity night held at The Barn Theatre raised £643. Thanks to our friends at The Barn Theatre and everyone who came along.

Longstanding Hospice supporters Jan and Rod Leggetter had a wonderful fundraising year for the Hospice. The Ladies Golf Day held at Brocket Hall, Jan’s Ladies Luncheon and the 30th anniversary luncheon also held at Brocket Hall raised an amazing £16,675. Thank you to Rod, Jan and Brocket Hall who have done so much for us.

Hidden talent was on show at The Boars Head in Bishop’s Stortford. A fun packed night raised £83.60.

Thanks to Geoff Rawlings at Best Digital for supplying us with banners, signage and advertising pop-ups for free.

The Isabel Hospice Charity Golf Day held at Brocket Hall raised around £22,000.

Thank you to our auctioneer Stuart Storey and all those

who supported the event so generously. Thanks also to Simon Ragless who raised £5,600 from the golf day at Mill Green and Pierre Bleriot for raising £6,000 from his annual East Herts golf day. The Shamrock Club also held a golf day for the Hospice, raising £1,460. Amazing totals!

A team of complementary therapists from Hanbury Manor, led by Fay Fairbrother, came to our In-Patient Unit for the day, bringing a delicious lunch with them. They gave free treatments to our nurses, volunteers and patient’s family members. Thank you Fay and your team so much for your time.

We were very lucky to have benefitted from so many festive events running up to Christmas including the Hatfield House Christmas Market run by the Welwyn Hatfield Conservative Association, A Christmas Fair held at the Free Church Welwyn Garden City (£1,000) and an expanded Christmas Fair held at Wodson Park in Ware which raised around £2,700.

The Bum Ball held at The Manor of Groves, split its proceeds between the Hospice, Beating Bowel Cancer and CTRT. Thanks to Jane Redgrave for organising it and donating over £5,300 to the Hospice.

Thank you to Osprey for the donation of £50o and the fabulous handbag

Thanks to Mr James from Hadham Lodge for the donation of a 41lb Turkey which was supplied for use at our In-Patient Unit on Christmas Day.

“We would like to thank everyone who has sent a donation to Isabel Hospice. If you would like a receipt or an acknowledgement, please

remember to let us have your name and address”

17


Care4Acuppa is a fundraising campaign that runs throughout the summer. You hold a tea or coffee morning and help us to continue to provide care, with each cup you share. Here’s the story of Tara’s fundraiser - “I hosted a coffee morning at my house in Sawbridgeworth, with stalls selling jewellery, cards and clothes raising a fabulous £620. It was such a great morning and I am so grateful to those who came, baked and donated. I am very humbled by friends and families generosity. I lost my beautiful Mum to lung cancer in March 2009, she died on my birthday which I only see as a sign she was never to be forgotten.During her very short illness we, as a family, were assigned a wonderful Hospice Community Clinical Nurse Specialist called Lesley to help us with any issues, concerns or questions we had. She was fantastic and we all called on her during the terrible time when our hopes were fading. Throughout her illness my Mum was offered occupational therapy, beauty treatments, art classes and she was picked up weekly (by a volunteer) and taken to the Hospice’s day care centre. This gave my Dad the break he needed. Being a full time carer for someone you love is the most testing time of any 40 year marriage! On the day my Mum passed

away we managed to get her a bed in Isabel Hospice. The care we received was gentle and personal. The staff were everything you would hope for in such a desperate situation. That evening Lesley arrived at my Dad’s house to give him a hug!Before the loss of my Mum I’d taken part in three Moonwalks and had always donated to cancer charities (my Mum had beaten breast cancer some 22 years beforehand) once she passed I knew where any further donations were heading, Isabel Hospice!”If you would like a Care4ACuppa Fundraising pack, call Maria Alexander on 01707 382500 or apply for one on-line at www.isabelhospice.org.uk

FebruaryIf you visit the Snowdrops at Bennington Lordship (SG2 7BS) this month, a donation will be made to us. Entry: £5 per adult, £4 concessions (not Sundays), under 16s £2, under 12s free. Free parking, refreshments on sale. No dogs. Contact: 01438 86966812th FebruaryCoffee Morning - Markwell Pavilion in Bishop’s Stortford. 10.30am - noon. All welcome. Enquiries: 01279 75532016th FebruaryJumble Sale - Thundridge Village Hall. 2.30pm. 20p entry. Enquiries: 01920 462992March1st March Jail and Bail - see page 6.2nd March Charity Ball with The Overtures. Tickets £40, Black Tie, 4 course dinner. Civic Hall, Broxbourne. Call Stephanie on 07786 540395.4th - 8th MarchMake a Will Week - see page 11.9th MarchSome Enchanted Evening - The Hertford Rock Choir will be singing at Haileybury College Chapel as part of the year of fundraising by Annie Thomas. Box office: 01992 706229.12th MarchCoffee Morning - Markwell Pavilion in Bishop’s Stortford. 10.30am - noon. All welcome. Enquiries: 01279 755320

15th March Auction of Promises - held at Wodson Park, SG12 0HZ. Organised by The Chadwell After 8’s group. If you have a ‘promise’ you can auction or would like to attend, contact Shirley Storey on 01920 467194.16th MarchSunset Swim - see page 1423rd MarchJumble Sale - Thundridge Village Hall. 2.30pm. 20p entry. Enquiries: 01920 46299230th MarchSocial Dance - Newgate Street Village, SG13 8RA. A great evening of dance. Contact John Hankins on 01707 873894 for tickets. April9th AprilCoffee Morning - Markwell Pavillion in Bishop’s Stortford. 10.30am - noon. All welcome. Enquiries: 01279 75532012th April Quiz Night - Wodson Park, Ware. Call Cheryl on 01707 382500.27th April Civic Dinner - call Renee 01279 755320.27th AprilJumble Sale - Thundridge Village Hall. 2.30pm. 20p entry. Come and grab some bargains. Enquiries: 01920 46299228th AprilTeas in Gardens - Mackeyre End House, Harpenden, 14:00 - 17:00. Tel: 01279 755320

May4th - 6th MayThe Hertingfordbury Festival of Art & Colour - St Mary’s Church. Tel: 01992 58205312th MaySunday Cycle Ride - see page 8. 14th MayCoffee Morning - Markwell Pavilion in Bishop’s Stortford. 10.30am - noon. All welcome. Enquiries: 01279 75532019th MayOpen Gardens with teas at Great Munden House, Great Munden, near Ware by kind invitation of Mrs Bridget Wentworth-Stanley. Enquiries: 01279 755320On Your Bike - see page 8. 23rd MayCharity Golf Day at the prestigious Hanbury Manor, Ware. Three course lunch and auction. £600 per team. Practice round available 2 weeks prior to the event. Contact Emma Lippiatt on 01707 382500 or email: [email protected]. 26th MayOpen Gardens at 31 Mill Lane, Welwyn. Enquiries: 01279 755320. 14:00 - 18:00

Remembering my beautiful mum

Forthcoming Events For further information on any of the events listed below, go to www.isabelhospice.org.uk or call Fundraising on 01707 382500.

Emma, Isobelle, Brandon, Vinny and Ryan with The Hummer!

Confirmation Group and parishioners of Our Lady and St Vincent Potters Bar Catholic church with Daisy & Lily

The Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Eddie Rowland with Connor and Aaron


Old and new, there’s an event for you!There are a number of exciting fundraising events taking place in 2013. Tear out this page and return it to us, indicating which events you are interested in, or visit www.isabelhospice.org.uk for more information.First Name: Surname:

Address:

Postcode: Telephone: Mobile:

Email: I give Isabel Hospice permission to contact me by e-mail

A Special Isabel Hospice Christmas Party

Paradise Wildlife Park hosted a special Christmas party for children whose family members had been cared for by Isabel Hospice. The children that attended have all been bereaved; and the family have been or are currently being supported by the Hospice’s Family Support Team which includes childhood bereavement support.The day included a tour of the park to see the animals and see some of the shows, a lovely lunch, a ride in a Hummer and presents for all the children, donated by Tesco. The Hospice’s Family Support Team worked alongside Christine Austin, former secretary to the Mayor of Broxbourne to organise the special day which would not be the success it is without the support of many local companies and volunteers. Christine said “I would like to thank everyone who made it such a special day for the families including Paradise Wildlife Park who host the event and also sponsor and organise catering for the children. The Sampson Family who own Paradise Park have generously supported

each Christmas Party. The children love the animals and the freedom of the venue is perfect. Each year we have been supported by Tesco Head Office who generously provide vouchers for us to purchase lovely presents for each of the children.Purdy Ltd also support the party and for the past few years have provided each child with a disposal camera so they have a record and memories of their day. This year Adfero Limited (London) sponsored the limousine which this year was a huge white Hummer which the children and adults loved!Recently the Confirmation Group and parishioners of Our Lady and St Vincent Potters Bar Catholic church have run a wonderful Bazaar alongside the party. Helium Balloons were provided by St Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Cuffley. The faces of the children as they walked in and saw the balloons was magic. The Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Eddie Rowland kindly sponsored the adult buffet. This was much appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed by all those present.”

Forthcoming Events

Some Enchanted Evening - A concert at Haileybury - Saturday 9th MarchCome along to The Chapel to hear a concert by Hertford Rock Choir. Favourite songs will be performed from shows, operatic arias & duets. Tickets £15 .

Auction of Promises - Friday March 15thHeld at Wodson Park in Ware, this evening organised by The Chadwell After 8s is looking for ‘promises’ to auction and an audience to bid on them! Tick for more information or briefly outline a promise you can donate here:

Sunset Swim Saturday 16th March A fun family event. Swim as many or as few lengths as you like between 5pm & 10pm. See page 14.

Furneaux Pelham Village Walk - Sunday 9th JuneThis is a very enjoyable walk starting at The Brewery Tap. There will be a Hog Roast available to purchase afterwards in the pub garden.

Bark in The Park - Sunday 11th AugustCome along with your four legged friends for this sponsored Dog Walk. 3 Mile route, looping twice around Barclay Park, Hoddesdon. Fun stalls and a dog show on the day.

Chain Walk - Sunday 22nd SeptemberA series of simultaneous walks around our catchment area, each with a stop for a pub lunch. The perfect Sunday stroll from 5 miles to 22 miles. Tick for more information.

Evie & Callum enjoying their gifts from Father Christmas

Confirmation Group and parishioners of Our Lady and St Vincent Potters Bar Catholic church with Daisy & Lily

The Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Eddie Rowland with Connor and Aaron

Isabel Hospice Bereavement ServicesWe offer post bereavement support for children aged between 3 – 17 years old, whose family have had contact/support through Isabel Hospice either through the Day Care Services, our In-Patient Unit or Hospice at Home. This can be through a number of different approaches including counselling, family work and support in schools.We also hold twice yearly Children And Teenage Support (CATS) groups for children that have been bereaved in Hertfordshire. Not just those who have had friends/relatives cared for by the Hospice. This is held over 2 weeks for 4 hours each week for children of any type of bereavement.


Isabel Hospice contact detailsISABEL HOSPICE - HEAD OFFICE61 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 1JRTel: 01707 382500 Fax: 01707 382598

IN-PATIENT UNITHowlands, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 4HQ Tel: 01707 382500

DAY CARE SERVICESHall Grove, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 4PHTel: 01707 382500Day Care Hospice facilities at Thorley, Hoddesdon & Waltham Cross.

ISABEL HOSPICE TRADING LTD61 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 1JR Tel: 01707 382500

CHARITY SHOPSCheshunt - 92 Turners Hill, EN8 8LQ. Tel: 01992 630545Bishops Stortford - 6 Bridge Street, CM23 2JY. Tel: 01279 659551Buntingford - 34a High Street, SG9 9AQ. Tel: 01763 274904Cuffley - 3 Station Road, EN6 4HU. Tel: 01707 873346Hoddesdon - 124a High Street, EN11 8HD. Tel: 01992 467539Galleria Hatfield - 94 The Galleria, Comet Way, AL10 0YB Tel: 01707 272870Hertford - 37 Railway Street, SG14 1BA. Tel: 01992 504401Hatfield - 72 Town Centre, AL10 0JW. Tel: 01707 258602Welwyn Garden City - 29 Stonehills, AL8 6NA. Tel: 01707 334638Waltham Cross - 125 High Street, EN8 7AN. Tel: 01992 623291.Ware - 44 High Street, SG12 9BY. Tel: 01920 463959.

Website: www.isabelhospice.org.ukRegistered Charity No. 1046826

your contact detailsIf you would like to change your contact

details, please amend and return the preprinted address sheet that was at the

front this issue of Care News

WAYS TO HELP• By making a donation or regular donations

to Isabel Hospice (if appropriate a Gift Aid Donation. This enables us to benefit by an extra 25% at no extra cost to you).

• By making a gift in your Will to ensure our service will be here for future generations.

• By volunteering a few hours of your time each week or a few times a year. We can utilise your skills, whatever they are.

• By joining the Lottery.

• By donating goods to our shops.

Please call Lisa Seccombe for a chat if you would like to become involved in any way, on 01707 382500

Regular Giving is precious to usEvery day of every week of the year, Isabel Hospice provides specialist care for patients and their families living with cancer and other illnesses.To provide this service annually costs £4.2 million, of which we plan to raise £2.6 million from fundraising and trading, with £1.6 million coming from the NHS. To achieve this we rely heavily on the generosity of our supporters.By making a regular donation you can help us to be there for more people who need our care and support. This also means we can plan for the future with greater confidence. Ensuring the security of the Hospice means we will be there for future generations.Your Regular Gift will enable us to continue to help those living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

A regular giftPlease enter your full name and HOME* addressTitle: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other (circle relevant title)

First Name

Surname

Address

Post code

Telephone

Mobile

E-mail

If you would like us to contact you via email please tick here q*By entering your HOME address you enable us to claim Gift Aid, we CANNOT claim Gift Aid with any other address.

STAnDInG oRDER FoRmPlease cut out and return to: Fundraising, Isabel Hospice, 61 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1JRPlease pay Isabel Hospice £ monthly/quarterly/yearlyuntil further notice and debit my Account No: Bank sort code: / / Starting on**: / / **(please allow one month from today)

To the manager (bank name and address): Post code:

Signed: Date: Recipient Bank Details: Pay Co-operative Bank (08-02-28) for the credit of Isabel Hospice Account No. 65424870.

GIFT AID DEClARATIonPlease treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made

today q in the past 4 years q in the future q Please tick all boxes you wish to apply.I confirm that I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008.Signed:

Please print name in full:

Date:

To the bank: If this standing order is rejected, please return it to Isabel Hospice, 61 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL7 1JR.q I would like to receive information about Isabel Hospice.Isabel Hospice is registered under the Data Protection Act 1988. Your details will not be disclosed to any third part. ‘Thank you’

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care news - feb 2013

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