As families across Staffordshire and North Birmingham prepare for festive celebrations, a local hospice is issuing a heartfelt plea for support. St Giles Hospice has launched its annual Christmas Appeal, aiming to raise £416,000 to fund essential round-the-clock care for those who may be spending their final Christmas with loved ones.
A Community's Vital Support
With less than a quarter of its £10 million annual running costs covered by Government funding, St Giles Hospice depends heavily on the generosity of the local community. The charity is asking supporters to consider donating £30, which covers the cost of one hour of specialist care. This vital contribution helps ensure patients and their families can create precious final memories together during the festive period.
The hospice provides comprehensive 24-hour nursing care, medical support, and home visits throughout Christmas and the New Year. Last year, community donations were instrumental in securing the future of St Giles, enabling the continuation of these essential services.
Creating Christmas Magic Against the Odds
Kristie Dann, a nurse practitioner on the Inpatient Unit, shared a poignant example of how the hospice team works to create special moments. "We had one patient who was hoping to make it to Christmas," she recalled. "When it became clear this wasn't going to be possible, we brought Christmas forward for him."
The team decorated his room, played Christmas songs, and wore Santa hats while his family gathered around him. "Their eyes were filled with both joy and sadness as he opened a gift from his granddaughter," Kristie remembered. "These moments are simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, but they remind us exactly why we do this work."
Comfort and Compassion When It Matters Most
While many people celebrate during the festive season, the hospice team recognises this can be an especially difficult time for patients and their families. Leia Roden, deputy clinical lead in the Community Team, explained their approach: "Our nurses visit patients at home to bring comfort, compassion and care - we make certain that no one experiences Christmas in pain."
The hospice's support extends beyond immediate patient care to include families facing their first Christmas without loved ones. Jane Morris, senior family support worker in the Family Support and Wellbeing team, acknowledged the particular challenges of the season. "It's such a difficult time when the people who made Christmas magical are no longer there," she said. "We guide families through this period with care as they find their way forward."
Elinor Eustace, chief executive officer at St Giles Hospice, made a direct appeal to the public: "As you gather with your own loved ones this Christmas, we hope you'll spare a thought for local families who know this may be their last festive season together. Your support ensures we can be there for them during the most difficult time in their lives, providing the comfort and care they truly deserve."
Donations can be made in several ways: £30 funds an hour of specialist care, £60 covers a specialist nurse visit to a patient's home, and £128 funds a nurse for the entirety of Christmas Day. Supporters can donate online at www.stgileshospice.com/christmasappeal, by calling 01543 432538 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm, by texting 10XMAS to 70470 to donate £10, or by post to Christmas Appeal, St Giles Hospice, Fisherwick Road, Lichfield, WS14 9LH.
