Registered Charity No. 275913

LIVINGWITH DIGNITY Our news for our supporters

SIR TREVOR West Ham legend swaps claret and blue for hospice orange. Read more on page 4

TO THE CHURCH ON TIME! ROYAL RECOGNITION How we made a grandmother's wedding Queen awards British Empire Medal to wish come true volunteer hospice chaplain, Sister Philomena

WE ARE FAMILY ART, FREEDOM AND CREATIVITY The importance of family time when The impact of our new art group on young someone special is seriously ill people experiencing grief Welcome to your Spring edition of Living With Dignity magazine.

You receive this magazine because you are one of our The past six months have seen us continue to innovate highly-valued supporters. We work hard to make sure we so that our services meet the demand and expectations tell you the most important news and inspirational stories of the people we look after. Read on page 6 about the about your charity. I love using this process as a chance to launch of Pemberton Place and the extra-special guests refl ect on everything we have achieved - with thanks to who joined us (clue on the cover!) and our wonderful you. I hope you fi nd it a good read. new art therapy group on page 5.

We’re experiencing increasing demand for our You’ll fi nd no fi ner example of the personalised and community services. More of our patients have a thoughtful care we give than that of Joyce, whose story life-limiting condition other than cancer, and we’re you will fi nd on page 4. She was seriously poorly on the noticing more family members and loved ones need day of her grand-daughter’s wedding, but our staff made emotional support. As such, the backing that you and our sure she got to the service on time! community provides is paramount. Kwabena’s story on page 8 reminds us how important it April sees the start of a new fi nancial year, when we is that we look after not only the patient, but also those wipe the slate clean and start raising income to fund the closest to them too. His wife’s story has formed part of next 12 months. We need to generate well over £8m in our spring appeal and will help us raise more money so voluntary income to cover our running costs, so we can we can continue to help families, like his. be there when local people need us. Living With Dignity features stories to be proud of, but In addition to the challenges I mentioned earlier, we’re they serve only as an example of the work our teams fi nding that fundraising is getting tougher. We need our do every day of the year - and that is thanks to you, for supporters’ help more than ever. If you’re in the middle of being by our side. Long may it continue. a gruelling training regime for a fi tness challenge or your business is hosting a charity day or you’ve thrown a few Pam Court, CEO. coins into a tin (or anything else!); thank you for allowing us to keep telling stories like those in this magazine.

Top L-R: A wheely good time! Frankie's Car Show proved a great success at Ford Dunton Technical Centre. Our volunteer photographer, Nevil, joined us for our Light Up a Life Service at the Hospice. Story teller Gyles Brandreth charmed as the guest speaker at our Ladies Lunch.

Saint Francis Hospice in numbers

£2.3m 98% 1 in 5 6,260 raised by retail, in shops and of service users told us they of our patients are funded by people play the hospice online auctions. had good care. * gifts left in wills. lottery every week.

810 900 2,756 378 followers on Instagram - join people attended a Light Up a home visits were made by our equipment aids were loaned them @saintfrancishospice Life service in December '17. Hospice at Home nurses. * by Occupational Therapy. *

2 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | Spring 2018 *in 2016/17 www.sfh.org.uk NEWS | A QUICK UPDATE

TOP AWARDS FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

Gardens category, along with Royal Gardener at the Hospice, who was Trinity Hospice in Clapham. at the Guildhall with her dedicated volunteers to pick up the awards. This means Saint Francis Hospice will get to look after the Worshipful “We are incredibly proud of our Company of Gardeners' Trophy, a beautiful gardens and we know silver salver, for six months before that they make such a difference to passing it on to Royal Trinity Hospice patients, families, staff, volunteers and for the next six months. visitors.

We celebrated our blooming The trophy is on show in the glass “Our dedicated volunteers work hard success after scooping a series of cabinet in the Hospice dining room, to ensure the gardens are always top garden awards for the third where it also held pride of place in such a relaxing and peaceful space for consecutive year. 2008, 2009 and 2013. everyone to enjoy, and it is wonderful to be recognised in this way.” At the London Gardens Society Last year the Hospice won a gold Awards on 5th October our medal for its patio hanging baskets If you are interested in nature and gardening team was presented with a and window boxes, and a silver medal gardening and have a few hours to gold medal in both the 'small garden' in the 'large gardens' category. In spare or know someone who would and 'patio and container' categories 2015 it won a silver medal and a like to get involved, please go to our and a bronze medal in the 'large bronze medal in the same categories. volunteer section on our website at garden' category. www.sfh.org.uk/volunteer “We are over the moon to have Best of all, we were awarded a joint received these prestigious awards,” overall first in the London Hospice said Claire White, former Head

FAMILY UNITES TO UPGRADE WARD TVS

A family’s dedicated fundraising efforts have been invested in new they had so many more important “The new 19 inch TVs are mounted technology on the inpatient unit. things to do - and didn’t want other on a wall arm at the bed head for patients to feel the same,” explained improved access - with the remotes New TVs have been purchased thanks Amanda. attached,” said Val Harding, Head of to the united efforts of Amanda Green Corporate Services. “We are delighted and her family, who have been busily So when it was suggested they could that we have been able to replace the fundraising since her mum, Salli, died in purchase new equipment, the family old models, which were varied in age the hospice in November 2016. set their minds to fundraising. Through a combination of generous funeral and condition.” “The care Mum received was just donations, Amanda completing her “When you’ve experienced the amazing,” said Amanda. “When she was first Star Walk last summer along Hospice, that level of care, love and in the Hospice she liked listening to the with six friends, and her son, Matt, compassion, it’s impossible not to give radio, and sometimes would want the tackling the Bristol Half Marathon in back,” said Amanda. “The first year in TV on”. September, they were able to make particular without Mum was so raw and But the TV units were in need of their contribution. so difficult and it helped us get through replacement as they didn’t always work “I can’t believe how generous everyone - we will always support Saint Francis properly and the remote controls has been,” said Amanda. “Matt would Hospice.” would often go missing. be the first to admit that he’s not a L-R: Our head gardener and volunteers. “It was a frustration - only a minor one natural runner so the half marathon Matt and his Granddad, Howard, hug was a huge challenge for him. I know after he ran the Bristol Half Marathon in - but we hated bothering the lovely memory of his Nanny Salli. Amanda's Star nurses to help us find a remote when Mum would be so proud.” Walk team, 'Walking with Hope'. www.sfh.org.uk Spring 2018 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | 3 NEWS | A QUICK UPDATE

“She was so happy as she went off in the cab - she looked like royalty as she waved to everyone.”

Joyce’s daughter Sue Learmouth said Alex originally planned to tie the knot in Majorca but decided to get married New ultrasound in The Lion Inn in Chelmsford because she wanted her nan to be there. machine makes waves Patients are benefiting from When staff discovered a patient “When mum arrived at the Hospice quicker diagnosis which avoids wished to attend her grand- she was so poorly we did not think from the stress of having to be daughter’s wedding, they pulled she would make the wedding,” said transferred to hospital for scans, out all the stops to make it happen. Sue. thanks to a generous donation from QBE Foundation. Joyce Turner, 89, who had chronic “We were overwhelmed by what all obstructive pulmonary disease the staff did for her. Laura Hill, Trusts and Grants (COPD), was admitted to the inpatient Manager at the Hospice, unit on 12th September for symptom “We cannot believe they found the successfully applied to the control and she was so unwell her time to do what they did - they put Foundation for a lightweight family didn’t think she would be able themselves out no end. and portable ultrasound scanner to make her grand-daughter Alex’s to replace the aging and bulky special day on 29th September. “Alex was over the moon when her machine that has been in use for nan turned up and it really made her many years. Determined day.” And it has been put to good use Fortunately Joyce’s health began to since it was delivered on 28th improve thanks to the specialist care Meeting a legend November. she received from the doctors and Joyce was able to return home on nurses, and she was determined to go 12th October and when she was “We are incredibly grateful to to the wedding! readmitted to the IPU the following QBE Foundation for this fantastic week, she got the chance to meet donation,” said Jo Eastman, a So the day before, staff arranged for and chat with former England and Volunteer Sonographer at the her to have a Jacuzzi bath and one of West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking charity. the nurses did her hair. CBE, who popped in to visit staff and patients. “This new machine is already On the morning of the wedding, a making a difference to patients friend of the family did her make-up Joyce died peacefully at the Hospice who are on our inpatient unit and helped her dress in a beautiful on 8th November. or using our day services at outfit which her family had brought Pemberton Place. in for her. Then, off she went in a “It gives improved image quality taxi, waving to the delighted staff and which leads to more accurate volunteers. diagnoses and means our consultants and staff are able to “Everyone knew how much it meant treat patients more quickly and to her. The doctors and staff were effectively. involved in making it the best it could be for her,” said Ward Sister Margaret “And as it is so small and light, Power. it is much easier to transport to patients' bedsides.” “On the day we all made a big fuss Above: Ward Sister Kirston Challis, of her and by the time she left, she L-R: Joyce Turner with Ward Sister, Consultant Dr Mark Howard, Volunteer looked absolutely amazing. Margaret Power. Joyce cutting the cake Sonographer Jo Eastman and Fujifilms on her grand-daughter's special day. Clinical Applications Specialist Julie Ennis

4 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | Spring 2018 www.sfh.org.uk NEWS | A QUICK UPDATE

60 seconds with.. Mary Banks, Manager of our Harold Hill shop

Why do you work for Saint Francis Hospice? I’ve worked for charities for at least 20 years – I've been at the Hospice for fi ve years. I’ve worked in normal retail jobs too, but it’s just not the same. I’ve been to the Hospice, I’ve seen where the money we raise goes. It makes the long hours and all the effort you put in much more satisfying. You sense that you’re doing The Art Therapy Group is something good. a safe, non-judgmental, sensitive and warm What is the most important thing we should know about you? environment for children to My sense of humour – and my express their emotions gorgeous looks, of course! I’m a bit crazy sometimes – but we all A new group allowing attendees “Whilst they make, the conversation are. I always get asked ‘how do to express themselves through art seems to naturally drift to explore you keep your volunteers’ – it’s has been supporting fi ve young themes of loss, family, school, safety because of my sense of humour. I people since November. and changes. These themes, which love working with our volunteers have arisen in conversation, have also and watching them grow. I’m a Creativity has long underpinned appeared through the artworks they people person. the approach our counsellors in the make.” Family Support Services have used, What’s the best donation you’ve particularly with young people who Sharing experiences ever had? fi nd it much harder to explain how Anna, who shares the facilitating with they are feeling. There have been loads, but we Emily Gray (Honorary Art Therapist), had a 1960s Rogers electric says they have noticed the children That’s why the team set up an Art guitar, which raised about £1,000 listening to each other’s experience on eBay. My volunteers know how Therapy Group; the children, aged of loss. between 4 and 8, have all had close to spot a gem! family members receive Hospice care “Losing a loved one is diffi cult to And the weirdest? in the past two years. come to terms with at any age, but it can be particularly challenging for A gentleman came in and tried a Exploring feelings children,” said Anna. suit on. While normally we check Art Therapist Anna Green leads the all pockets, the top pocket on his sessions, which started at the end “The Art Therapy Group is a safe, suit had been missed. He pulled of 2017. They are free and take non-judgmental, sensitive and warm out a pair of false teeth! He still place at the Hospice after school, to environment for children to express bought the suit - I told him he give children the chance to explore their emotions and we are so pleased could have the their feelings through play and it’s progressing so well.” teeth for free, experimenting with art materials. but funnily enough he L-R: Art therapist Anna Green with declined! “There isn’t a set theme for their drawings from the sessions. Artwork art making - the children have produced by one of the children. the freedom to use the materials however they like,” Anna explained.

www.sfh.org.uk Spring 2018 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | 5 FEATURE | LEGACY AND LEGEND

A GRAND OPENING FOR PEMBERTON PLACE

and I want to take this opportunity to wish the staff and volunteers of Pemberton Place every success.

“My wife Hilkka and I have been supporters of Saint Francis Hospice for a long time, having known a number of people who received wonderful care here at the end of their lives.”

Pam Court, CEO, paid tribute to Hospice staff: “A lot of hard work has gone into the remodelling of this service and I would like to thank “The legacy that Kay left was our staff and volunteers for all their incredibly generous and will efforts.

enhance the lives of many “The changes we have made will allow local people.” more people to access our service, which is fantastic.”

October 2017 saw the grand granted through the amazing gift of The Mayor of Havering Linda Van den opening of Pemberton Place, our £350,000 given from her estate to Hende and the Mayor of Redbridge, renamed day service, offering a the Hospice. Linda Huggett spent the afternoon new model of outpatient care. mixing with staff and volunteers, Not only will this gift enable us to learning about Pemberton Place and The atmosphere was one of support around 500 local people the outpatient services on offer there. celebration as we welcomed special each year at Pemberton Place but it guests, including Sir Trevor Brooking will also help many more people with A lasting legacy CBE, to mark its offi cial opening. new groups and activities planned. In thanks for the tremendous gift given, we have dedicated the The Will of one supporter Kay’s brother Keith, and niece conservatory in Pemberton Place as Katherine, travelled from Wales for The special guests included family and the Kay Miller Room, which has been the occasion, and were also joined friends of the late Miss Kay Miller, a marked with a small, elegant plaque. generous supporter who gave a gift by Kay’s close friend Eileen. that helped the Hospice enormously to develop Pemberton Place into Hammering home the message What is Pemberton Place? a facility to support people in our We were thrilled to welcome Sir Pemberton Place is home to a community. Trevor Brooking CBE, to the Hospice number of groups and clinics run to offi cially open Pemberton Place. by our professional health care Miss Miller, from Upminster, left a gift teams. Patients have access to our in her Will before she died in 2013, The West Ham legend was the health and social care professionals which is now funding the service. perfect man to pay tribute to Kay, such as doctors and nurses and herself a lifelong Hammer fan. all our therapy services. Visits are Kay, who worked as a radiologist, tailored around every person’s left a sum of money with the wish “The legacy that Kay left was individual needs. that it should go toward the care of incredibly generous and will enhance patients either within the hospice the lives of many local people,” As well as our groups and activities, or in the community. Given that said Trevor, addressing the room. there are opportunities to Pemberton Place is open to inpatients socialise and enjoy a cup of tea and visitors from our community, we “It will have a great impact on the and a biscuit, with social events are delighted that her wish could be lives of the people who come here throughout the year too.

6 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | Spring 2018 www.sfh.org.uk FEATURE | LEGACY AND LEGEND

A GRAND OPENING FOR PEMBERTON PLACE

Susan Spencer, Legacy Manager at Saint Francis Hospice said: “Gifts in We’d like to pay a big tribute now take place on 25th March. Wills given to the Hospice continue to Sir Trevor Brooking CBE and Pam Court, CEO said: “Sir Trevor to form a considerable part of the Lady Brooking for the time they and Lady Brooking have supported income we receive from voluntary gave during the offi cial opening the Hospice for many years, so we donations each year and are a of Pemberton Place. were delighted to have them with valuable way of supporting us, us for the launch of Pemberton Sir Trevor posed for numerous Place. currently helping to fund the care of selfi es and photographs, gave 1 in 5 of the local people we care for. autographs and chatted to patients, “They were both extremely families, staff and volunteers. generous with their time - given "Without this vital support, we would our location we are blessed with a be restricted in providing the range The West Ham legend also got large number of West Ham fans, all of services currently offered to behind Santathon, encouraging delighted to meet such a legendary individuals and their families who runners to take part in the festive player. are affected by life-limiting illnesses.” 5k, donating a signed shirt which every runner was entered into a "It was an incredible afternoon; one prize-draw to win, and agreeing that will long live in the memory of to start the run. everyone present. Sadly, it had to be rescheduled “We are so grateful for everything because of heavy snow and will they do to help their local Hospice.”

What if I can only make a

We are incredibly thankful that the generous legacy left by the late Miss Kay Miller is helping to fund Pemberton smallPlace services for a year. gift It was Kay’s wish in that her mylegacy gift went Will? to the care of patients either within the hospice or in the community.

Kay lived in Upminster and worked as a radiologist for her whole life. She was an avid West Ham fan and season Everyticket holder as well legacy as a follower of cricket. gift, whatever size, is

Kay was also a collector - of stray cats, however vicious, of china jugs, of crime novels, of porcelain figures and of invaluableowls to name a few! And she loved and gardening, helpsin her own garden us and anyone to else’s continue who would let her. We are delighted to welcome Kay’s brother Keith, her niece toKatherine provide and friend Eileen here todayoutstanding at the official opening care, both of Pemberton Place. nowRegistered Charity No. 275913and into the future. For example, this year we received gifts bequeathed in Wills from our supporters which included specifi c amounts ranging from £1,000 - £30,000, as well as gifts arising "It was an incredible from those leaving a specifi c share afternoon, one that will or a percentage of their personal long live in the memory." estate to the Hospice.

If, like Kay Miller you would like to support the Hospice by leaving an amazing gift in your Will and want to fi nd out more information, please contact Susan Spencer on 01708 771403 or email [email protected]

L-R: A busy day at Pemberton Place. Kay Miller. Trustee, Bob Weatherstone, CEO, L-R: Tracie Brennan smiling with Sir Trevor Pam Court and Sir Trevor Brooking CBE. Brooking CBE. Sister Philomena enjoying a chat with Sir Trevor Brooking CBE.

www.sfh.org.uk Spring 2018 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | 7 FEATURE | TIME IS PRECIOUS

FAMILY TIME MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

"It enabled us to have our best time together as a family because my wife was too unwell to go anywhere else." L-R: Together. Kwabena, Judith, David and Michelle. Brother and sister, David and Michelle.

Time is precious and when a young my wife was too unwell to go us hope that things would be ok as family was faced with the heart- anywhere else. we went through this very tragic break of losing a loving mum and experience.” wife, being together and building “In that situation those little moments memories took on even greater meant so much to us and the feeling Highlighting the difference importance. of family was so special for us.” In November Kwabena and his children featured in a video thanking Judith Boamah-Mensah, 37, was Beautiful gardens the BBC’s Children in Need admitted to the Hospice in June The family spent time in the charity for funding our pre/post 2017 and during the six weeks she Hospice’s beautiful gardens, and the bereavement services for the past 10 spent on the inpatient unit before children loved taking their mum in years, highlighting the difference they she lost her battle with stomach her wheelchair to see the fi sh in the make to young people’s lives. cancer, her husband Kwabena and pond. their children David, 7, and Michelle, The previous month, Kwabena, who 4, were constantly by her side. Their children’s welfare was always works as a Relationship Manager for their main priority and it gave Barclay’s Corporate Banking team at And it was the support the Hospice Kwabena and Judith comfort Canary Wharf, also returned to the gave Kwabena and his wife that knowing David and Michelle were Hospice for the fi rst time since his provided them the strength they being supported by Stella Christou, wife’s death to volunteer for the day needed to cope with the devastating a child and family therapist with the and he brought 23 colleagues with experience. Family Support Services team. him to lend a helping hand.

“The Hospice is a very child-friendly “As parents going through this kind “It was emotional coming back but environment so my children actually of trauma, your main concern is really I wanted to say thank you to Saint looked forward to going to see their how the kids are coping so for Stella Francis Hospice for making my wife’s mum as we had a family room where to come in, speak to the kids and give last few weeks very comfortable,” said we could sit down as a family and us feedback was a fantastic help,” said Kwabena. where there were toys for them to Kwabena. play with,” said Kwabena, 39, from “Judith had the best care she could Dagenham. “It actually put our minds at ease have at that point in time. She had and gave us the confi dence that at worked as a midwife so she knew “It enabled us to have our best time least the kids were being looked at what good care was.” together as a family because by a specialist therapist and it gave

8 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | Spring 2018 www.sfh.org.uk FEATURE | ECSTATIC WINNER

LOTTERY WINNER SEES CLEARLY NOW

“The money has made a big difference to my life, but what’s even better is that by playing the lottery I’ve made a difference to other people’s lives too. “I remember my brother and I would come up to see him after school and at weekends. We were able to spend as much time with him as we wanted, and when it became a bit much, we’d go and sit in the games room, watch a fi lm and chill out for a while.

“Everyone was so friendly. Looking back, it was so nice that we got to spend all that time with him.”

L-R: Michelle Gower, Laura Smith, Linda Claydon and Kim Cerri. The lottery, which has a guaranteed weekly prize of £1,000, also has a Sat in a staff room, surrounded after meeting Hospice ambassador, rollover prize that starts at £500 and by people she didn’t know, Laura Andy Furneaux, at the Mercury Mall climbs by that amount every week Smith returned a phone call she’d in Romford. She joined in memory of until someone’s number is picked. been meaning to make for a few her grandad, Charles Claydon, who Seventeen weeks into the rollover, days. had care at the Hospice before he Laura’s number was selected. died from prostate cancer. She’d assumed the voicemails left by A big difference somebody at Saint Francis Hospice “I remember when grandad was in Laura's been determined to use the had been a mistake - it’d been six hospital and they fi rst talked about money sensibly. She fi rst booked laser years since her grandad had been transferring him to the Hospice, so eye surgery, which she’d been saving under their care. they could help with his pain. My mum up for, and in March she will buy a was adamant that he wouldn’t go, new car. So when she was told she’d won saying she would quit work and care £8,500 in the Hospice lottery, she for him herself. “The money has made a big difference was lost for words. to my life, but what’s even better is “My nan convinced her to visit the that by playing the lottery I’ve made a “I remember thinking: excuse me?”, Hospice and it was the opposite of difference to other people’s lives too. she said, laughing at the memory. what she thought. It was as close to home as it could be.” “I would encourage anyone to sign up Laura, 18, is a special needs teacher - lots of people at school have now at Southwood Primary School Charles was a regular at Pemberton joined. You could be lucky like me and in Dagenham. That day, she was Place for the next 12 months, where win a prize, but even if you don’t win, delivering training at a nearby school. he had access to all Hospice services you’re still helping people. ” as well as the opportunity to socialise. “I tried to call my mum, my boyfriend, Would you like to receive but nobody was answering. In the end “He loved it there,” said Laura, adding I got through to my nan, who was that he was always laughing during his a call like Laura’s? astonished - and immediately checked visits. The Saint Francis Hospice lottery she was still signed up to the lottery!” raises over £400,000 a year When the time came, Charles decided towards patient care. You can sign In memory he wanted to spend his fi nal days at up for only £1 a week by visiting It was only six months earlier that the Hospice. www.sfh.org.uk/lottery Laura registered for the lottery www.sfh.org.uk Spring 2018 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | 9 FEATURE | A SPECIAL VISIT

MAYOR HITS THE SHOPS

Redbridge Mayor Cllr Linda Linda said, “I thoroughly enjoyed Earlier this year she took a tour Huggett gave volunteers and my time at the two Redbridge retail of the Hospice and met with staff, shoppers a lovely surprise when stores and I was really impressed volunteers, patients and families to she visited our two retail stores by all the hard work the volunteers fi nd out more about the care and in the borough to lend a helping and staff put in to ensure there is support it provides to the community. hand. a wide range of high quality items from furniture, home accessories to And in October she returned to Linda spent time at Saint Francis clothing, books and toys. Havering-atte-Bower for the Hospice’s general store in High offi cial opening of Pemberton Place, Street, Barkingside, on 5th December “It was clear to see that the shops which provides an extensive range where she met with staff and not only raise vital funds for the of day services to patients living in volunteers before helping to sort Hospice but being in the heart of Redbridge, Havering, Barking and donations, serve customers on the the local community, they help raise Dagenham and Brentwood. till and even indulge in a bit of retail awareness of hospice care.” therapy! For more information about our Chosen charity retail shops and how you can donate And on 7th December she visited Since being appointed Mayor of please visit www.sfh.org.uk/retail the £1 store in High Road, Ilford and Redbridge in May, Linda has been once again chatted with volunteers working tirelessly to raise funds for Below L-R: Cllr Linda Huggett with the and staff about their roles, posing and awareness of her two chosen Barkingside retail team. Serving customers for photos with delighted bargain charities - Saint Francis Hospice and at our Illford retail shop. Sorting through hunters. Haven House Children’s Hospice. clothes with our volunteer, Christine.

“It was clear to see that the shops not only raise vital funds for the Hospice but being in the heart of the local community, they help raise awareness of hospice care.”

10 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | Spring 2018 www.sfh.org.uk FEATURE | OPT IN UPDATE

COULD YOU HELP OUR RETAIL TEAM?

Your data You may have completed one of our ‘tick yes’ campaign forms; if so, thank you!

We’re working hard to ensure Could you, or someone you know, our database is watertight and donate some time to help the that we have your consent to Hospice generate much-needed get in touch with you. income? We want to remind you that we Our friendly retail volunteer team are take the treatment of your data urgently in need of two key roles: very seriously.

Driver's mates: If you are a supporter of ours, Our van drivers are kept busy your information will be kept collecting donations kindly given for securely on our database and resale, and delivering bulky items from that is where it will remain. our furniture and electrical stores to their new homes. Driver's mates sit We have never sold or swapped alongside the van driver, assisting with personal data and we never will. lifting and navigating, and of course, keeping the driver company! You can read our full privacy policy on our website eBay listers: www.sfh.org.uk or you can We have eagle-eyed volunteers Both these roles are open to people call our Supporter Relations across our retail stores, ready to spot with different amounts of time team on 01708 723593 something unusual or collectable to donate; we will try our best to during normal working hours when it's donated. The item is sent to accommodate your availability. We to request a change in how we our busy warehouse at Head Offi ce can promise a friendly team, support communicate with you. in Harold Hill, where our diligent eBay and training where needed and listers load them online ready for the bottomless tea and coffee. bids to come in! This side of our retail L- R: Our van drivers busy packing one of our Hospice vans with donations. David and business raises thousands and it’s If you are interested in fi nding out Pauline Colley. Checking the bids! One of very exciting watching the auction in more about these roles, or any our eBay volunteers, Alan Stevalt. action. No experience is necessary, as other rewarding opportunities full training will be provided. with our retail team, please email [email protected]

www.sfh.org.uk Spring 2018 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | 11 FEATURE | CELEBRATED VOLUNTEER Together, we can make SISTER P RECOGNISED a difference. In September, the London BY QUEEN Borough of Barking and Dagenham had its first dedicated End of Life Conference ‘Together we can make a difference’ at Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club. One hundred thirty seven health and social care professionals from across the borough came along to assess how people in Barking and Dagenham with a life-limiting illness, their families and carers are looked after within the borough - and "She is the type of woman nationally. who wins your heart as Dr Amit Shwarma, GP from Barking soon as you meet her." and Dagenham spoke about the national and local picture for We at Saint Francis Hospice Affectionately known End of Life Care. "In Barking and couldn't be more proud of She retired in 2001 but decided that Dagenham we know that more our volunteer chaplain Sister she wasn’t ready for a quiet life just people are dying in hospitals and Philomena Purcell who has been yet and joined the chaplaincy service not in their preferred place of death, recognised by Her Majesty Queen in HMP Chelmsford in 2002 where so they are not dying at home.” Elizabeth II for her work as a she is now affectionately known as “Many people may not be aware of Chaplain with HMP Chelmsford. ‘Sister P’. the variety of community support She has been awarded The British services that are focussing on Empire Medal (Civil Division). She says: "The most rewarding part advance care planning and end of my job is the people I meet, I see of life care within Barking and Wins your heart them through highs and lows, and Dagenham" said Tes Smith, Director Sister Philomena volunteers at the I get to accompany them on their of Quality and Care at the Hospice. Hospice every Wednesday, on her good days and bad days. "This conference empowers day off from the prison as she enjoys attendees with the resources to the change of pace. She is the type "Sometimes I get to tell them good help them work collaboratively to of woman who wins your heart as news, like the birth of a child or I may provide better care." soon as you meet her; she is full of have to deliver bad news like the fun and kindness. death of a loved one.” The conference was organised in partnership with the Barking and Through her work with patients in The current Governor said “Sister P Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Pemberton Place, she connects with is the longest serving member of the Group, North East London NHS those who are dealing with life- chaplaincy team at HMP Chelmsford, Foundation Trust (NELFT), Barking, limiting diagnoses; she supports them and continues (at the age of 77) to Havering & Redbridge University and their families. Philomena’s gift is offer exceptional service to staff, Hospital Trust (BHRUT), the London her ability to connect with people of prisoners and the community with Borough of Barking and Dagenham all ages from all walks of life. an enthusiasm and energy which (LBBD) and Saint Francis Hospice. is seldom seen in people 30 years It was funded by the Big Lottery’s She is the middle child of a family younger. Reaching Communities fund and of 17 children from Mullinavatt, Co Barking and Dagenham Adult Social Kilkenny. She came to England as "Sister P is a great advocate for the Care Service. a teenager, where she joined the prisoners of all religions, and none. Feedback from the day was Ursuline Convent in Brentwood, Chelmsford prisoners have a great overwhelmingly positive with Essex. She went on to train as a respect and love for her.” respondents leaving comments such teacher, working in schools in Elm L-R: Our 'Sister P' with Sir Trevor Brooking as “all parts of the day have been Park and Dagenham. CBE. Philomena at Pemberton Place. fabulous. There were great speakers, topics, resources and organisation” and “the conference enhanced my | | www.sfh.org.uk 12 LIVING WITH DIGNITY Spring 2018 knowledge." NEWS | THREE DECADES OF SERVICE

also involved in other areas of the Hospice’s work, including raising awareness of the specialist care and support services it provides to the community and raising vital funds.

“When I first came to the Hospice there were only 10 beds and I used to help with the open days,” she said.

Devoted And it is clear from speaking to Evelyn that even after all this time she is still devoted to the Hospice and derives great satisfaction from “I stayed so long because I her current role of training and loved working here and I am supporting young people to achieve so glad I have been able to the work experience they need to do it.” pursue careers in healthcare.

Underpinning the Hospice, besides raising funds for the charity and later Unsurprisingly Evelyn’s formidable our supporters who generously presented it with its first electric efforts have not gone unrecognised! donate over £8m of our running wheelchair. In March Evelyn was presented with costs, are our volunteers. her 30-year Long Service Award Personal connection and in 2012 she proudly received A team of over 800 people, from all But in 1986 Evelyn’s connection the Volunteer of the Year Award at walks of life and with their own stories became personal when her husband’s the Help the Hospices Conference in to tell, give their time and save us over step-mother was a patient and this Manchester for “helping make things £2m in expenditure. inspired her to start volunteering happen” at the hospice for more than on the inpatient unit the following 25 years. This a story about a volunteer who year before going on to become a has given over three decades of Volunteer Co-Ordinator. That’s not all. Evelyn also inspired service… her family to get involved too! For “I stayed so long because I loved more than 20 years Evelyn, along Evelyn Dalton smiles for the camera working here and I am so glad I have with her family and members of her as we meet her on Christmas Day, been able to do it,” said Evelyn, who synagogue, have been volunteering delivering meals and bringing cheer to turns 80 in January and has three on the inpatient unit every Christmas patients on the ward, as she has done children and six grandchildren. Day to serve patients their meals and for so many years. give staff and the regular volunteers a “So much has happened over the break! Evelyn has spent the past 30 years years. as Volunteer Co-Ordinator, making As Evelyn steps down to spend more sure fellow volunteers receive the “I remember setting up a hair salon in time with her partner, Jerry Bernstein training and guidance they need to what was then known as the day unit. and her family, and to indulge her be part of the Hospice team. But her love of theatre and travel, we bid her involvement goes back even further! “We had students from a local college a very fond farewell and a heartfelt and qualified hairdressers who came thank you. In fact, before the Hospice opened in and we used to look after them.” its doors to patients more than 33 T-B: Good friends. Evelyn Dalton with Gill Wendelken, Voluntary Services Mananger. years ago, the South West Essex Raising awareness Christmas Day 2017. Jerry Bernstein, and Settlement Reform Synagogue In the early days, the organisation Corinna Midgley, Evelyn Dalton and Karen where Evelyn is Vice President, was Dalton. was much smaller and Evelyn was www.sfh.org.uk Spring 2018 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | 13 EVENTS | UP AND COMING

MAR18 23 25 MAR MAR MAR

Brentwood Half Marathon The Big Yellow Quiz Santathon (rescheduled) We have another glorious, Quizzers, unite. The Big Yellow Quiz We had to postpone our festive dedicated team of runners who offers you the chance to answer 5k family fun run due to the have been tirelessly treading the questions written by six of BBC’s heavy snowfall in December. Why tarmac ahead of this 13.1 mile Eggheads while supporting the not help us turn a few heads in event. Time is now a little tight Hospice. It’s a night of laughter Dagenham as our delayed Santas for anyone wishing to join, but and healthy competition, with over complete their 5k jog at the end seasoned runners - or London 500 quizzers fi lling the Brentwood of March? All abilities are welcome Marathon trainers wanting to break Centre and questions for all levels and the course is pushchair friendly. up the lonely training runs with of intellect and experience. It’s not a Santa costumes are included in the something a bit more lively - do night to be missed. Tickets £12 per ticket price. Silliness guaranteed at get in touch for last minute places. person or £110 for a table of 10. Dagenham and Redbridge FC.

6 22 APR APR

A Day with Davis London Marathon Grab your golf clubs and tee off It’s the big one! Around 50 Our calendar of events has with Steve Davis at this exclusive #TeamSFH runners are putting event. Set at the lush green something to suit all tastes and their physical and mental capability grounds of Stock Brook Golf and hobbies, and they all raise money to the ultimate test in the world’s Country Club, the day promises to fund the work we do. Visit our greatest running event. Considering to deliver a fantastic day out for website for the full listings and it for 2019? We have a number of all the family, Entry is £100 per for the latest information on all guaranteed spaces, but competition person, which includes 18 holes of our events at www.sfh.org.uk/ is high. Applications will open golf, breakfast roll, hospitality bag, fundraising-events shortly after this year’s run - check refreshments, three course meal our social media and website for the and evening presentation. latest information.

28 10 29 MAY JUN JUL

Vitality London 10,000 Bubble Rush Prudential Ride London 100 Run the capital! Join thousands It's back! Splash your way through This is a must-do event for cycling of others and run past over 30 5k of bubbles, foam and colour lovers, or those wishing to take on a of London's iconic sights. If you at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic challenge on two wheels. It's an epic want to run through the capital on Stadium, London. We have teamed bike ride - you start at the Olympic traffi c-free streets and soak up the up with three Essex and London Park and 100 miles later, fi nish on great atmosphere, then the Vitality hospices to bring you a foamy and the Mall - all on closed roads. The London 10k is for you! This is a fun family day out. Walk, run or jog only sound as you travel through fantastic challenge to be a part of, through four colour foam stations. the capital is that of chains and starting and fi nishing in St James' All money raised from this event pedals whirring busily. We have our Park. Contact our events team to will be split evenly between all four own spaces in this event. Entry £50 secure your place today! hospices. Entry from £15. with a fundraising target of £500.

14 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | Spring 2018 www.sfh.org.uk SPOTLIGHT ON INCOME SPOTLIGHT ON INCOME GENERATION A snippet of the fundraising you've been doing over the last six months

Retail therapy - on the road Dazzling evening raises Hundreds Light Up a Life Last year, retail experimented with over £20,000 The usual pre-Christmas rush was something a little new; bringing their Glitz and glamour were on the broken by three Light Up a Life stores to the Hospice. Staff and cards at our Black and White Ball. services, allowing people the chance volunteers from our 14 shops and With sponsorship from Liquorice, to pause, refl ect and celebrate the warehouse hand-picked the very best a local wine merchants with stores lives of their loved ones. donated items to sell to the Hospice’s in Shenfi eld and Buckhurst Hill, we As usual, Brentwood Cathedral staff, volunteers as well as patients, hosted guests at the beautiful and St John’s Church in Havering- their visitors and local residents. Orsett Hall on 3rd November. atte-Bower were full, and our fi rst It’s been a big success and we’d like The evening was one to remember, outdoor service held in the Hospice to let more of our supporters know with a three course meal, drawings gardens saw 100 people brave the about the pop-up shops (throughout by silhouette artist Charles Burns terrible rainy weather to sing carols, 2018). We plan to hold a number of and 10CC’s Mick Wilson and Jordan accompanied by the Salvation Army sales in the Education Centre, which Marsh and the Gigolos keeping the band. shares its site with the Hospice in dance fl oor full. A charity auction Our appeal has raised £41,000. Havering-atte-Bower. hosted by comedian Russ Williams Thank you to all who attended our saw the income from the evening services and those who donated a Shoppers will have access to the rise to over £24,000. cream of the crop, with the team star in memory of a loved one. selecting seasonal fashion items (in Thank you to all our sponsors in a range of sizes) as well our most addition to Liquorice, who helped special donated items. We will be make the evening happen: Paragon selling clothes, handbags, shoes Communications, Newline Cleaning and accessories. & Hygiene Supplies, Barclays, Matchroom Sport, Balgores, In the future we hope to bring our Walker & Wodehouse, Hallgarten stores to more locations across our Druitt & Novum wines, Fells & local towns. McKay Williamson. Brownies go green! To check the date of our next sale, While many children enjoyed a day visit our website or keep an eye on out with family and friends during our social media pages. We can accept their half term holidays, a group of card and cash payments and parking bright and cheery girls from the 12th is free. We look forward to seeing Romford Salvation Army Brownies you soon! dedicated a day to volunteering in our gardens. Psst. Coming soon: a new store! An exclusive announcement for our They cleared leaves from the paths supporters - we plan to open the Veggy good! and grounds and emptied them into doors to our 15th shop later this year. Sales of organic fruit, vegetables, the giant leaf and compost moulds, We will tell you more via our social jams, plants and fl owers at the annual having a good laugh in the process! media pages as soon as we can! Havering Show in Hornchurch have raked in over £30,000 for the The girls form one of many teams of Hospice. Hornchurch and District volunteers who have given up their Allotment Society has sold their time to tidy and prune our gardens, fi nest goods at the show for the past come rain or shine - thank you to 16 years, donating all proceeds to a you all. charity that sits close to the hearts of its members. For more information on anything www.sfh.org.uk/retail on this page call 01708 753319 or email [email protected] www.sfh.org.uk Spring 2018 | LIVING WITH DIGNITY | 15 This spring, we’re determined to make a difference to more local families. And we’d like your help.

At Saint Francis Hospice, “My dad was my superhero and I’ve really our primary focus is on the needs of the people struggled to come to terms with his death.” receiving our care. But we "Sandy has encouraged and helped me to cry, to understand know that person will have it’s normal. people surrounding them who love them. “My daughter has the support she needs and my mum has been able to unburden herself too. I fi nally feel like I’m getting The Wood family. In the last year, our her back.” family support team gave bereavement support to 553 people - including 102 Please consider a donation of £25 - or an amount of your children. This is a 36% increase over the past fi ve years. choice. This could go towards the cost of a counselling session, helping more families like Roy's. You may have recently received a letter from Roy. Roy has had support from our social worker, Sandy, since his dad, John, This magazine contains even more stories featuring families died. His mum and his daughter have also had support from that we’ve helped, thanks to people like you. our team. “I’ve been lucky enough to have help from the Hospice, but “I am a terrible worrier, but I tried to be like my dad and never that only comes from people donating money. I’ve seen showed my emotion", said Roy. where the money goes; it truly makes a difference to families like mine. Let’s together, help more.”

Please complete the form below and return it to us in the freepost envelope provided.

We never sell, share or swap personal details and it’s easy to change £25 which could go towards the cost of one hour of support your preferences or stop communications at any time by calling 01708 with a bereavement counsellor 723593. Our data security and privacy statement is available on £54 which could pay for one hour of care in a patient’s own home. request or by visiting our website www.sfh.org.uk. £ Other Your donation will be spent wherever it's needed most to deliver all of our vital services to people, free of charge. I enclose a cheque/charity voucher/postal order payable to Saint Francis Hospice Boost your donation by 25p for every £1 you donate. or please debit my Visa/Mastercard/Maestro with the amount specifi ed Gift Aid is reclaimed by Saint Francis Hospice, from the tax you pay for above the current tax year. Your title, name and full address is needed to identify Name (as it appears on card): you as a current tax payer. Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made today, in the past 4 years and in the future. I am a Address: (if different to address overleaf) UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. It is your responsibility Card number: to notify Saint Francis Hospice if your tax circumstances change. In order Start date: Expiry date: to Gift Aid your donation you must tick the box: Issue number: I want to Gift Aid my donation and understand that Saint Francis Hospice will reclaim 25p for every £1 that I donate. Signature: Date: No, I am not a UK Tax payer and/or Capital Gains Tax payer. Details Signature: Date: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (please circle) First name: Surname: Please return this form to Saint Francis Hospice, The Address: Hall, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, Romford, Postcode: Telephone: Essex RM4 1QH or visit www.sfh.org.uk/spring-appeal Email: NAM4/LWD/SPR/18