Spring 2020

Haddenham Shop moves to Bradmoor Farm Haddenham’s popular but tiny Florence Shop has taken a giant leap forward with a move into a former chicken shed. Thanks to an extensive renovation, the new unit at Bradmoor Farm in Haddenham offers a light and spacious space for the Charity to sell its treasure trove of donated and new items. Photo by Swale Photography

FNHC’s Head of Retail, Lily Caswell, quality of stock as well as the Shop’s light explained the move. “Our little Shop in and airy décor. Haddenham was brilliantly supported Annette says she is really excited about by the local community but we were the new premises, and is hoping the local really struggling to cope with the level community will continue to donate and of donations in such a small space. We shop. “We are also recruiting Volunteer were delighted when the opportunity Retail Assistants,” Annette says. “If came up to be one of the first businesses you can spare a few hours and would to move to Bradmoor Farm’s brand new like to support the local community by units and we are so happy with the space volunteering at Florence on the Farm, we now have.” then come and see us. We are a really The Shop opened on Saturday 7th friendly team and the role offers so much December with Shop Manager Annette variety and is really sociable too.” Luck and FNHC’s CEO Jo Turner doing The Haddenham Shop is open from 9am- the honours and cutting the ribbon, 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am- accompanied by Charity mascot Florrie 4pm on Sundays. For more information, Bear, and a giant chicken! Customers of see our website at fnhospice.org.uk all ages were impressed by the range and

Reg Charity No. 1119499 NEWS VOLUNTEERING County Show visitors show love for Hospice Mayor’s Cup goes to Hospice Gardeners The Florence team had an absolutely Once again, the Retail Team had put Every year Town Council awarded Gold in the Communal Garden brilliant day at the Bucks County Show together a brilliant range of clothes, shoes organises the Aylesbury in Bloom garden category and the Mayor’s Award for at the end of August. It was just one of and accessories in the Pop-Up Shop competition for resident, organisations/ the Best Overall Communal Garden for many events out in the community in the and the County Show visitors loved it. businesses and schools. Categories their beautiful garden,” said Jo Turner, 30th Anniversary year where our staff and As always, Florrie Bear was a hit with the range from Best Front Garden, to Best FNHC’s CEO. “We know our patients and Volunteers had a chance to meet many children, as was the Wheel of Fortune and Back Garden, Best Edible Garden, their family and friends really appreciate people who have benefited from the care the tombola. The Charity raised nearly Best Wildlife Nature Garden and Best the calm and beautiful space they have of the Hospice over the past 30 years. £3,500. “We are very grateful to everyone Container Garden to Best Communal created and maintain for us. Thank you who shopped and Garden. for all your hard work.” donated, and who The gardens are judged by volunteer said such kind things judges Sandra Ferguson, Rosemary about the Hospice Brown, Anne Brooker, Janet Leech and and the care they Sue Wright, who are all keen gardeners experienced,” and horticulturalists. All of them have said Events and been judging gardens for many years. Community Manager Vicky Harman. Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity achieved the highest marks in the Communal Garden category and was Matron wins national care award awarded the Mayor’s Cup. Florence Nightingale Hospice Matron Liz said Jo Turner, CEO. “The Charity and “Huge congratulations to our team of Monaghan was nominated for the Best the Hospice are focused on providing a Volunteer Hospice Gardeners who were Detail in the Hospice Garden. Photo by Ron Adams Nurse award in The Sun’s Who Cares special kind of care and support for those Wins Awards 2019. Liz was nominated at the end of their lives and their families, for her work on creating the Purple Rose and Liz has enabled that care to reach campaign in Healthcare outside the Hospice by using the symbol NHS Trust hospital Wards. “It’s a symbol of the Purple Rose to alert Ward staff to to let others know that the people around their special circumstances.” the patient are with someone at the end of their life, sharing important moments, and to be mindful of that,” says Liz. This is needed on busy Wards where the patient can’t be moved to the Hospice because of the particular care they need, or because moving them would be too painful or difficult for the patient. The Purple Rose kits which are supplied to Wards in BHT Hospitals are funded by Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. “We are delighted that Liz’s initiative Left to right, Mark Vosper from Michael Anthony Estate Agents, Gill Errington, Janet Leech, Aylesbury Town Mayor Cllr has been recognised by this award,” Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans presented Liz with her award Mike Smith, Angela Gilmore and Tony Holder

2 3 VOLUNTEERING RETAIL Nothing happens without Volunteers Customers love to Fill-a-Bag Almost every story you read in this the Volunteers. Equally, there would Online Sales Manager Emily Sutherby black French Connection dress…a dark magazine will contain or mention a be no volunteering to be done if the decided to give the post-Christmas blues purple silk cardigan from Jigsaw, and an Florrie’s Volunteer. And every event and Charity didn’t also have paid staff. It’s an a run for their money by holding a Fill- Orla Kiely wash bag. Superb event and photo which celebrated the 30 years effective, symbiotic, powerful relationship a-Bag event on 4th January. “I’ve been I’d seriously recommend going if you see since the Hospice opened involved a which enables the Charity to raise to lots of these types of events before, one pop up near you.” Volunteer. From helping in the Shops to hundreds of thousands of pounds every and they have always been hugely well “I’d like to thank Morrison’s for their very making tea in the Hospice, from wrapping year to pay for hospice care. The team attended, so I felt Florence needed to do kind sponsorship of the event, Mix 96 for gifts to pulling pints, from driving patients at Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity something similar because we get such their coverage in the lead up and on the to supporting the Senior Management never take our Volunteers for granted lovely clothing donations,” said Emily. “I day, BBC 3Counties Radio for inviting Team, every element of this Charity’s because without them there would be no wanted to make the event as eco-friendly me on the show to test my knowledge activity is underpinned by Volunteers, Florence Nightingale Hospice. Thank you as possible, so I approached Morrison’s of Aylesbury and promote the event! including the Trustees. Nothing the for celebrating the 30th Anniversary with and asked if they would sponsor the Omnikote for allowing us to use their car paid staff do would be possible without us, and here’s to the next 30! sale by giving us some of their new park and to everyone that volunteered paper bags. They kindly agreed to and their time in preparation and on the also gave us the products for the Coffee day itself. It wouldn’t have been such a Pickled onion, anyone? Morning too!” brilliant success without the kindness and Our newest team of Volunteers is, The total amount raised was £464 from generosity of these people,” Emily said. oddly enough, becoming one of our the sale of bags, Coffee Morning and biggest. They are a rare breed: tolerant bargain packs of Christmas Cards. The of odd smells and strange discoveries, feedback from customers was excellent, determined and patient, dedicated to the and it was clear that they got some cause of turning empty crisp packets into amazing deals. something useful. They have put in a huge “I went to a @fnhcofficial charity shop sale number of hours to sort out all the crisp on Saturday,” said Instagrammer @what_ packets that the community has collected carys_wore after the event. “You paid for us. They empty them of crumbs and Charley Moss; Gail and Joshua and £10 for a bag and could fill it then with detritus such as pickled onion remnants, Amelia; Clare and Toby; the pupils from anything you liked. This morning I’ve been bits of sandwich and sweet wrappers and Harding House who come every week; trying on some of my finds. The navy stuff them densely into 8kg mailing sacks and the NCC group, led by Ron and Jan Boden dress I’m actually wearing. As it’s so that the Charity can send them off to Adams: Lyn Lambourne, Val Sansom, navy it works so well with a variety of my Terracycle and earn money for hospice Sue Kingsley, Eileen Innes, Laura Ewers, @snagtights particularly liking the beach care. Over the past three months, they Simon Aldridge, Annette Jones, Janie bum and the raspberry pie colours with it. have earned nearly £500 for the Hospice. Olney, Jo & William Herbert, Doreen The red dress is from Pretty Little Things, Green and husband, Evelyn Ward, Jane A huge thank you to all of our Crisp the straps need shortening but apart Lutchmiah, Shirley Cashin, Yvonne Hook, Packeteers: Kerry Beet; Louise Wooster; from that it’s a pretty good fit, even with Jackie Rickard, Sheila Rapley, Sylvia Jan Sergejew; Liz Neal; Maggie Ryan; the Christmas curves still present…The Durrant and Jean Hennessey. Lorna Pope; Emma and Sophie; Beth play suit is from H&M and will be perfect and Rob Woodford; Katie Haughton; Lee And a special thank you to Crisp for the summer. Considering I didn’t try Doyle; Mary Pool; Sam Mock; Thomas Packeteer Co-ordinator, Volunteer Sophie anything on I’m really chuffed with my Dunmur; Michelle, Maddie and Poppy Markerson, and to the FNHC Reception bargains. I also picked up a cute grey Instagrammer Carys Jones in one of the outfits she Bryan; Sarah Ashley; Debby, Emily and team Liz Oxley and Lesley Elmore. woollen pinafore style dress from F&F, a bought at the Fill-a-Bag event

4 5 RETAIL RETAIL Spring makeover for Shop welcomes Florence

The Wendover Shop team are extremely excited that their Shop is going to get a Shop to Bridge Street full refurbishment and brand new look this The Florence chain of shops is expanding the ones we have in our other Shops, spring. Wendover is Florence’s flagship further into this spring with so if you would like a flexible, fun and shop, but it needs an upgrade after 28 the addition of a Shop in Buckingham. sociable volunteering opportunity and you years of shopping as well as there being The new Shop will be opening in February live in North Buckinghamshire, this could some essential maintenance required. and can be found at 23 Bridge Street. be just what you are looking for! The Shop will be closed for a month while The opening hours will be Monday to the work is carried out but we hope that Contact us on volunteering@fnhospice. Saturday, 9am-5pm. all our Volunteers, customers and donors org.uk to find out more. will be pleased with the result. Watch this We will be looking to build a fabulous space for a big reveal in the next issue! team of Volunteer Retail Assistants like

Furnish your house on a budget with Florence Thank you to… You’ve sorted the mortgage, perhaps The furnished house was then scanned The show home appeared with a help to buy or shared ownership by 360 Scan to give a Virtual Tour courtesy of the Vale of deal, you’ve got the keys and you’ve experience, enabling the viewer to walk Aylesbury Housing Trust and is moved into your new home. Now you’re through each room. The incredible Virtual one of their shared ownership ready to furnish it. If budget is limited Tour they created is available on the because you’ve just put all your savings Charity’s website and Facebook page, properties. If you are interested towards your deposit, your best bet is complete with price tags on the items in buying a Shared Ownership to see what bargains you can pick up at in each room, and revealing a beautiful home with the Trust, more the Furniture Showroom on Chamberlain bedroom (pictured) furnished with a information can be found at: Road in Aylesbury. brand new Hypnos headboard for £199 www.vaht.co.uk/buy-a-home and a double bed and mattress for £150. To demonstrate how much you can To see the 360 Scan Virtual Living room furnished for £914 including sofa, footstool, chest and TV. do with your budget by shopping at “The fantastic scan donated by 360 Tour of the furnished property, the Furniture Showroom, the FNHC Scan really shows how people can have go to https://my.matterport. Retail Team were given use of a shared more for less. We’ve created a stylish, com/show/?m=ZYLB7j3DFXx ownership unoccupied property courtesy comfortable, homely home on a jaw- of Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust droppingly low budget, and shown how or fnhospice.org.uk/furniture- whose employees support FNHC as shopping at the Furniture Showroom is showroom. To find out more their charity of the year. We furnished the a brilliant option for creating your perfect about 360 Scans of properties sitting room, study, kitchen, bedroom interior when money is tight,” said Lily and businesses, go to and bathroom for under £3,000. All Caswell, Head of Retail at FNHC. “We http://www.360-scan.co.uk/ with furniture and accessories from the are really grateful to the Trust for allowing Furniture Showroom. us to furnish one of their properties to show what’s possible.” Bedroom furnished for £850 including bed and chest of drawers.

6 7 EVENTS EVENTS Commemorative Thirsty Thirty ale hits Bakers choose 30th Anniversary theme Two of the stunning cake entries in this Women’s Institute. Amanda Thompson of the spot year’s Aylesbury Bake Off chose to Kidd Rapinet LLP took the Judges’ Vote Hundreds of visitors flocked to the 26th theme their cakes in honour of the 30th prize for the second year running with her Aylesbury Beer Festival to sample the 39 Anniversary. Amateur bakers from Kidd toffee apple crumble cake and Ruzina beers on offer. The Right Honourable Sir Rapinet, Horwood & James and George Awan from Horwood & James Solicitors David Lidington MP and Aylesbury Town David Estate Agents showed immense won the Public Vote with her exquisitely Mayor Cllr Mike Smith kindly came along creativity and talent, raising £126 for the decorated rose cake which, when sliced, to open the Festival. Hospice in the process. The Judges this revealed sponge dyed to match the year were Jane Lutchmiah, Rachel Lucas Charity’s brand colours of pink and green! “I’ve lost count of the number of people and Jenny Burton of Aylesbury Town I’ve talked to who tell you how Florence Nightingale Hospice came to the rescue of a much loved parent or grandparent towards the end of their lives,” said Sir David. “The money that you spend over this weekend is going to go towards Florrie’s, and in particular, towards helping them take forward their Hospice at Home service, [email protected] give many, many more families that quality of care that people need and deserve towards the end of their lives.” The Sausage Festival saw around 252 sausages being consumed alongside 1,655 pints of real ale and the Festival raised around £10,000 for hospice care in Aylesbury Vale. The exclusive sausage recipes made up by Kings Farm Wendover using McCormick Ltd’s donated Schwartz Mexican and Baharat spice mixes were a huge hit. Thirsty Thirty, Vale Brewery’s exclusive ale commemorating the Hospice’s 30th anniversary, sold out, while Chiltern A taste of the Midnight Walk for little ones Brewery’s Salted Caramel Ale was Little ones love a fundraising event too but children below the age of 11 miss out on crowned ‘Best Beer of the Festival’ according to ale-drinkers rating it on the the magic of the Midnight Walk so we’ve created the Mini Night Walk on 7th March Aylesbury Beer Festival app created by to give kids of all ages the chance to put on a pair of flashing bunny ears and do a local app developers Jetfruit. one mile walk through Aylesbury after dark – and show their support for the Hospice too. Find out more at fnhospice.org.uk/mini-night-walk David Lidington chats to a Volunteer at Beer Festival

8 9 EVENTS COMMUNITY

Santas raise Thank-you over £6,000 A big thank you to... in December The Gift Wrapping Jollyboys Cricket Club which raised £530 at their annual We were astonished and thrilled by the Volunteers Wendover Charity Cricket Match in aid of support of the Santas of Buckinghamshire and everyone who supported the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, in last December. Christmas Gift Wrapping Stall in Friars memory of Kathy Tallyn. Following the success of our first Santa Square Shopping Centre. 53 Volunteers Dash in Wendover in 2018, two additional spent six days wrapping hundreds of events in Haddenham and Great Christmas presents of all shapes and Missenden were added for 2019 and over sizes. Thank you to everyone who gave Evelyn Kaluza 900 people took part in the Santa Dashes, up their time and to New York Deli for of Wellness for Success for raising £300 raising an amazing £6,000 for the Hospice! keeping our Volunteers supplied with for the Hospice, with a presentation on Haddenham free tea and coffee. The Volunteers how to live happier, more fulfilling lives. The events saw whole families donning raised an impressive £3,228 - over £300 Evelyn is a fellow Member of the BNI their Santa suits and taking to the streets more than last year! A huge thank you Heritage group which selected the Charity to run over 2km, with children as well to the countless people who generously as their Charity of the Year in 2019. as grandparents and four-legged friends donated whilst having their gifts wrapped. taking part in the fun. The Haddenham event was organised by the Haddenham Community Support Group who did a fantastic job. “We would like to thank everyone who has given up their time to support our Santa Dashes during the busy festive period,” said FNHC’s Events Manager Vicky Harman. “None of these events would have been possible without the Volunteers Wendover who help to make the events run smoothly and safely. Also, we are really grateful to local businesses such as Slenderpane who sponsored The University of the medals at the Haddenham Santa Dash, Fitlife Haddenham Buckingham 3B Hire and Servicing for the warm-up there, and and its Students’ Union which are for raising money for the Hospice on their BML Training for doing the supporting the Hospice through raising stand at the Kop Hill Climb. They raised warm-up at Wendover and money and putting on events, including £490 and it also gave our staff a great Great Missenden.” Great Missenden a super-chic Vintage Pop-Up Shop on opportunity to chat to local people about campus. hospice care.

10 11 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Deborah Earnshaw who added to the Pyramid of Coffee Mornings total by raising over £1000 at her Coffee A big thank you to... Morning in Billington. Deborah also works hard for the Charity as a Trustee with a particular responsibility for Retail, and we are very grateful to her and to all our Trustees for the care and time they give to the Charity. Haddenham Masonic Lodge Pupils, parents and staff for providing eight Volunteers who from St Mary’s Church of marshalled and helped at the Haddenham School, Junior School, Santa Dash. Thanks to all the other Ashmead Combined School, Volunteers from the HCSG and the village Church of England Combined School, who also helped out – this event could Whitchurch County Combined School, not have happened without you! School, Broughton Junior School and Junior School for raising £3,382 by supporting the FNHC Christmas Appeal and buying Flumpets in December. Margaret Haddow and Val Truby Alders Farm Fishery Barrie and Barbara Johnson who is a regular, longstanding fundraiser and their customers who raised a for raising £1,000 at this year’s Ali and Volunteer who also raises money whopping £4,090 from their Christmas Haddow Memorial Golf Day, held at for the Hospice through her Flower Raffle. Thanks also to all the donors who Silverstone Golf Club & Hotel. A huge Arranging Demonstrations. Val raffles off Gill Bennett donated over 150 prizes, from restaurant thank you also to all the contributors, her arrangements at every event, raising vouchers to fishing kit. We are really sponsors and players. money for hospice care in the process. for taking part in our Pyramid of Coffee looking forward to their Open Day in aid Mornings and raising £351 for the Charity. Val is a very creative and innovative florist, of the Hospice on June 6th. as you can see from this arrangement which she created in FNHC colours to celebrate the 30th Anniversary.

Aylesbury Railway Club for raising an impressive £757 at their Charity Concert with The New Honeycombs.

12 13 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Jane, Ann and Dorothy Andy Cowie and all their helpers for organising the for yet another high quality Music Quiz in A big thank you to... Christmas Bazaar and raising nearly November. The triumphant winners were £1,000. It was lovely to see so many Team Bon Jovi while the despondent people getting together to shop, chat, losers were Def Leppard, but the ultimate The family of Scott Eburne Harry eat and drink to support the Charity. winners were our Hospice patients and who put on a fantastic fundraising event from The Chilterns Weather Alerts who Jane, Ann and Dorothy have done a huge their families - the Quiz raised £610 for which raised £2,000 for the Hospice. donated the Christmas Tree to the amount of fundraising and volunteering the Charity! Thanks so much to Andy for Scott was cared for at the Hospice in his Hospice which stood outside the Hospice over many years, and put in an incredible organising, and to everyone who took final days aged 45, just a few months throughout the festive season and into amount of hours, ideas and effort in the part and helped to raise such a fantastic after his initial diagnosis of lung cancer. New Year carrying lights dedicated to 30th Anniversary year. Thank you so amount from the evening. the memory of loved ones who had been much to all three of you for everything you cared for by the Florence team. do for the Charity.

Scruples of Wendover for putting on a fabulous Christmas Cocktails, Glitz and Glamour event in memory of their colleague Carla Fenn, On The Run Aylesbury and especially to all the Scruples stylists and therapists who gave their time for for all their support at fundraising events free to raise money for the Hospice in and for raising £503 from donations at gratitude for the care that Carla received. their Monday “On The Walk” sessions, The evening raised a glittering £1,250. and other events.

Kelly, Keira and Eden Mark Duncan and Peter Smith Thomas for organising a fantastic Dance-a-thon from the Provincial Grand Lodge of and raising an amazing £1,300 for the Buckinghamshire Freemasons who raised Hospice in memory of their Mum and £300 for the Charity by auctioning off two Grandma, Carol, who was cared for by bottles of wine they were presented with our Community Team. at a tour of Manor.

14 15 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Jamie Bachman Reflexions Health and of Howe & Co Fish and Chips who has Leisure Club A big thank you to... raised a total of £651 in the past year through donations to the Florence green and their customers who kindly donated tub on his van! And a huge thank you to Christmas Advent Calendars to be given Marilyn Pipe The Great Milton Singers his very generous customers who put to the children cared for by the Florrie’s Children’s Team and their siblings. The picture says it all! who performed Bach’s Christmas their spare change in the tub to support Oratorio in Thame and raised a fantastic the Hospice. £821 for the Hospice.

Charlee Mix 96 Aylesbury United Ladies for raising £130 by selling handmade for choosing to support Florrie’s Children’s & Girls FC bracelets and glitter tattoos at a school Team as one of the recipients of the for organising an 80s Fundraising Quiz to disco in memory of a close friend’s father Christmas Toy Appeal and a huge thank celebrate 30 years of Florence Nightingale who passed away at Florence Nightingale you to everyone who donated toys. Aylesbury Aces Bridge Hospice. They raised £600, which was Hospice. Fantastic effort and amount split between the Club and the Charity. raised - thank you, Charlee! Club Well done to Quack to the Future, quiz for raising £727 at an afternoon tea event winners, and to the joint fancy dress which was then match-funded with an winners – their costumes were amazing. additional £500 by Lloyds Banking Group. Thanks to everyone who organised and participated and to Lloyds for their generous donation.

Fonehouse in Princes Risborough for running a charity raffle whose winner, Doug, selected the Hospice to receive the proceeds of £265.

16 17 CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS The Share Centre raises £15k in first year Christmas bonus for hospice care from VAHT employees

Thanks to the very generous donations and fundraising efforts from employees in the lead up to Christmas, the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust (VAHT) raised £1,365 for their chosen Charity of the Year, Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. FNHC’s Corporate Partnerships Manager Emma Carroll was delighted to receive and welcoming space for people to enjoy the cheque from the Trust’s CEO Matthew and feel more at home.” FNHC is now halfway through the two- A group of Share Centre colleagues and family Applegate, saying, “I’m blown away by the year partnership with The Share Centre members and supporters from FNHC braved October generosity of the Trust staff. This money “It’s really great that our employees are in Aylesbury. At a lunchtime presentation rain to cycle 30 miles in honour of the Hospice’s 30th Anniversary – they raised £940 including Gift Aid! will help the Charity pay for the renovation supporting such an important local charity in January it was announced to Share of the patients’ bathroom at the Hospice. and it’s reassuring to know they are there Centre staff that they had raised a (apparently a cardboard Smarties tube The aim is to reflect the rest of the Hospice to help people at their most vulnerable phenomenal £15,079 (including Gift Aid) holds £12 worth of 20p coins!) Thanks environment through creating a relaxing time,” added Matthew. for FNHC in 2019. Plans are afoot to to all the employees at The Share Centre match that sum in 2020. Watch out for who have put so much effort and time another Skydive, support for FNHC’s into fundraising for the Hospice – you’ve Ridgeway Trek and also The Share raised an incredible amount to help others Kidd Rapinet Centre’s own 20p Smarties challenge who are suffering in our community. announces FNHC Defaqto’s Vicki Wood takes on Triathlon partnership Vicki Wood, a Researcher at Defaqto in Haddenham, decided to challenge herself Local solicitors Kidd Rapinet are very to a mini Triathlon to raise money for the keen to support their local community Defaqto chosen charities this year, of and particularly Florence Nightingale which FNHC is one. Vicki put in many Hospice Charity. In January they launched hours of training to get herself fit and on a partnership with FNHC and a new Wills December 7th attempted her challenge. service offer. From January, Kidd Rapinet She completed five kilometres on a in Aylesbury are donating 10% of the treadmill, cycled 15 kilometres on a static cost of every Will they make or update bike and swam one kilometre in the pool. for new clients who mention FNHC when Many congratulations to Vicki for her they book an appointment. Reshma achievement, thank you to the Nuffield Sunnassee, Senior Associate at Kidd Gym at for hosting, and to Rapinet, said, “We are very proud to be all Vicki’s colleagues who came along to part of this exciting opportunity and look Kidd Rapinet staff with their winning entry in the support her. She raised £261 for FNHC. forward to working with FNHC.” Aylesbury Bake Off

18 19 CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS Waterside Panto collection is a real beauty It’s been another amazing year of support generous partner and their support is very from the Waterside Theatre and they finished much appreciated by all at the Charity and the the year on a festive high when they raised Hospice. a whopping £4,135 from their post-Panto bucket collections in aid of the Hospice. This came after three of the stars of this year’s panto, Beauty and the Beast, entertained Day Hospice staff and patients with their antics when they kindly came over to help with the annual FNHC Christmas Draw in December. The Waterside Theatre is an immensely Waddesdon Manor partnership enhances Charity’s 30th celebrations At the start of 2019 Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity was voted Charity of the Year by Waddesdon Manor’s staff and volunteers, and throughout 2019 more than 100 of them baked, packed and quizzed to support their local hospice, and at Christmas the partnership was celebrated through a joint Christmas card featuring a festive scene of Waddesdon Manor painted As Charity of the Year, the Charity also exclusively by artist Rod Brown. The cards received a grant from the Rothschild were on sale in both the Waddesdon and Foundation, continuing the Foundation’s Hospice Charity Shops and were extremely commitment to charitable organisations popular, helping the Charity raise additional who make lives better for local people in the funds for the Hospice. area around Waddesdon. The Charity also hosted events at the Dairy and in the Manor to mark their 30th A longtime Hospice anniversary and the launch of FNH@Home, supporter and a new Hospice at Home service to help Volunteer, acar2go terminally ill people living in Aylesbury Vale. Director Mark Duncan is pictured here with “This was a unique opportunity to work Jo Turner, FNHC CEO, alongside a very prestigious organisation. handing over a cheque It allowed us to raise awareness of the for £430 which was work done by the Hospice whilst providing donated by everybody a focus for all the teams at Waddesdon that came to see Father Christmas at the used to engage with the Charity and with each car dealership in Aston other,’’ said Jo Turner, FNHC’s Chief Clinton in December. Executive.

20 YOUR STORY YOUR STORY

And that was the time that my respiratory I knit for the NCC, I knit animals. I’ve got nurses tried to convince me that Day quite a lot of different ones that I knit for “My life seems worth living now” Hospice would be good. But I kept saying the Hospice. They’re all done in pieces Mary Gardener raises money for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity as no because it is the Hospice, and the and it’s very fiddly but I love to do them, word “Hospice”, to me, is cancer. So I and because I love to do them, I buy the a member of Nightingale Country Crafts (NCC). Mary knits beautiful, quirky kept putting it off and putting it off, and wool, I buy the stuffing, and I donate the animals, full of character and charm, which the NCC sells to raise money for then they said, “Well, why don’t you just whole lot to the NCC. And when I come the Hospice. Mary is also a Day Hospice patient who has chronic obstructive go for the first meeting?” So I came here, to the Day Hospice, they are quite excited pulmonary disease (COPD). Here she describes her 20-year journey from and coming through those doors, oh it to see different ones that I have made, was dreadful. But I did it. And I had the and I sell quite a few at the Day Hospice breathlessness to knitting for the NCC so that she can give something back meeting, and they offered me one day a for grandchildren and all sorts, and to the Hospice for making her see that life was still worth living. week, Thursdays, to come and join in and every bit of money goes to the Hospice The COPD hit me quite hard to start with, But now each infection I get, my see how it went. because they have done so much for me, and I wanted to give them something that was about 20 years ago, and I was COPD gradually gets a little bit worse. So I did get here that first week, and I back. so convinced that if I carried on smoking It’s damage to the lungs and at this am SO glad that I did. It has changed I would never see a grand-daughter time I have got serious damage to the me completely. My life seems worth living that my daughter was expecting. So I lungs. And it will never get better, it just now. And I really enjoy coming here. The stopped smoking from that day, with gradually gets worse. You just learn to nurses are so fantastic, and the doctors, patches, and I’ve never looked back. I live with it, because what else can you I’ve seen doctors here, and everybody’s found it hard at times because I smoked do? It is hard, but, I’m getting there. I’m friendly, and it’s given me a purpose. It such a lot, which was forty a day. So on oxygen 24/7. I find it worse in the changed me a lot and everybody can see really I’ve done it to myself but in those night than I do in the daytime, but, apart it, and I’m so glad I did it. days you didn’t think about cancer and from that, we live a full life, as much as I They listen to you. You can talk, and they smoking and things like that. can. It’s a happy life. listen. And they also give you advice. And Doing anything was making me out of You learn more about it as you go on, it’s different to going to your GP because breath, not terribly, but out of breath, really, because at the time the lung GPs are so busy. You have time to talk so I did it for myself really, I stopped the damage wasn’t really that severe. Over here, and it’s made a huge difference, a smoking and I was so surprised that I the years, it gradually gets worse, with huge difference. Christmas fun in Day Hospice with Staff Nurse Viv Knight. did, and my family was so surprised that I each infection you have a little bit more They explain a lot, about medication and managed to do it. damage and scarring. So most of the tablets and all sorts when you come to time, I’m out of breath when I do anything the Breathe Well [Group]. They show you at all. Even just walk to the bathroom, I’m pictures of the lungs and what happens, out of breath. But as I say you learn to and what to do when you get breathless, cope with it. how to breathe. Because that is most Two or three years ago, I had a really important, that you breathe properly. But bad patch, a really bad patch. I wasn’t when you’re really out of breath, it takes a interested in doing anything at all. lot to get it under control, but if you keep Nothing whatsoever. And that was hard, trying, you will get it under control and that really was hard. I didn’t do any of that is the secret of being able to get over my hobbies, I didn’t do anything. And the breathlessness quite quickly and to Mary with Day Hospice Lead Tracey Batt (left) who is of course the depression started as well help with everything else. holding the Day Hospice giraffe knitted for her by Mary. then. That was a hard time. Mary with one of her most popular creations!

22 23 CHALLENGE FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE FUNDRAISING DIARY DATES MARCH Saturday 7th March, 10am-1pm To learn hands on up-to-date techniques that could Admiration and thanks to… Dog First Aid Course potentially save lives in an emergency situation. Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP21 7TA John Wallbank Saturday 7th March, 5.30pm A taste of the Midnight Walk for little ones. Walk one Mini Night Walk mile from the Charity’s Head Office into Aylesbury from Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust for Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP21 7TA and back…in the dark! Flashing bunny ears supplied taking on a skydive and raising £1,488 for to all children taking part. the Hospice. Judith Thursday 12th March, 2.30pm A closer look at the new season’s fashions from Simmons Fashion Show and Afternoon Tea Baban Boutique in Thame, followed by afternoon Bradmoor Farm Function Suite, Stanbridge Rd tea. Tickets £20 from FNHC Haddenham Shop or for raising £550 in Haddenham, HP17 8JX call 01844 292070 to book. sponsorship for her Skydive. “After completing Race to the Sunday 15th March, 9am Looking for a fitness challenge? Run a half marathon Palace Half Marathon at one of the two surviving palaces of King Henry VIII Stones ultra marathon in July I needed Hampton Court Palace, in aid of the Hospice. a new challenge. I have never wanted to jump out of a plane but my friend Tracey Saturday 21st March, 7pm Ever-popular music quiz run by Andy Cowie, with a Andy Cowie’s Music Quiz Fish and Chip dinner. Tickets available on the FNHC Riley suggested it and I thought I should do Hawkslade Farm Community Centre, Aylesbury website, or call 01296 429975. Tables of 8. something else I had never thought I could.”

Saturday 28th March, 4pm Join us for a fun evening of bingo with some great Bingo prizes on offer, plus tombola and raffle. Tickets £10 Beth Heale Walton Lodge, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP21 7TA including fish and chip supper. completed her Skydive in October and APRIL Saturday 4th April, 10am-2pm Try your luck to win some Easter chocolate – with raised £575 in sponsorship. Beth, who Easter Egg Tombola over 300 Easter Eggs to win, you’re sure to get is also FNHC’s Retail Support Manager, Friars Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury lucky! Eggs are donated by the local community. had some serious doubts about taking on Sunday 19th April, 7am Cycle the Brighton Marathon Ride – 50km in length the challenge. “Did I mention that I have Brighton Marathon Ride taking in all of the Brighton Marathon course, vertigo and that I am having to actively Brighton including Brighton city centre and the seafront. not think about the moment that I will be Sunday 19th April, 9.45am Fancy doing a full marathon around Brighton, dangling out the door of a moving plane Brighton Marathon starting and finishing on the seafront? It’s one of the up to 15000ft in the air?” she said before Brighton nation’s favourites with its seaside finish. the jump. And afterwards? “My Skydive MAY was absolutely fantastic, couldn’t have Sunday 3rd May, 10am A nice local but challenging marathon course. Take enjoyed it more!” Well done for facing Milton Keynes Half and Full Marathons on a full or half marathon starting and finishing at your fear and doing it anyway, Beth! StadiumMK, Milton Keynes stadiumMK. JUNE Tracey Riley Thursday 11th-Sunday 14th June Enjoy breathtaking scenery with this unique local The Ridgeway Trek walking challenge: the Ridgeway Trek is a 4-day, 80- for raising a fantastic £1,330 in mile trek from Swindon to . Swindon-Stoke Mandeville sponsorship for her Skydive. “I have Saturday 27th June Last year over 700 men, women and children wanted to do a parachute jump since Midnight Walk 2020 walked 5 or 10 miles and raised £55,000 for I was 18 years of age, but there has Florence Nightingale Hospice. Will you be there this Aylesbury College always been some excuse not to. As I hit Oxford Road, Aylesbury year to support your Hospice? the big 50 I decided no more excuses. For more information on all our events, The children have all grown up and it is visit www.fnhospice.org.uk or Facebook @florencenightingalehospice now time to follow some of my dreams.

24 24 25 CHALLENGE FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE FUNDRAISING Ross Batting Sarah Hurley Claire Davis and Emma Payne of 3B Vehicle Hire & Servicing who ran the for running the Oxford Half Marathon for for completing the 10K Lake Run in memory of Claire’s friend Oxford Half Marathon in 1hr 45mins and the Hospice in memory of her Nan, Annette Sharon Berry and raising £719. “I completed the 10k run raised £325. “I have been blown away by Hill, and also in memory of her running in 1hr 16mins which is my PB!” said Claire. “It was forecast not only the great work [the Charity] do but buddy Gemma’s Mum, Fran. “I HATE to rain but Sharon was with me every step providing blue the compassion the staff & volunteers all running,” said Sarah. “However I decided sky and sunshine for the whole way round. I am genuinely have towards the people they get to help to finally sign up to an event and have overwhelmed by all the support from friends and family at some of the most difficult times of their stupidly chosen a half marathon and to and others who I may not know in person but have been life,” said Ross. “We all hope we will never spur me on across the finish line I thought supportive of this huge task for me personally and inspired need hospice care but it’s organisations that raising money for a charity close to by my brave friend and the amazing work that the hospice like Florence Nightingale that provide the my heart would do it! Florence Nightingale do. To each and every one of you that has sponsored me... support that is so vital if we ever did.” Hospice in Aylesbury were simply amazing thankyou...your donations will make such a difference.” during my amazing Nan’s last few days and went above and beyond to ensure that not only was she comfortable, but that we The FNHC China Trekkers were all ok and could spend every minute of those last days with her.” Sarah raised The China Trek was a huge success. 16 £950 for the Hospice. intrepid Hospice supporters headed off to Beijing in October and had the challenge and the experience of their lives. They raised an incredible £54,000, so, translated into hospice care, the China Trek will cover just under a third of the cost of providing the Day Hospice service to around 120 patients per year.

Ian Ayris who ran the Oxford Half Marathon in 1hr 48 mins to raise money for the Hospice in memory of a close friend. With Gift Aid, Ian has raised nearly £2,000!

Lena Gray for completing a 300 mile cycle challenge in September, raising £520 for the Charity. She smashed her target, cycling 315 miles over 17 hours of cycling and burning 6000 calories!

26 27 What if something happened today... to send your life in a different direction?

Legal support for everyday and life changing events, call 01296 506087, visit kiddrapinet.co.uk or call into a branch near you.

AYLESBURY FARNHAM HIGH WYCOMBE LONDON MAIDENHEAD SLOUGH