Registered charity number 1008796
Picture Courtesy of Carlisle Living/Danny Fowler
@EVHospice
/EdenValleyHospice
“ We couldn’t think of a better charity to support.” Kerrie Allison Page 13
“ Every event is a step closer to helping another person.” Debbie Hall Page 10
“ The hospice supported us in ways we could never repay.” Jack Tinkler Page 3
Inside this issue:
www.edenvalleyhospice.org
hospice news
Spring 2017
Welcome to the spring edition of the Eden Valley Hospice Newsletter. You may recall before Christmas there was a very moving story in the local press about a young Workington family with a young son. The father, sadly only 40, was admitted here for symptom support and end of life care and his wife and son stayed with him. His son is only six and his parents wanted to ensure this very difficult and tragic time was as positive as possible for someone so young. During their stay with us we were able to organise a firework display and burgers for the extended family on Bonfire Night, Spider-Man (the boy’s favourite superhero) came to visit, we were donated a Nintendo Wii game console for him to play with and during the day he was able to just have fun with young people and play workers in Jigsaw, our children’s hospice next door. This allowed the couple to spend some precious time together knowing their son was happy and in safe hands.
Every day people are entrusting themselves and their loved ones to the care of Eden Valley Hospice; to the expertise and kind care from our nurses, doctors, therapists, chaplain, counsellors and social workers. They are in turn supported by a wonderful community of volunteers who we couldn’t do without. We also couldn’t do without you – for each person and family we have only one chance to get it right and it is through your
generous support you make the difference. Bill Mumford Chief Executive Since writing this piece our hospice mascot, Hospuss, has visited the young boy and his friends at a fundraising event they hosted at his school.
Our Mission Statement Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s
Children’s Hospice will provide palliative care for people with incurable or life limiting illnesses, enabling them and their carers to live life as fully and as independently as possible. We will deliver services with a common focus, working collaboratively across Cumbria and south west Scotland.
Eden Valley Hospice provides care for adults with life limiting
illnesses from north Cumbria and south west Scotland. The hospice has a 12 bed in-patient unit with eight single en-suite rooms and a four bed room. The home from home environment creates a relaxing atmosphere for patients and families with each room overlooking the beautiful walled garden.
Day Hospice provides care for up to 15 people a day, four days a week. Most days the sweet smell of freshly baked cakes fills the Day Hospice as patients, nurses and volunteers exchange stories about what has happened since they last met.
Front Cover Image This editions front cover shows the hospice staff and volunteers celebrating our success at the 2016 Carlisle Living Awards. During the memorable evening we were presented the Best Retail Team and Best Place to Work awards. We would like to thank Carlisle Living and Danny Fowler for allowing us to use this picture.
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“The hospice supported us in ways we could never repay: by being a friend.” Jack Tinkler Almost seven years ago the Eden Valley Hospice nurses, doctors and family support team began to care for the Tinkler family. Later this year Jack will embark on the fundraising challenge of a lifetime in memory of his Dad, David ‘Tink’ Tinkler, and to say thank you to hospice. Jack explained, “Eden Valley Hospice holds a special place in my family’s heart. In 2010 my Dad was diagnosed with cancer. At school I found it quite difficult to come to terms with it, knowing that time wasn’t on our side and that I would eventually lose my Dad. The hospice supported me with fully trained counsellors who were of huge benefit to my young self. “However, it did not stop there. My Dad was admitted to the hospice on several occasions for respite care. He would often describe it as ‘a five star hotel, beautiful home cooked food', exactly what he wanted. The staff were brilliant and got to know us personally. “No task was ever too big or too small. It was evident that the staff were carers, real carers, and by that I mean that they are dedicated to provide beyond what's expected. In my Dad’s final days the hospice provided us with accommodation so we could spend that special quality time with him.
£10,000 which could be the difference between life and death. “I am not looking forward to the basics. No shower, toilets or beds. But then again I’d rather give my bed to someone who needs it most. "The hospice supported us in ways we could never repay: by being a friend. People often associate the hospice with death and cancer, but it’s more than that. It’s a home from home for those that need it most. If you’re ever in that position to experience the passion, drive and care that all staff have embrace it - they are gold.” If you would like to sponsor Jack as he treks through the Amazon Rainforest in aid of the hospice please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JackTinks. Jack will also be hosting a black tie event at the Shepherds Inn, Carlisle, on Saturday 22 April in aid of the hospice. Tickets for the event are £40 and will include a drinks reception, three course meal, an auction and live entertainment. For more information please search for ‘Shine and Dine Charity Ball’ on Facebook. In 2013 Jack Tinkler completed a skydive in aid of Eden Valley Hospice, pictured above.
“On 20 September 2011 he lost his fight. Even after his death the hospice provided ongoing support. They invited my Mam to the Sunflower Group for carers which provided counselling, arts and crafts and other hobbies and interests. It was the fact of knowing she wasn’t alone that allowed her to carry on with her head high, being the proud mother she is.” On Saturday 16 September Jack will embark on a six day overseas fundraising challenge, trekking through the Amazon Rainforest, sleeping in hammocks, fishing for his own dinner and using basic facilities. Jack continued, “I wanted to do something different and challenging, something I would never have dreamed to do. Although walking in 30+ degree heat for miles and miles will be testing, this is nothing in comparison to those faced with their battles when in need of palliative care. “I’m looking forward to it all. I know that I’ll gain massive life skills and experiences from it. I hope that I will come to realise that although things we are faced with may appear to be difficult they are easily achievable. I’m most looking forward to raising funds to help the hospice continue providing superior care. I hope to raise over
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Making treasured memories when it matters Every day special memories are created at the hospice. From providing people with time to spend with family, friends and pets to helping a child at Jigsaw create a colourful craft product, each special memory will stay with the family forever. Below our Clinical Sister, Angela Dobson, and our Family Support Team share with you some of the special memories we have helped to create at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.
Parties and Occasions We recognise that a stay at the hospice may mean patients and their families miss out on special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. Here at Eden Valley Hospice we try to help the patients, families and friends celebrate. In November we held a small firework display and party in the grounds with gingerbread and sparklers. All the rooms on the Adult In-Patient Unit look out onto the garden and chairs or beds were pushed to the doors so everyone could enjoy the firework display. At Christmas patients find it difficult to go shopping for presents. The hospice is very lucky to have a fantastic community and gifts are donated throughout the festive season. We were able to hand out some adorable cuddly bears along with selection boxes to patients and their families. One patient told me it was nice to give the grandchildren a gift from him and not one his children had to buy for him. Another patient said her child sought comfort from cuddling up with the bear in bed with her.
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Weddings and Blessings A wedding at the hospice is incredibly special, it is something that may not have been a priority for various reasons, but suddenly it can become vitally important when time is limited. The whole team across Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw will pull out all of the stops to make things happen even if they only have a few hours to do so. The whole hospice becomes a hive of activity and there is an excited buzz in the air. Whilst the Chaplain creates a service to bless the rings and ensure that Registrars are available to conduct the ceremony; fundraising staff may be called on to help with decorations for the room and to produce photographic memories and a certificate to treasure forever. Catering are always happy to provide a cake and wedding ones are extra special. Serving up a buffet and some fizz is also a nice touch. The number of people with hidden skills is always surprising; staff that were once florists and hairdressers come into their own with a wedding in the offing. Sometimes even the hospice can’t make it happen alone. The surrounding communities, both businesses and individuals, are always a great support if we’re struggling with a special request. Pauline Steenbergen, Hospice Chaplain, said “It’s a great privilege for the chaplaincy team to be involved in someone’s special day, whether it’s a wedding, renewal of vows, milestone anniversary, baby’s baptism or name blessing ceremony. Whilst tinged with sadness, supporting families and seeing their joy and peace stays with staff and volunteers for years to come.”
Special Visitors and Trips We love to welcome all visitors to the hospice, and also make someone’s day special with a surprise guest. The hospice recently had a visit from Spider-Man. There was a lot of excitement waiting for him to arrive and it was lovely to see big smiles on the patients' and families' faces. Olaf, from the Disney film Frozen, made an appearance at a Birthday Party, organised by the hospice, and made this a very memorable occasion. At Chrismas we are lucky to have school choirs sing every year in Day Hospice and donkeys visit in their Santa hats. This lifts everyone’s spirits and is an annual event enjoyed by all. One young mum told us that she had never had a family holiday with her partner and little child. The Family Support Team helped make this dream come true. With assistance from the Willow Foundation and Hospice at Home, the family had a successful weekend away at Center Parcs. A memory that will last a lifetime. Other trips have included going to a Carlisle United match, taking a shopping trip and going out for a special meal. All of these have been facilitated by various teams at the hospice and enabled a dream or wish to come true.
Angela concluded, “Working at Eden Valley Hospice can sometimes mean your plans for the day fly out of the window with a single remark. Something unplanned and different is achieved and somehow that to-do list doesn’t seem so pressing anymore, because we’ve made someone’s day, hour or moment. “Often the smallest gestures are the ones that mean the most to patients and their families as they make time easier to bear and take everyday problems away. “A bored child being provided with a games console from the retail team or being taken out with Jigsaw to give Mum a break, whilst knowing they are safe and cared for. The pet dog who has its dressing changed and a wound checked by our nurses to avoid a husband having to leave his wife to visit the vets at a critical time. “Fundraising coming down to say thank you to the patient and family for making hundreds of pompoms. As a result getting to know them and involving them in the pompom world record attempt. The Sunday newspaper picked up for a patient by the nurse on her way to work. A walk around the garden or being taken to the park in a chair can lift a patient's mood no end. “Every day is different at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. Contrary to some perceptions it is often a happy place with lots of laughter and love, life is certainly never boring.”
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Making the hospice sparkle everyday Day in, day out the hospice’s dedicated team of housekeepers work tirelessly to maintain the high levels of cleanliness throughout the hospice. However, they do not just make the hospice sparkle – they can provide a listening ear, warm smile and company for many patients and families as they go about their day-to-day work Housekeeping Team Leader Cath Underwood explains.
“We break for lunch then back on the ward to finish any patients rooms, sort the laundry and it’s now time for home. Trolleys away ready for tomorrow, time now is 3.15pm. “We leave the hospice knowing we have done our best for patients, family and staff. “Here is a little story about an elderly lady who arrived from Newcastle by ambulance on a cold, dark evening in November. Not knowing what was waiting for her as she made this journey to the hospice. “My day starts at 7am, but I always arrive early to get my day in order. First the night staff let me know if any patient is going home or have sadly passed away, and to let me know if there are any family in the building. “There are four housekeepers on every day and we divide the first three hours up into four areas: 1st Reception, coffee lounge, chapel, Family Support and the real fire in the winter 2nd Day Hospice, hairdressers, dining room and the back corridor 3rd Upstairs offices, training room, flat and Jigsaw 4th Administration and Fundraising “At 10am we stop for a coffee break. Then two housekeepers go on to the Adult In-Patient Unit, one will go to Jigsaw and the fourth will start to clean any empty rooms so we can have them up and running again.
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“But as she arrived at Reception and looked down the room to see this lovely coal fire burning bright and crackling away she said to herself ‘I’m home.’ “These little stories that patients tell the housekeepers about just make our day!”
How can you help the hospice in 2017?
Every year you help to raise over ÂŁ2million to fund our care, support and activities; read on to find out how you can help us this year! 7
In January 2016 the Fundraising Regulator was established following widespread concern, from the public and media, about how charities contact existing as well as potential supporters. Over the coming months new guidelines and the Fundraising Preference Service will place you in control of the information you receive from all charities. Below the hospice’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, John Priddle, explains about Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw’s ethical fundraising methods. “To function the hospice has to raise, every year, more than £2million from our community. That is in addition to the limited funds that we receive from the government, which has steadily gone down, in real terms, over the years. “So fundraising is vital to us but so is the way it is conducted, given the Olive Cook scandal and other issues which have surfaced since. My concern is that the solution to a problem largely caused by large charities may prove to be to their benefit, and unhelpful to smaller local charities like Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.
trust and the whole way a charity operates. The hospice gives first class care and support to all who need us, free of charge. In return that is reflected in the trust the community gives us through its fantastic support. That is so much more than financial help, as is clear from events like Light Up a Lake and from the army of volunteers and supporters we rely upon. “We must not and we do not abuse that trust. In case there is any doubt, we have our own fundraising charter (full details appear on our website). We do not sell data. We do not pay excessive salaries. We don’t waste money. We buy materials and services from local suppliers where available. Our 100 plus staff all live locally. We deliberately make sure that we support the local economy, as it supports us. “That is how it has been for years, how it is now, and how it will continue. It is a stain on the reputation of the charitable sector that, as a result of the activities of others, we need to restate those wider core values.” We value all of our supporters at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw and we want to ensure the communications you receive from the hospice meet your needs and requirements. Plus by only sending you the appropriate mailings it will help to save the hospice money.
“To me ethical fundraising is about more than the way any charity raises money. It is about mutual
Please let us know what types of mailings you would like to receive by completing the form below: Name: Post Code: Newsletter
Fundraising Events/Campaigns
Annual Grand Draw/Raffle
Retail
Volunteering
I would like to receive communications via:
Post
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Lottery
Please provide email address
Phone
Please provide contact number
Last year a host of local pubs, newsagents, takeaways, shops and other businesses helped raise over £12,000 in aid of the hospice by simply displaying a collection box and collecting small change. Each of our collection boxes are serviced by a small, dedicated team of volunteers, including Ken Percival (pictured above, centre). Below Ken explains about his role as a collection box volunteer. “I began to support Eden Valley Hospice after experiencing the work carried out there. It gave me an insight into what ‘comfort days’ are all about. It’s a good job there are such places to help adults and especially children, when you see them you can see the delight and sunshine coming out of them. “I decided to become a volunteer when my wife passed away. The hospice had provided excellent care and I had to give something back in return for their comfort and attention given, not only to my wife but to myself and my family. “I had no medical or care responsibilities so when a call came from the Fundraising Department I jumped at the opportunity to get on board. They trusted me and gave me the important job of looking after the collection boxes situated in various places. “The hospice also asked me to help out at various fundraising events. It got me out and about again, meeting and working with people. It is at the events when working with colleagues which has provided me with many laughs, combined with serious work. So I said ‘yes’ to help at ongoing events without hesitation.
“ It’s a good job there are such places to help adults and especially children, when you see them you can see the delight and sunshine coming out of them.” Ken Percival, Hospice Volunteer
“I enjoy knowing that when I have serviced a collection box that the rewards are helping the funding of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. You then have the satisfaction of a job well done. It lifts you up for the day! “I would recommend and encourage people to become a collection box volunteer. It gets you out and about, meeting people and you know that you are helping to raise funds for the hospice. “Don’t be afraid to enlist as a volunteer. There are several different departments to work in and a friendly atmosphere.” If your business, place of work or local shop, cafe or pub would like to have a collection box to support Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw please get in touch with the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or email fundraising@edenvalleyhospice.org Alternatively, if you would like to join Ken as a collection box volunteer in your area please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or email volunteer@edenvalleyhospice.org
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Six challenges, two causes and one fundraiser For 12 months one local woman has taken part in and organised six fantastic fundraising events in aid of two charities, Eden Valley Hospice and Cancer Research UK. Below Debbie Hall explains about her year long fundraising challenge. “I have chosen to support Eden Valley Hospice as it is a local charity who greatly assisted my Mum when she attended Day Hospice. The staff and volunteers even arranged to collect her and bring her into Day Hospice and take her home. “The hospice cares for local people and ensures they have the best possible care in their last weeks or months of living. “I have been inspired by my Mum and further following my secondary cancer diagnosis. I wanted to do something and encourage awareness about their work. I wanted to help bring information about the hospice to the forefront.” Debbie’s six challenges have included the hospice Colour Run, Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, a sky dive, zip wire, race night and a Charity Ball which takes place on Saturday 1 July at the Shepherds Inn, Carlisle. Debbie continued, “I have enjoyed knowing that I have helped raise awareness and funds to help support those in need. With Cancer Research UK I was keen to support their continuing research to find a cure. "I don’t think there is any part of the challenges that I haven’t enjoyed. Following my chemotherapy, they are all events I was able to complete. “Every event is a step closer to helping another person and finding a cure.”
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“The charity ball is something that everyone can take part in, whether by purchasing a ticket to attend or donating a raffle/auction prize to raise funds to assist with both charities.” Tickets for the ball are £35 per person and will include a fizz reception, three course meal, photo booth by Ian McCrone, No Band Required by Martin and Stuart and will be compéred by local radio presenter Robbie Dee. The entertainment will include the world’s number one official Gary Barlow singer and look alike, Mr Dan Hadfield. Debbie concluded, “I also have friends and family tweeting Mr Barlow himself to try and get him to the ball #GetGaryToTheBall01/07/17 so feel free to help. “All I can say is I’m overwhelmed by the kindness of all those taking part and who are giving their valuable, precious time to create this upcoming event. This is very much recognised by myself and the charities that I have chosen, as more is donated to assist, support and help those in need of respite care and to further contribute to finding a cure, we all so deserve.” If you would like more information about the ball, to book a ticket or to donate a raffle/auction prize please contact Debbie on 07909915787.
Amazing year for Retail Team marked with celebrations 2016 was a year to remember for everybody involved with the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Retail Team as they opened a new shop, received a prestigious award and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in aid of the hospice. As featured in the previous edition of hospice news in September the retail team opened their first Jigsaw charity shop in the heart of Penrith Town Centre. The shop, which stocks a wide range of clothing, toys and much more, is proving to be a popular shopping destination in the town.
To cap a wonderful year for the hospice’s retail team they are delighted to announce the seven shops in Carlisle, Penrith, Brampton and Wigton along with our online shops helped raise £550,000 to support the care, activities and support provided to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. To celebrate the fantastic year for the retail team on Sunday 19 February the hospice hosted a celebration event at the Tithe Barn, Carlisle, for all shop staff and volunteers. The wonderful day included entertainment from the Ragtime Rascles and lots of laughter. For more information about the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw retail team please visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org/support-us/our-shops or call 01228 817615.
On Friday 9 September the passion and enthusiasm of all of the hospice retail team, staff and volunteers, was recognised at the Carlisle Living Awards ceremony. They were overwhelmed to receive the Best Retail Team award as they beat competition from Dickinsons, Lush, Schuh, Stormfront and Topshop, all national brands. On the evening the Carlisle Living Awards judges explained why they chose the hospice retail team for the award. “The whole team, many from senior retail backgrounds, are completely focused on making their businesses competitive and running a professional retail operation.”
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You can make a difference by joining one of our events! April
August
All Month Make a Will Month See page 14 Friday 26 - 1.30pm to 2.10pm Day Hospice Tea Party
Host your very own tea party, cake sale or garden party and support hospice care
All Month Great Cumbrian Tea Party
September May Monday 8 to Sunday 14 Dying Matters Week
Raising awareness about the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement
Sunday 14 Carlisle Colour Run, Carlisle Racecourse Monday 22 to Sunday 28 Children’s Hospice Week Turn up the volume and help raise awareness about children’s hospice care
Friday 26 Bad Hair Day
Colourful and crazy hairstyles raising money for hospice care. Will you join in?
June Thursday 1 to Wednesday 7 National Volunteers Week
Celebrating the kindness, dedication and passion of volunteers
July
Sunday 3 Morecambe Bay Walk
An 8 mile picturesque walk from Arnside to Kents Bank
Sunday 10 Great North Run
Half marathon around the streets of Newcastle
October Sunday 1 Great Cumbrian Run
Half marathon around the streets of Carlisle and surrounding villages
Sunday 23 Lake of Lights, Talkin Tarn
Illuminate the memory of a loved one at this special event
TBC Hospice Care Week
November and December Event dates to be announced Light Up a Life events
Sunday 23 Cycle the Solway Four picturesque routes around the Solway Coast
For more information about any of the hospice’s events or if you would like help and advice about your own fundraising, please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613, email fundraising@edenvalleyhospice.org or visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org
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“We couldn’t think of a better charity to support.” Kerrie Allison, Business Development Manager
A glamorous Diamond Ball, cycle rides and much much more. During 2015 and 2016 staff and clients at David Allen raised a phenomenal £12,170 during our Charity of the Year partnership. Below Kerrie Allison , Business Development Manager, explains about the fantastic partnership. “David Allen recognises the importance of giving something back to the communities in which we live and work. It was very important to us when choosing our Charity of the Year that locally the charity was making a noticeable difference to the lives of others. “There is no better example of this than Eden Valley Hospice who not only provide care to patients but as importantly support for the families of those suffering. Most people have been touched by, or know someone supported by the work completed by Eden Valley Hospice, with some of our own staff having experienced this first-hand. We couldn’t think of a better charity to support. “Over the course of the year a variety of different fundraising activities took place. From coffee mornings to fashion shows, duck races to quiz nights and bag packing to dress down days within the office. We got involved with all sorts to suit different people's abilities to commit and contribute and it worked. We ended the year with members of our team cycling the Coast to Coast and celebrating with a grand Diamond Ball which was a superb success. “At David Allen our culture is very different to most, its more than work, it’s what we do and love to do.
We’re one big family and as such enjoy spending time with each other outside of work. Our Charity of the Year initiative allowed us to work together for a fantastic cause. “It brought members of different departments together, allowed individuals to accomplish personal goals and also pushed some staff outside of their comfort zones as they got involved in different things. Some staff have personally conquered fears and others have achieved things they never thought they would. “Our team can also proudly say they were part of the Guinness World Record for the number of pompoms made – contributing more than 3,500 to the campaign. “We were delighted with the relationship we have established with Eden Valley Hospice which made our whole fundraising experience more worthwhile. All of their staff worked with our team and supported us with our efforts. This relationship lives on now which is lovely. “Aside from all the notable benefits to teamwork, our business has also met some fantastic people and other organisations through our activities, relationships we wouldn’t have made otherwise which further cements how we feel about ‘working together achieves more'." If your place of work would like to find out more information about adopting Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw as your chosen charity please contact Natalie Bingham, Corporate Fundraiser, on 01228 810801.
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Make a Will Month 2017
Once again the hospice will be running our Make a Will Month campaign this April. Several local solicitors are offering appointments to have your Will made in exchange for an affordable donation to Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. Making a Will and keeping it up to date is an important thing to do. Without a Will you can’t control what will happen to your assets or who will look after any young children after you die. People often put off making a Will but it is simple and straightforward to do. If you would like to receive information about Make a Will Month please contact Karen Durden on 01228 817607 or email karen.durden@edenvalleyhospice.org
Getting Your Affairs in Order and Funeral Planning Booklets The hospice recently published two very helpful booklets to assist with making plans about future care and getting your affairs in order. The booklets discuss making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney, Advance Statements, Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment, emergency health care plans and funeral planning. We have been delighted with the fantastic response and positive feedback about the booklets and the peace of mind it has given people who have made their plans. If you would like to receive a copy of the Getting Your Affairs in Order or Funeral Planning booklets please call 01228 817613 or email care@edenvalleyhospice.org
Trust Funding Throughout the year the hospice applies to trust funds to help towards the costs of different projects. The Aviva Community Fund recently awarded Jigsaw a grant of £24,127 to refurbish an area of the children’s hospice to create a snug for the young adults and redevelop the sensory room. The Snug will create a space for our young adults to explore their own interests and promote independence. The much needed space will allow them to watch movies, listen to music and chill out with people of their own age and interests. To improve our sensory room the children’s hospice need a hoist and more appropriate equipment which will enhance the enjoyment the children feel whilst using the room. Sensory equipment stimulates the senses through the use of various sounds, textures and colours. A sensory room is a calming environment where children can feel safe and at ease and it also provides a form of treatment to aid patient care. By transforming both of the rooms we will help to improve the well-being of the children and young adults using the new areas, helping them feel more relaxed and comfortable in their environments.
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The Tale of a Lottery Collector Ever since the Hospice Lottery first began a dedicated group of people have walked around the streets of the local community collecting lottery payments from supporters. Lottery collector Jo Grundy explains about their important role. “Since October 1994 I have had the pleasure and privilege of being a collector for the Eden Valley Hospice Lottery. I have had two rounds for nearly all of that time, and now have one round within walking distance of my home and another in the wider area. “I started to work as a collector the year after I moved to Carlisle to live with Ian Carruthers, whom worked at the hospice as a Volunteer Coordinator. I didn’t know many people in Carlisle and although I taught yoga in several places around the county, I didn’t do much outdoor exercise. “Ian suggested I might like to work for the hospice as collecting would give me the opportunity to meet new people and get out into the fresh air. It has certainly been a pleasure to walk round regularly, watching the seasons change and admiring the trees in Kingmoor Nature Reserve. “It’s been a delight to get to know many people over the past 22 years. I have enjoyed watching children become adults and have shared the joys and sorrows of many of my members. “Sadly some have died, while others have become frail and in need of more help. A few have become close friends and in 2013 I married John, whom I got to know after his first wife died. I had been collecting from Marjorie for many years, but only knew John slightly. After she died, my twelve weekly visits
Spring Raffle 2017 From the £2,000 cash top prize to an overnight stay in a Shepherd’s Hut and a meal for two at The Queens at Warwick on Eden; our Spring Raffle has a brilliant array of prizes many of which have been donated by local people and businesses. Tickets for the raffle are just £1 each and many of you should have already received a book of tickets. If you would like to be in with the chance of winning one of the fantastic prizes you can purchase your tickets at
gradually led to a closer friendship and then to marriage. “It may be a pleasure and a privilege, but being a collector is also a challenge and commitment, both for the collector and for their family. “No matter what the weather, or whatever is happening in my own life, out I go two weekends out of four through 11 months of the year. “I can only remember having to give in on one occasion, when I was too ill to venture out and whether it’s sunshine or showers, ice, snow or heatwave there I’ll be found plodding around collecting. It’s a grand life!” If you would like to find out more information about the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Lottery or Lottery Collecting please visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org or contact the Lottery Team on 01228 817614.
any of the hospice shops, online at www.edenvalleyhospice.org or call the Lottery Team on 01228 516564. If you haven’t already returned the raffle tickets you have received please make sure they are with us by Monday 24 April, to ensure they are entered into the draw on Friday 28 April. The hospice would like to say a huge thank you to all of the local businesses and supporters for donating the fantastic array of prizes. A full list of prizes can be found online at www.edenvalleyhospice.org
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Volunteering in Numbers 2016 was a standout year for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw in terms of the vast number of people who’ve given their incredibly valuable support as volunteers.
119 Last year we welcomed an amazing 119 new volunteers in a variety of different roles. From those who joined to help us in the hospice grounds, kitchens, offices or patient-facing roles they all help our staff to provide the highest level of care for our patients and their families.
69 Out in the local community we have continued to expand our retail operation by opening our first ever Jigsaw shop in Penrith, which along with our six other shops, has seen 69 new retail volunteers during the last year.
480 By the end of the year we had over 480 fantastic volunteers giving us the gift of their time to support the work of the hospice. We have calculated the economic value of this contribution saves the hospice £450,000 in projected staffing costs. As significant as this number is it doesn’t begin to replicate the sheer value our volunteers bring to the hospice in so many other ways.
1,004 As well as our individual volunteers the hospice has also worked in partnership with many different businesses and community groups delivering one-off volunteering projects. Last year we hosted 20 separate activities with a total of 1,004 hours of time donated from groups including Costa Coffee, Halifax Bank and the National Citizen Service.
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488 Volunteers 394 Female 94 Male 30 25 and under 271 over the age of 65 During 2017 we will focus on meeting the needs of every volunteer across each area of the hospice, as well as improving the training opportunities for volunteers in all roles. We are continually looking for volunteers across the organisation, as well as welcoming enquiries from anybody with a particular skill or experiences they would like to share with us. If you are looking for a different way to support the hospice, volunteering could be for you. It can be flexible or structured and the level of commitment can vary depending on the role and your availability. For more information please visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org, email volunteer@edenvalleyhospice.org or call 01228 817658.
Community Heroes A huge thank you and well done to all of our supporters who have helped Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw make a difference. This is just a small selection of photos taken over the past few months of the amazing support the hospice has received.
Contact Us Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, Durdar Road, Carlisle, CA2 4SD General Hospice Enquiries – 01228 810801 | www.edenvalleyhospice.org | www.jigsawhospice.org
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Generous donation from Lloyd MINI helps our care in the community The nurses at Jigsaw received an early Christmas present last year as a Cumbrian motor group provided the children’s hospice with the use of a car to support our care in the community. Last November Lloyd MINI handed over the keys to a MINI Countryman which is now being used by the Jigsaw Outreach Worker and nurses at the children’s hospice. The vehicle has been invaluable to the staff as they provide care, support and activities in the family home and extended the range of services we provide. Paul Temple, Brand Manager at Lloyd Carlisle MINI, said “We are delighted to continue our support for Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice, a local charity which is close to our hearts and has provided invaluable support to so many people in our local area throughout the years.” Natalie Bingham, Jigsaw Corporate Fundraiser, said “We are incredibly grateful to Lloyd Carlisle MINI for their generous donation of the MINI Countryman. The car will make a big difference to the Jigsaw Team and
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will assist the care and support we are able to provide for our families in their own home. “While the car is out and about in the community the fantastic branding will remind people about Jigsaw and the care we provide to local families.” If you spot the Jigsaw car out and about in the local community, please give them a wave and say ‘hello’. For more information about how your place of work can support Jigsaw please contact Natalie Bingham, Corporate Fundraiser, on 01228 810801.
Relaxation, Pampering and time with friends! Jigsaw offers friendship to all of our families with practical, emotional and spiritual support for the children and young adults who attend as well as their parents, siblings and wider family. As part of our commitment to helping families the children’s hospice hosted our very first Mums Night in early February. The wonderful evening provided more than 30 mums with the opportunity to come together and enjoy an evening of pampering, treatments and lots of laughter. Here is just some of the feedback we received from the fantastic evening:
“I loved all the relaxing treatments as I usually don’t have time or money to treat myself.” “I am really grateful for everybody that gave their free time and volunteered.” “Meeting other mams and talk about stuff people understand.” “A relaxed evening to mingle and try out treatments with no pressure.” “Meeting other mums and having the staff there to help us chat to others.” “Thank you so much I really enjoyed the evening. Nice to feel pampered.”
Jigsaw would like to say a huge thank you to the following people for helping to make the evening a huge success: • Tesco • Marks and Spencer • The Range •B&M • Lush • Boots • Ye Olde Sweet Shop, Carlisle • Sprinkles and Sparkles • Cards and Things • Nicky Forbes – Reiki • Jen – Reflexology • Lauren and Leigh Anne – Nail Technicians • Vicky and Claire – Hairdressers • Anne – Hand Massages If you are interested in supporting any upcoming Jigsaw events please email care@jigsawhospice.org
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Reiki for Children Reiki is a gentle, safe, complementary therapy that is available for all children and young adults at Jigsaw, as well as their siblings and family. Nicky Forbes, our Reiki therapist works two days a week offering Reiki to whoever needs it. Reiki helps you relax, reduce anxiety, relieve stress and helps boost your own immune system. Reiki’s gentle energy can be experienced safely for people of all ages. Here at Jigsaw, Nicky gives Reiki wherever the children and young adults wish to receive it. This could be in their bedroom, one of the lounges, in the Smoothie Bar, sensory room, outside in the garden or even watching TV. Parents and family can also enjoy receiving Reiki. In fact many already have and they’ve expressed how helpful it has been to help them with their energy levels and generally supporting them. Nicky has also held training events for some parents in Jigsaw enabling them to perform Reiki for themselves.
One Jigsaw parent to take part in the course was Wendy Arnot. Wendy explains, “It’s made such a difference to me and my family. Reiki has helped me feel more relaxed and able to deal with whatever my day brings. I’m sleeping better and feel more able to handle challenges when they come along – which of course they do. “I can’t begin to explain what a real help being able to give Reiki has been. I’m able to settle Blake in the middle of the night if he’s agitated or upset. I can help relieve my own headache or help myself fall back asleep if I’m woken up. “If you enjoy receiving Reiki and feel real benefit, then I’d highly recommend attending the training course too. It takes just two days, plus two development days over the next six months. It was a wonderful experience and something I’m so grateful I’ll have forever. “Nicky keeps the classes to just four people at a time, so we had plenty of time to take it at the pace we need and the development days help us with any questions we may have as you start to practice and use Reiki at home.” Nicky’s role at Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice is funded by the Sam Buxton Sunflower Healing Trust.
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Walking in a Winter Wonderland! When Christmas was approaching some of the children, young adults and nurses from Jigsaw made a special visit to Center Parcs at Whinfell Forest to enjoy a magical Christmas experience.
Until June 2018 staff and guests at Center Parcs villages across the UK will be raising money to support 54 children’s hospices across the country, including Jigsaw, as part of the partnership. During the two years Jigsaw has been partnered with Center Parcs Whinfell Forest Village, near Penrith.
Lesley Faulder, Jigsaw Activity Coordinator, explained, “We set off on a very exciting trip to Center Parcs to see Jack and the Beanstalk. When we arrived we were treated like special guests and nothing was too much trouble. They were so accommodating and made sure everything we could have wanted was close at hand.
Lisa Broome, General Manager of Center Parcs Whinfell Forest said:
“Once the panto started you could see the excitement on the children’s faces. The actors were wonderful and made the whole experience magical for the children and young adults. Because such a lot of the experiences we like to give our children and young adults are very sensory-based, for them to be able to see something that ticked so many boxes for all of the guys on that day made the experience so magical. “We were all left with some wonderful memories of the day. A huge thank you to Center Parcs from everyone at Jigsaw.” Last year Jigsaw was delighted to announce we will be benefitting from Center Parcs’ nationwide, two year partnership with umbrella charity Together for Short Lives.
“ Everyone here at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest is enthusiastic about fundraising for Together for Short Lives. Having a link with Jigsaw, our local hospice, means we can see the difference we’re making locally as well as nationally, which inspires us even more.” Since the partnership began Jigsaw have been overwhelmed with the fantastic support and generosity of all of the staff at Center Parcs, who have purchased items from our Amazon Wishlist, donated a wide range of items and helped to create special memories for many children and young adults at Jigsaw.
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Sometimes... Earlier this year Jigsaw parent Tim Arnot released his charity single ‘Sometimes’ in aid of the children’s hospice. The beautiful song, which is performed by Vanessa Booth and produced by Danny Wood, explains his emotions and feelings about coming to terms with his son Blake’s illness. Below Tim explains his inspiration behind the song and experiences at Jigsaw. “Blake suffered from Meconium Aspiration when born, which led to him being starved of oxygen. As a result of this traumatic birth, he is now severely disabled. We use Jigsaw for respite care for Blake. “It was hard to come to terms with the fact we should need to use such a service, as we clung to the hope that he would develop normally. But as time went by it was obvious that Blake had paid the ultimate price for survival, by being so severely disabled.
“ For us to do things with Blake it's not always possible, the Jigsaw service is invaluable in our lives. So me and Wendy can spend time together and we can also do things with our other son, Lennon, that otherwise would be difficult, if not impossible, to do.” “I’ve written songs for 18 years now, so it’s not that writing is alien to me. A lot of songs I write are just real feelings and thoughts that I have to get out. Most of the time I can’t help what I write as the ideas kind of automatically pop into my head. 'Sometimes' was easy to write as I didn’t have to force it, it just spilled out onto the paper and is the most natural song I’ve ever written. Perhaps my most important. “It’s my honest account and feelings I had, and guess, still have about what happened to Blake. I believe there are people out there that feel the same but never let it out. It’s not weak to cry and you must face
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your fears and feelings in order to learn from them and hopefully move on. “Having a disabled child is devastating and for some is something you never really come to terms with. I sometimes feel like I am forcing myself to accept it. Other times I just hope that one day I will wake up having accepted it as normal and won’t feel down about it again. “I am a lot better than I was, and a lot of that is down to the services of Jigsaw. But most of it comes from the people that surround you, your friends and family. Without Lennon and Wendy by my side I hate to think where I would be, both physically and mentally. Their love is my life force and I owe everything to them.” The single is now available to purchase online at iTunes, Amazon Music and Google Play. All you have to do is search for ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Jigsaw’. The proceeds from the sale of the single will be donated to Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice.
Welcome to the spring edition of the Jigsaw Newsletter. I was spending time recently with Debs, one of our paediatric nurses who was helping a child to have his breakfast. An unremarkable everyday experience which all of us as parents enjoy with our children. She was cheerfully chatting away to him, making plans for the day ahead, all smiles and fun. What is different from the everyday is the young person takes breakfast, and all food, through what is known as a gastric tube which has been medically inserted into the young person’s stomach. The breakfast has been specially prepared to be nutritional
and easily absorbable and considerable care is required to ensure the right quantity and flow. This is also the way for the young person to receive his medication and it is optimal for this to be diluted with his breakfast. While the early morning banter was happening with support from another colleague, Debs prepared no less than ten separate medications which have been prescribed by the paediatrician. This procedure is absolutely essential for the young person’s complex condition carried out with skill and thoroughness but nonetheless with the least discomfort and fuss. This happens three times a day, every day, and that is just one aspect of the special care the
young person needs, day and night. When he is not with Debs and the team at Jigsaw all of this is undertaken exclusively and alone by his family. I met the young person’s mother the next morning, a west coast Cumbrian, who said she enjoyed her first good sleep in months and was feeling refreshed. She said “I hope you didn’t mind me not ringing" because she knew her son was in safe hands. This is an everyday example of how your generosity helps us support the children and young people of Cumbria – this is how you change lives. Bill Mumford Chief Executive
Our Mission Statement Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice will provide palliative care for people with incurable or life limiting illnesses, enabling them and their carers to live life as fully and as independently as possible. We will deliver services with a common focus, working collaboratively across Cumbria and South West Scotland. Jigsaw provides day to day care, support and
activities to children and young people with life limiting illnesses. We aim to maintain the children and young adult’s normal routine and make each stay as special and as enjoyable as possible.
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Spring 2017
Registered charity number 1008796
jigsaw news www.jigsawhospice.org
Inside this issue: “For us to do things with Blake it's not always possible, the Jigsaw service is invaluable in our lives.” Tim Arnot Page 3 Relaxation, Pampering and time with friends! Page 6 “We are incredibly grateful to Lloyd Carlisle MINI for their generous donation.” Page 7
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