Connect Magazine Winter 2017 by Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Connect Winter 2017

News from Earl Mountbatten Hospice Free!

Please pick up your copy

35 years of leadership and innovation. We’re celebrating our 35th anniversary and YOU are invited!

Music – the “quick link to the soul”

Find out how we’re helping you to help yourself

Countdown to Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Walk the Wight 2017

Connect with us at iwhospice.org

Winter 2017 | Welcome

Winter 2017 | Our 35th anniversary

Connect with us www.iwhospice.org Follow us on Twitter @EarlMBHospice Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ EarlMountbattenHospice Contact the Editor: Emma Topping Head of Communications emma.topping@iwhospice.org (01983) 217 318

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This first edition in 2017 of your Hospice magazine marks the remarkable achievements of 35 years of service to and support from our Island community. Although focused on provision for those affected by death, dying and bereavement, Earl Mountbatten Hospice is much more than a building, much more than end of life, much more than you think.

The best way to get round that was for her to come to our hospital flat and then we could take her there. I think my wife was getting the children ready for the day, and Dr Hollyhock came to the flat and then we went off to meet the royal party.

One of our main aims during 2017 will be to bust a number of myths about the hospice and the work that it does. Most of us think about death as the very end of life. Although true to a certain extent, dying for most people is not a single event, but something that takes place over a number of years. We do not only support people in the last weeks and months of life. For many, Earl Mountbatten offers a range of support services over the last years of life.

“I vividly remember that the toilet that we used, that was in Mountbatten House, was out of bounds. It was to be kept free for use only by the Duchess of Kent on that day. The other thing I remember is that I had to fill in a little CV about my life story which had gone off to the royal party in advance, and I was told that they would be briefed about us. I was amazed that the Duchess remembered so much of my CV and her little brief casual comments as we went around the ward indicated that she remembered my background, about my wife who had been born and brought up in a Gaelic speaking community in the Outer Hebrides, because it was a place, funnily enough, a small Island called South Uist, that the Duchess of Kent had visited.

These services, honed over 35 years, include psychological support, rehabilitation and practical daily support at home. Our expert knowledge in pain management and relieving emotional distress is matched by an ever increasing practical provision of daily care in homes across our community. 600 people a day receive support beyond our Newport building, in the places that they live.

We also know that over 5,000 volunteers have supported our hospice during the 35 years of its existence. Volunteers help us support patients, families and their friends directly, as well as sustain our 10 community shops to run smoothly and keep our fundraising and community events well on track.

A substantial growth in our older population will mean that, particularly on our Island, there will continue to be a greater demand for the care and support for which we are well known for the foreseeable future. We know that over £5m will be needed year on year to meet this increased demand and for us to be here for future generations, for the next Our mission is to change 35 years. I know that with attitudes towards both your commitment we can the hospice and the work sustain and grow that it does through allaying fears and anxieties, our services. showing that the hospice I also commit that the can be a place of normality, money that you entrust us and a place where we can with to support our Island create good memories community will be spent together. Our unique wisely and cautiously. After and world-leading Social all, the hospice does not Programme, offering belong to me or only to concerts, an Art Gallery the staff and volunteers and a community café who support it. Earl is indeed open to all. Mountbatten Hospice, as Earl Mountbatten Hospice it has for the past 35 years, belongs to you. Cherish it, has grown significantly care about it and continue over the last 35 years, to support it. If you live grown in size and in out your life on the Island reputation. We know of Wight you will most that we must continue to certainly need it. grow in order to meet the increasing demand for what we offer.

Nigel Hartley Chief Executive Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Dr Desmond Murphy MBChB, FRCP (GLASG.), FRCP Consultant Respiratory Physician (retired)

Meet Dr Desmond Murphy The Isle of Wight’s hospice, Earl Mountbatten House as it was known when it first began, one of the most successful hospices in the country within a few years of its opening in 1982. This year, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Earl Mountbatten Hospice as it continues to lead the country in expert end of life care. During 2017, we will be marking our achievements over the last 35 years and hearing stories from some

of the people who were at the heart of the hospice’s beginnings. Dr Desmond Murphy played a pivotal role in setting up the service and recalls the official opening ceremony performed by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent, on 13 October 1982. “I have vivid memories of the formal opening. Our first surprise was that Dr Vera Hollyhock, a Senior Regional Medical Officer, who was very important in the Wessex Region, which supervised the Isle of Wight Health Authority, didn’t know where the hospice at Fairlee was.

“I remember her going around the ward, telling me at one point, when a patient offered her a Ferrero Rocher chocolate, that though she had declined it, those were actually her favourites. So, maybe it was with a heavy heart that she declined it, but she probably thought it was inappropriate to be munching a chocolate going around seeing the patients. “Most of all, my memory of that visit was of the Duchess working with the patients, chatting to them, meeting them and making them feel really Visit us at iwhospice.org | 3

Winter 2017 | Our 35th anniversary

You can listen to the full length interview with Dr Desmond Murphy by visiting our website www.iwhospice.org During the interview, Dr Murphy talks about the challenges faced when setting up the hospice in 1982, how the early years of the service were funded and his reflections on his achievements in supporting patients and their families at such a critical moment in their lives.

Meet Beryl Dimmick, an original volunteer! By 1989, there were more than 60 volunteers. Today, we are indebted to more than 600 volunteers! One of our original volunteers is Beryl Dimmick, from Totland Bay, who recalls: “We had about six beds and two bathrooms and we celebrated when we had a new mechanical bath! The nurses served dinner and the volunteers waited and cleaned.”

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special. And the patients responded really nicely to her as well. Most vivid of all in my mind was the old man who was extremely deaf. She shook his hand, but as he didn’t hear what she was saying he pointed to his ears to indicate he wasn’t really hearing her. But this didn’t put her off, and she started to shout louder and louder, until everyone in the big ward would have been hearing her shout loudly at the patient. Finally, he heard and understood what she had said. Up to that point, he had a slightly puzzled look on his face and suddenly the puzzled look was transformed into a big, broad grin - at which point we realised that he was toothless! The grin was accompanied by him holding her hand tighter and tighter and tighter, because of the understanding and happiness that he had received from what she had said to him. As you can imagine, she overran her time in the ward. She was really impressed and she herself impressed everyone, professionals and patients, that met her and saw her. We had to do formal speeches after that and, of course, I welcomed her and recognised that she had an interest in the hospice movement. At the end of my speech, I finished by saying that I hoped she would come back and visit us again. When I sat down beside her after my speech, she leaned over to me and put her hand in my hand and whispered to me, “I will, yes!” She did intend to come back and sure enough about seven or eight years later, she came back and did the formal opening of the day unit. “That was a very memorable day for me – 13 October 1982. The overriding feeling was certainly satisfaction and happiness at how well the day had gone. I think most of all, I was so impressed by the Duchess. As a human being, she would probably be one of the most special people that I have had the pleasure to have met in my life.”

Connect with us in 2017! We have many special events to mark our 35th anniversary in 2017 and lots of opportunities for everyone to join in the celebrations! During the year, we will be celebrating our achievements over the last 35 years, whilst also looking to the future as we aim to continue improving end of life care across the Island and beyond. Here’s a selection of events happening in 2017, but do keep checking our website www.iwhospice.org for the latest information and updates.

2017 Events Calendar 12/03

Spring Fayre John Cheverton Centre

17/06

35th Anniversary Fun Run, Osborne House

13/10

35th Anniversary A day of events at the hospice

03/12

Santa Dash Ryde Superbowl Ryde Esplanade

04/05

14/05

35th anniversary Thanksgiving Service, Newport Minster

Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Walk the Wight

16/07

30/09–08/10

35th Anniversary Open Garden, Barton Manor, East Cowes

03/11

35th anniversary conference, New Holmwood Hotel, Cowes

35th anniversary Go Yellow! Islandwide

26/11

Christmas Fayre John Cheverton Centre

03/12

35th anniversary Lights of Love Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Sowing sunflower seeds of celebration! Help us turn the Isle of Wight yellow for 2017! We want the whole Isle of Wight to get involved in our 35th anniversary celebrations and one way you can do just that is by getting involved in our sunflower-growing extravaganza! We’re calling on schools, community groups, businesses, farmers – everyone! – to help us turn the Isle of Wight yellow by sowing seeds of celebration. During spring, you’ll be able to pick up our 35th anniversary seeds from our ten shops (£1 donation), as well as from our Newport hospice building, or simply buy your own and plant them. Then, when they’ve grown, we want to see your photos, so send them to comms@ iwhospice.org and you could see photos of your magnificent blooms on our website, Facebook and Connect magazine! Wouldn’t it be great to see fields of gold across the Island, in celebration of everything Islanders have done and continue to do in support of patient and family care?

*03/11 35th anniversary conference. New Holmwood Hotel, Cowes Confirmed speakers include: Nigel Hartley CEO, Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Professor David Clark, University of Glasgow, Chris Pointon, Co-founder #Hellomynameis Claire Henry CEO, National Council for Palliative Care, Dr Ros Taylor, Clinical Director, Hospice UK. Visit www.iwhospice.org for details

Mountbatten Memories We want to hear your memories of how you have been involved with Earl Mountbatten Hospice over the past 35 years. Perhaps you worked at the hospice in the early days, or maybe you were involved in some of the earliest fundraising activities. However you have been involved, we’d love you to be part of a new audio history project called Mountbatten Memories. We’ll be recording your memories and

uploading them to our website, so we can share them and make them available for future generations. You can either drop us an email to comms@iwhospice.org or drop into one of our Mountbatten Memories coffee mornings in one of our shops. Keep an eye out on our website and in the local media for details of when these events are being held! Visit us at iwhospice.org | 5

Winter 2017 | Music Therapy

‘This is the most effective pain management! I thought my playing days were behind me – I’m amazed that I can still create something beautiful’ Music Therapy patient

Jamie Jennings, 65, has enjoyed a lifetime career as a musician, singing and playing the electric accordion. Jamie, who has cancer, recently spent time on the Inpatient Unit (or ward) at the hospice. When he discovered there was a music therapist on the ward he asked his son to bring in his musical equipment, which had been sitting unused for several years. Working with Fraser, Jamie has been

able to enjoy once again the magic of making music with another person, giving him renewed impetus to share his music with others. Jamie was able to return home after treatment but wants to stay involved with the hospice and share his passion for music with others. Jamie said: “I met my wife through music, she became my partner as a singer. I was playing on my own,

Music – the “quick link to the soul” Death is the one certainty for everyone in life, regardless of his or her circumstances. Whilst we all hope that we will die peacefully, for some people it is a terrifying prospect, and for others there is suddenly a need to express things that have never been expressed before. Thanks to a partnership with national music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, we are delighted to be able to offer a new music therapy service, offering people opportunities for creativity and expression at a time when these can be difficult to achieve and helping people to live life to the full right to the end. Our music therapist, Fraser Simpson, offers individual and group music sessions. No previous skills are needed for people to access music therapy: “Music connects us with what it means to be human,” Fraser explains. “Sometimes music can say so much more than words. Music therapy offers opportunities for relaxation, creativity and non-verbal expression (when words are difficult), as well as musical companionship, support and intimacy: a different way of ‘being together’.

Jamie’s story Whilst many of the people Fraser is working with have never played a musical instrument before, others bring varied musical skills – all levels can be encompassed in music therapy.

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“Improvising on a range of musical instruments, song-writing, listening to music for relaxing or remembering, singing or learning to play a tune – any or all of these can be encompassed within a music therapy session. In music we can be playful, interactive and adventurous even in times of illness, pain and fear. This can ease difficulties faced, or give a new experience of self” he added.

and she asked if I would play a song, so she sang and I did the backing and we developed a duo, which was very good. “I just fell in love with music; it was part of my soul. It’s my life, it’s my memories, it’s the people I bumped into along the way. It’s everything that’s gone on around me. Music is the quick link to the soul,” he said, “and everybody can do it!”.

New for 2017!

Community choir to launch How about doing something new for the Near Year? We are excited to launch a brand new Earl Mountbatten Hospice Community Choir, led by our music therapist Fraser Simpson. There are many benefits to singing; it’s an aerobic activity that is a great form of exercise and drives more oxygen to the brain! Singing also releases feel-good endorphins, it is relaxing, positive, uplifting, social and creative. It brings people together, and above all is fun! You don’t need any knowledge of music and the choir is open to everyone, you don’t need a connection with the hospice to join.

Connect

with us

Come to our first meeting between 6:30pm and 8pm on Wednesday 18 January in the John Cheverton Centre, or join us at any time on any other Wednesday evening after the launch.

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Winter 2017 | Walk the Wight 2017

Sunday 14 May 2017 Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s

6 1 0 2 s Award

Walk the Wight 2017 The countdown has started to the Isle of Wight’s largest fundraising event, Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Walk the Wight, which is being held on Sunday 14 May 2017. This unique and world famous walk represents every part of the Island community and we are so proud to be able to share this amazing event with you, in our 35th anniversary year. Every year, thousands of people walk to raise money in support of patient and family care provided by the Hospice. It is our major fundraising event of the calendar. In 2016, it contributed around £300,000 towards the £5m we need to raise each and every year to continue to provide services for free. With a choice of four walks, people of all ages and abilities can take part, making this a real community event. Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Walk the Wight is only made possible thanks to the ongoing support and commitment of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers. We are always astounded and deeply appreciative of how they work together to make this iconic event succeed year after year. From 27 January 2017, you will be able to register to take part in Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Walk the Wight. All you need to decide is which walk you will choose to take on!

Which walk will you choose? Full Walk – 26.5 miles

from Bembridge to Alum Bay

(eight to twelve hours)

First half – 12.5 miles

from Bembridge to Carisbrooke

(four to six hours)

Second half – 14 miles

from Carisbrooke to Alum Bay (five to eight hours)

Flat Walk – 8 miles

NEW

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from Sandown to Shide

Every year, we celebrate the amazing efforts of those who have gone the extra mile for Walk the Wight – either through the amount they have raised, by battling adversity to complete the walk, or for outstanding personal achievements.

In the year that the tenth birthday of Schools' Walk the Wight was celebrated, Summerfields Primary School was presented with the Harris Family Cup for the Most Money Raised by a School. Students and teachers raised an impressive £2,873.90. Meanwhile, the HF Holiday’s Cup for the Most Money Raised by a Schoolchild was awarded to Benjamin Strickland who completed the walk in memory of his great grandmother and raised an incredible £1,809.90

Among the winners at the 2016 awards was a Special Recognition Award for Peter Middleton, which was accepted by his widow Gail. Peter, who was 53, was a dedicated member of Freshwater Independent Lifeboat and died at the hospice earlier this year after a long illness. In May, on crutches, Peter decided to raise money by walking up to the Tennyson Monument on the day of Walk the Wight and, although only expected to manage a few hundred yards, he completed four miles and raised over £3,000 in sponsorship. In his memory, ‘Peter’s Walk’ will now continue to take place each year.

Other awards included the Newport Lions Shield for the Oldest Flat Walk participant, which was presented to Leonard Tewkesbury who was 90 when he took part, and the Flat Walk Personal Achievement Award which was presented by the Sandown/Shanklin Lions to Gary Axford. John White was presented with the Fran Sexton Memorial Cup for being the Oldest Man to Complete the Whole Walk, at the age of 85.

David Coke was presented with the Hospice Cup for the Most Money Raised by an Individual. David, from West Cowes, decided to raise money in memory of his father, who was cared for by the Hospice. In total, he managed to raise an incredible £5,135.92

(two to four hours)

Schools’ Walk the Wight

Check to see if your school is taking part in Schools’ Walk the Wight. Students who enter Schools’ Walk the Wight receive a map and stickers, so that every time they complete a one-mile or 30-minute walk, they can mark it off with a sticker on their map. Once the map is completed, the whole walk will have been completed and students receive a special medal and certificate for their achievement!

Dogs’ Walk the Wight

Dogs are welcome on any of the walks but you must be registered to take part.

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Winter 2017 | General news

Izzy Pearson, 10, said: “It means a lot to me because I like to sing and it’s nice for people to listen.”

Pupils’ musical talents ring out! The choir of Cowes Primary School showed off not only their singing and bell ringing talents but their foreign language prowess on a recent visit. The pupils, aged between eight and ten years old, sung Gaudete, Stille Nacht and Cantique de Noel for patients and visitors to the John Cheverton Centre. They also performed two pieces of bell work. Choirmaster Robert Praetig said of their skills: “I find that they take to these songs quite well, it’s a challenge for them, but it’s also extremely interesting, so they enjoy it and they get a lot of energy out of it which drives them in the performances. It’s a friendly venue and they know that they always get some biscuits and possibly some cake afterwards!”

Hetty Quigley, 10, said: “It’s quite hard singing in foreign languages, but you get used to it!”

Cally Parry, 8, said: “I think it feels nice because I don’t know if they’ve heard a choir sing pieces like we did in foreign languages before! “

Spotlight on EMDR therapy processing and laying down everyday A new state-of-the-art therapy is events. But larger, more emotional being introduced to help patients events are dealt with during the Rapid who have experienced a trauma, Eye Movement (REM) phase in what is thought to be one of sleep. The evidence is of the first services of that, at that point, we its kind in a hospice. are dealing with the Called Eye Movement tricky things that Desensitization have happened. and Reprocessing But often that’s (EMDR), the cutting when the system edge therapy can gets blocked.” Most support people who of the time, the body have experienced Alexandra Bossman can routinely manage serious emotional pictured with the light new information and stress, perhaps in bar used in therapy experiences, without childhood or through us being aware of it. But extreme situations, such as when something out of the ordinary war veterans with post-traumatic happens and you are traumatised by stress disorder. Alexandra Bossman, an overwhelming event, your natural Psychotherapist in the hospice’s coping mechanism can become Psychology and Bereavement Service, overloaded. EMDR uses the natural explains that the therapy uses eye healing ability of your body. A light movements to re-process trauma. bar, which encourages your eyes to “When we dream, our brains are

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Overwhelming response to bulb appeal

The therapeutic effects of owning a pet are well known: they can help reduce anxiety and stress, and promote feelings of relaxation and calm. We always welcome patients’ pets to visit them on our ward, and we often welcome some rather more unusual visits from animals! Most recently, we’ve been delighted to see llamas, as well as majestic owls and some friendly guinea pigs!

A Facebook appeal for bulbs to plant in our Oak Garden resulted in an overwhelming response. Thank you so much to everyone who answered the call, and a heartfelt thank you on behalf of patients and families who will now be able to enjoy these wonderful blooms in springtime. We are looking forward to seeing the Muscari, Iris, Cyclamen, Narcissus, Daffodils, Tulips, Bedding Hyacinths and a shoebox full of crocuses soon. Thanks also to those who donated plants, which are already looking wonderful in the gardens.

Getting arty! follow a bright light from left to right, helps people to recreate that REM phase and allows the brain to ‘re-file’ the painful memory. During therapy, the patient can recall past traumas in a safe environment and, with repeated sets of eye movement, the memory tends to change so that it loses its painful intensity and becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past. Alexandra adds: “By holding that space, you can then set off your own innate ability to heal, which is part of our survival mechanism. That’s the best bit of all; you are helping someone else to help themselves, and they walk away with more skills than when they first entered the room.”

Power of pets!

Head start for sculptures Patients have helped give a sculpting project a head start! The River Hope Project, which provides workshops in sculpture, brought several life-size clay heads to the art room in the John Cheverton Centre for patients to complete. They enjoyed adding facial expressions to the sculptures, which then went on display at Quarr Abbey.

Sunflower art A bright new piece of artwork greets visitors to the John Cheverton Centre, thanks to a collaboration of patients and people who use our services. The large mural of several sunflowers has been created on separate canvases, each painted by a different person and then joined together to form the overall image. Well done to all involved!

Autumn Raffle an outstanding success Thank you to everyone who entered our Autumn Raffle, which was an outstanding success and raised just over £22,000 to support our work with patients and families across the Island. The winners, who wanted to remain anonymous, were picked out at random by patients and visitors to the John Cheverton Centre.

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Winter 2017 | Steps To Wellbeing

Winter 2017 | Volunteering

HELPING YOU TO HELP YOURSELF Our popular Positive Steps to Wellbeing days are returning for 2017. Our eight-week self-management programme is free and aims to help people develop skills to improve their own wellbeing. Anyone with a life-limiting illness, as well as friends, family and carers, is welcome to join the sessions, which take place every Wednesday, starting on 1 February 2017, between 1 and 2pm in the John Cheverton Centre. A wide range of support is on offer, from advice on eating well and encouraging exercise, and from coping with breathlessness to financial help. SESSION 1

Eating well

Past participants have found the programme very useful, with comments including “It was relaxed and interactive”, “I learnt a lot of tips about how to keep my skin in good order” and “I felt rejuvenated!” Sessions are led by our specialist staff and offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss and explore ways to improve general wellbeing. Refreshments will be available before and after the sessions in our Sunflower Cafe. If you have any questions, or would like to find out more, please contact Sally List on (01983) 529511 extension 368, or to book a place (booking is required) please contact Chris Martin on extension 304.

Wednesday 1 February 2017

Tips on meals and meal preparation, and answering questions about reduced and changed appetite. SESSION 2

Living with Fatigue

Wednesday 8 February 2017

Coping strategies to help manage fatigue, practical tips to help get a better night’s sleep and looking at how to reduce the risk of falls. SESSION 3

Encouraging Exercise

Wednesday 15 February 2017

Practical tips for exercising at home using a chair, an opportunity to develop a personal exercise plan and how to reduce the risk of falling. Access to Falls Assessment advice from Age UK will be available at this session. SESSION 4

Coping Skills for Breathlessness

Wednesday 1 March 2017

Tips on how to manage feelings of panic when breathless, breathing exercises and looking at ways to reduce the risk of falls. SESSION 5

Protecting Vulnerable Skin

Wednesday 8 March 2017

How to ensure skin is protected, how carers and family can support a person with vulnerable skin and practical tips to protect skin. SESSION 6

Relaxation

Wednesday 15 March 2017

Opportunities to try different relaxation strategies and tips on how to develop your own relaxation strategy at home. SESSION 7

Financial Help

Wednesday 29 March 2017

Opportunities to look at possible available benefits, information on how to apply for benefits. SESSION 8

Developing Coping Strategies

Meet volunteer Tony Collard

Wednesday 5 April 2017

People volunteer in many ways and for many different reasons. At Earl Mountbatten Hospice we are indebted to the 600 people who have chosen to volunteer for us. They all play a part in helping the delivery of our services. Many of our volunteers just want to give something back and share their time, knowledge and skills with us. Tony Collard became a volunteer on our Inpatient Unit after his wife Rosie was cared for on the ward. For the last months of life, Tony cared for Rosie at home but for her final few days she came into the Hospice. It’s the experience of that care that Tony now tries to replicate when volunteering: “I’ve got a caring nature, I try to be self-aware. If I see someone in distress, whether it be a fear or

an anxiety, I can I try and satisfy it. Sometimes it’s a chat, or cup of tea or even a joke – my sense of humour is appalling, but sometimes it helps!” “I wouldn’t really be able to say why I volunteer, other than it feels right to be here. It’s something so profound” he said. Tony said learning of Rosie’s illness brought them closer together; “Neither of us wanted to know any prognosis; we were absolutely intent on living day by day and getting the most out of life. We shared so much, we were extremely close and when this happened we got even closer.” Rosie died at the hospice two years ago, but her legacy lives on. Tony recalled: “Rosie loved being on the stage, but from 1989 she found that aside from going on stage, she loved directing and she ended up directing seven shows. She was a fantastic leader, everyone in the theatre had great respect for her.”

In 1988, they turned to writing and together created a pantomime script, ‘Beauty and the Beast’. “We were both aware at the time that a lot of pantomime scripts were dated,” he said. “Many didn’t have parts for women, and yet it’s mainly women that want to go on stage. So, we decided to have a go ourselves. Rosie directed the first time it was performed and I stage-managed it. The audiences loved the show and we even had to put on extra nights to cope with demand. It was incredibly rewarding!” This Christmas, Trinity Theatre in Cowes chose to again stage the pantomime for their festive performance, with a contribution from the takings being given to the hospice. Tony said: “I’m pleased in a way that a piece of work that Rosie did is still in the public domain. She is still having an influence; she really was a very special person.”

Tips on developing and enhancing existing coping strategies, and sharing examples of coping strategies. 12 | Visit us at iwhospice.org

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Winter 2017 | Fundraising

Fundraising snippets Our warmest thanks to everyone who has supported us through the cold and frosty months to make winter 2016 such a fantastic festive fundraising season. Here are just a few of the highlights.

Santa Dash 2016

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A mum and her daughter have both lost their locks in a double sponsored head shave. When Sam Poore heard about her mum Ginny’s brave fundraising idea, she decided she had to support her. Ginny, who uses the rehabilitation gym at the John Cheverton Centre, said that as well as raising money, she hoped to raise awareness of how the hospice is neither a morbid or sad place. “This place makes me feel alive and real,” Ginny commented. “ It was a huge surprise, because going somewhere like this I thought it would be depressing and I really wasn’t sure I wanted to come. But I walked through that door and there were genuine smiles everywhere – that’s why I dress like this when I come here, because this is how I feel. Really bright and very real!” Ginny has proudly handed over her sponsorship of £1000 to the hospice.

We were delighted to welcome festive shoppers to our Christmas Fayre, which was held in the John Cheverton Centre. The event raised nearly £3,000 and was very well supported by stall holders and visitors. Of particular note was the sterling effort of our volunteers and kitchen staff who exceeded all expectations by catering for 70 guests for a two-course Christmas lunch!

A big congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Alex Oliver and Ben Woodhouse, who cycled all the way to Tenerife, raising almost £2,500. Alex decided to support the hospice after losing his grandmother Joan Newnham to cancer. The pair spent 11 gruelling days cycling from northern to southern Spain and across Tenerife.

Zambezi adventure Kate and Mike Wigley canoed an impressive 163km of the Lower Zambezi River, raising an amazing £1,158 in the process. Many thanks to them both!

Remembering loved ones at Lights of Love A service remembering loved ones who have died saw nearly 300 people gather in the grounds of Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The annual Lights of Love Service included readings from Community Clinical Nurse Specialists and volunteers, and prayers led by Hospice Chaplain Rev Janet Hallam. Carols were sung with accompaniment from the Salvation Army Band, Summerfields Primary School choir performed a song about the lighting of candles, and the Hospice Christmas Tree was lit for the first time. Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive, said he hoped the service would also be a time for celebration: “Although important to take time to reflect on memories past, I hope

that part of the experience will be a celebration of lives well lived, of wisdom imparted and healthy influence well received. I hope that we can be thankful and remember with love, and create new memories here at the hospice.” The hospice is grateful for the support of all those who organised the event, and those who donated their time and services, including Shide Trees, Island Roads, The Salvation Army Band, Coast and Country, Groundsells, HSS, DTM Ltd, Summerfields Primary School choir and our own hospice volunteers. Meanwhile, a service at Newport Minister led by Rev Kevin Arkell was among the other 15 Lights of Love services held across the Island.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the Santas who helped turned Ryde Esplanade a vibrant shade of red for Santa Dash 2016! Over 200 festive fellows and even reindeer dogs turned out to take part in the annual 5km run, jog or walk from Ryde Superbowl along the seafront to Appley and Puckpool and back again. This year’s fun run was held in the most perfect sunny, yet seasonably chilly, conditions and the Santas were given a warm sendoff from a crowd of onlookers and supporters. The first runner through the finishing archway was Nigel Eldridge who completed the course in 23 minutes. The first female runner through was Eilidh McCabe, 15, who finished in 27 minutes. Fergus and Freya McCarthy, aged 7 and 11, were the first children through in 30 minutes. Among all the runners, one mystery Santa was discovered! Triathlete Liz Dunlop, who earlier this year won gold at the European Sprint Championships in Lisbon, was one of those cleverly disguised as she took on the course. At the finish line, entrants were greeted with loud cheers, a welldeserved medal and celebratory mince pie. It’s hoped the event raised around £4,000 for Islanders and their families.

for mum and daughter

All the fun of the festive fayre!

Close shave

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Winter 2017 | EMH Patients & Services

became an expert and when we did a performance at the Medina Theatre he had to put his hand in the air at one point and was seen nudging the chap next to him who was not doing it properly! Friends had a lot of fun taking the mickey out of him over that whenever the opportunity arose. The decision to arrange a concert was easy. We both knew lots of local amateur groups from our time on the Island and everyone was very keen to take part - sharing both their time and talents. It was just as well I had no idea of the work involved in everything else, though, this concert might never have got off the ground! My hat goes off to all those people who make this sort of thing look so easy.

A Big Hug:

It’s sometimes hard to put into words the support our staff and volunteers give to Islanders and their families. Many talk about the extraordinary efforts they go to, or how they always ‘go the extra mile’. Sandra Aldridge, whose husband Colin died at the hospice last year, has perfectly described the care as like ‘a big hug’. Sandra has now used those words as the name of a special concert, which is being staged in February in Colin’s memory. Here is Sandra’s story:

16 | Visit us at iwhospice.org

Colin had just had his 74th Birthday when he passed away. As you can see from the photo, he was already very frail and it was only a couple of weeks after that he was admitted into the Hospice for the last time. His sons live and work on the mainland so it was difficult for them to get to see Colin during the week. The Hospice was open to us 24/7 which was a huge help and there were always separate rooms for us to use when things got a little tough. Friends were able to visit at any time too and we even

The Elderberries are a sixties group that I have been lucky enough to be invited to join. We did a show for a couple of nights in March this year and even though Colin was really too poorly, he insisted on coming to support and even helped to sell the raffle tickets. Definitely his favourite! VoxPop brings back many happy memories and although they have now changed their name to Wight Notes, it was really a no brainer to ask them.

Solent Singers and Helen Mansfield are good friends to both of us. Wight Harmony is the group that Colin would have loved to have the courage to join and The RUG Band represent the musical instrument that he never had the chance to play. Nikki Cross School of Dance brings back the memories of Colin's granddaughter who started dance lessons but who he never had the chance to watch. It is really going to be a fun evening and will have everyone singing along and tapping their toes. There will be approximately 140 performers on stage for the final number - totally amazing!

‘Colin felt very safe in their hands and we both described it as like walking into ‘A Big Hug’’

Sandra’s story

My husband Colin passed away in May 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer the previous August. The MacMillan Nurses were amazing with their care and support. With their help, Colin was admitted to Earl Mountbatten Hospice. His first visit there was in the December and what should have been a very stressful time was eased by the love, professionalism and warmth we received from all the staff. Colin felt very safe in their hands and we both described it as like walking into 'A Big Hug.'

Choosing who to ask to perform was really easy as Colin and I had either been to see or been involved in many amateur groups over the years and he definitely had his favourites! Everyone said 'yes' straight away.

Sandra Aldridge ‘A Big Hug’ is being held at 7:30pm on Saturday 4 February 2017 at Medina Theatre. Tickets are £18 and can be bought from Medina Theatre Box Office, phone (01983) 823884.

had two dogs in the room at one point – Colin loved that. When we met, I was involved in a few singing groups on the mainland and loved going to the Theatre. Colin had never had the opportunity but found it was something he really enjoyed, particularly Les Miserables. When we moved to the Island in 2002, he came and supported whatever I was in and loved to hear the stories from the rehearsals. When Alison Eade started up VoxPop we went along and both decided to join. Colin suddenly

Connect

with us

We’d love to hear your experiences of our care so that we can continue to raise awareness of our work. If you would be happy to share your story, contact the Editor via email emma.topping@iwhospice.org or phone (01983) 217318

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Winter 2017 | Retail

Shop News

Winter 2017 | Retail

Wonderful Wootton’s windows

Ventnorville raises community spirit

Our Wootton shop manager was the proud recipient of a Special Commendation from the Royal British Legion for her Remembrance Day window display. Alison Ker was presented with a certificate in recognition of her efforts to theme the window with a striking black dress adorned with crocheted red poppies, made by hospice volunteer gardener Sue Clerkin. It’s not the first time our Wootton shop has been lauded for their displays. Alison said: “We get lots of positive feedback about our window displays and it’s a lovely feeling to be recognised in this way.”

A large dose of community spirit was in evidence at Ventnor’s annual Christmas event, called ‘Ventnorville’. The shop’s Grinch-themed window display came second during the festivities. A tombola at the shop and a craft stall at St Catherine’s church raised £540 for the hospice.

Meanwhile, a drift of the same handcrocheted poppies was also installed in the Oak Garden at the hospice during November. The idea came from the iconic installation of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London in 2014. Volunteer Gardener Sue Clerkin and members of Medina IW Park Run made the flowers at their regular Crochet/Knit and Natter group which is held in the John Cheverton Centre.

Volunteers needed! If you fancy the idea of meeting new people this New Year, volunteering could be just for you! We are urgently in need of more volunteers to support our ten high street shops. You could be doing anything from using the till to serve customers, to putting out the latest delivery of goods from our warehouse. To find out more, just pop into one of our shops and have a chat with the friendly manager or contact Richard Dent, Volunteer Services Manager, on 217322.

P U N SIG for Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Walk the Wight! – Sunday 14 May 2017 Don’t forget that you can sign up for this year’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice’s Walk the Wight in any of our shops across the Island – or online at www.iwhospice.org - from 27 January 2017! Pop in to any of our shops, where you can choose from three options:

Pay 25 Pack – pay £25 and receive a walker pack and T-Shirt. £18 goes direct to the hospice, with the rest to cover the cost of the pack and T-Shirt.

Pledge Pack – commit to raise £100 for the hospice, and receive

Sunflowers adorn tree display Recycled sunflowers made a colourful addition to our hospice Christmas tree at St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor. Ventnor shop manager Jayne Deas organised the display of two trees: one in the Altar area and the other to represent Ventnor’s hospice shop. The church was one of several to hold a Lights of Love service over the Christmas period, to remember loved ones who have died.

the Pedge Pack for free, including a T-Shirt and a walker pack.

S tandard Pack – this free option includes the standard walker pack, and we encourage you to please raise as much as you can. All packs include a sponsorship form, to help you to raise further funds.

Sorting events a success Our thanks to the volunteers who have been attending our sorting events at Newport’s Donation and Distribution Centre over the past few months. A number of sorting events have been held in a bid to do justice to the mountain of donations generally received from members of the public, so they can be sorted and sent out to our shops as quickly as possible. We’re very grateful to everyone who has been involved, and continue to appeal for volunteers to help us move mountains! If you’d like to help, please get in touch with us on (01983) 217322.

Bric-a-brac donations find new home Lake’s Donation and Distribution Centre has relocated. The former unit on Lake Industrial Estate has moved to our main warehouse in Newport. Bric-a-brac will now be displayed on the ground floor of the Riverway Industrial Estate building, and larger furniture will continue to be available on the main floor. The move will help the hospice to save on both transport costs and time. Anyone with large pieces of furniture or more than ten black bags of items that they wish to donate can contact us for free collection on (01983) 244230. During the day, items of clothes can be dropped into any of our shops, but please don’t leave them outside when the shops are closed. Thank you! 18 | Visit us at iwhospice.org

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Winter 2017 | Social Programme

Connect

with us during our 35th anniversary in 2017!

There’s something to do every single week at Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Launching 6:30pm to 8pm on Wednesday 18 January, and every Wednesday thereafter.

Our regular events are a chance to get closer to our community and offer an opportunity to share good times together and make happy memories. The whole community is very welcome to come and join us; you don’t need a connection to the hospice to benefit from a whole host of things to do!

Break down taboos and death and dying every Tuesday

These events aren’t aimed at raising funds (although donations are, of course, always welcomed!). Rather they are a way to show Islanders that the hospice is a normal, kind and warm place that is vibrant and welcoming.

Sunflower Cafe

A delicious roast lunch every Sunday Our John Cheverton Centre is home to our wonderful Sunflower Café, which serves delicious homemade food, as well as a great cake selection! A hot meal of the day is also available throughout the week (closed Saturdays). Why not relax and enjoy a traditional Sunday roast lunch in the café with family and friends? A three course lunch is available from12 noon to 2pm, just £7.95 or £5 for children. To book, call (01983) 217320.

New Community Choir

Raise the roof every Wednesday With no auditions, anyone of any age is welcome to sing with our new community choir, which is relaxed and informal. Switch off from the stresses of life and raise the roof!

Death Chat

Experience shows talking about death and dying in the company of others can help to quell fears and enhance the quality of daily life. Run by our psychology and bereavement team, these facilitated discussions are open to everyone. Join us from 5pm every Tuesday in the John Cheverton Centre.

Open House Fridays Come and be surprised!

Open House Fridays give people the chance to have a tour around the building and hear first-hand from staff about how the building is becoming a real hub for Islanders to socialise, learn and be inspired. Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about volunteering and fundraising, as well as the services provided on a daily basis. Bookings can be made by calling Erika on (01983) 217320 or email erika.campbell-burt@ iwhospice.org

Get Arty!

Monthly exhibitions for Island artists The hospice has an art gallery at its centre in Newport which offers artists the opportunity to sell their work, bringing commission for each sale to the hospice. Displays change monthly, so there’s always something new to see! Last year was very successful and a wide range of genres and styles were hung on the walls.

Open every day between 9am and 5pm. If you’re an artist interested in exhibiting, visit our Community Hub section on www.iwhospice.org for more information!

Concert Series

Toe-tapping, hand-clapping fun every first Thursday Our concerts suit all musical tastes and take place every first Thursday of the month, with additional classical concerts during the year. Working in partnership with the West Wight Arts Association, we also have some first class classical musicians performing for us. Tickets are just £10, and include wine and delicious canapés. Either book online or just turn up! See the Events section of our website to find out forthcoming performances.

Knit and natter

Join us for crafting and socialising every Thursday morning Open to anyone – from experienced knitters to novices! Even if you’ve never picked up a pair of needles before, our friendly group of volunteers and visitors will be happy to show you the ropes. Pop up to the John Cheverton Centre every Thursday morning between 10am and 11:30am, and enjoy views of our spectacular Chelsea Garden from the group’s garden room location.

Date for your Diary

Open Day – 35th Anniversary Launch Find out how much things have changed over the past 35 years at the hospice and what is planned to celebrate it. 10am to 1pm on Friday 27 January , at John Cheverton Centre.