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complimentary copy please take one
The Butterfly The Magazine of Bedford Daycare Hospice
Issue One 2013
FINE JEWELLERY & DIAMONDS
10 Mill Street, Bedford. Tel: 351458
Are proud to sponsor
The Butterfly This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds
Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford Independent Charity Reg 1001614
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Bedford Daycare Issue 1:Queen Alexandra template John Medhurst AdMagazine FP 2 – BDC 2013:Layout 1 10/7/13 17:56
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FINE JEWELLERY & DIAMONDS
10 Mill Street, Bedford. Tel: 351458
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Contents Welcome – Babs Astle ........................................4 Event Spotlight ..................................................5 Dates For Your Diary ..........................................6 Fundraising Information ......................................7 Volunteer: Lynda McDonald ................................8 Volunteer: Laura Conte........................................9
Contact & address B e d f o rd D a y ca re H o s p i ce . 3 L in den Road, Bed ford , M K40 2DD. Tel : 01234 352015 Fax: 01234 273074 Email: info@bed ford daycarehospic e.co. uk w ww.bedforddaycareh osp ice.c o.uk Char it y Registered No. 1001614
Volunteer: David Burnage ....................................9
C o nt r ib u t o r s Volunteer: Jennie Arnold ....................................10 The Hospice: Linda Byer ....................................11 Patient Story: Sarah Torbet ................................13
We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this magazine. Thank you in particular to our patients, families and supporters who have given us permission for their stories, comments and photographs to be reproduced in this magazine.
A big thank you to ou r advertis ers
Patient Story: Louisa Vaccaro ............................14
Bedford Daycare Hospice and Manner Media Solutions would like to thank the many advertisers whose generous support has enabled us to publish this magazine at no cost to the Hospice. When responding to an advertisement, please do say that you read it here.
Patient Story: Collette Appleby ..........................15
Publish ers : Ma nner Medi a Soluti on s Ltd www.ma nnerms .co.uk Gra phi c D esi gn & Print : www.pan dac reati velt d.co.u k
Patient Story: Sam Edhouse ..............................14
STOP PRESS Bedford Daycare Hospice Volunteers announced as winners of the QAVS.
This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds T: 01234 351458 E: info@johnmedhurst.co.uk www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
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Welcome – Babs Astle
Welcome Hello and a very warm welcome to this the first edition of the Bedford Daycare Hospice magazine. Through our magazine we hope to give you an insight into what we at Bedford Daycare Hospice do for our local community. Inside you will find lots of interesting features and articles that really do tell the story of Bedford Daycare Hospice. Our thanks go out to all of the people who have kindly allowed us to use their personal stories and pictures or who have contributed in some other way. Thank you also to our advertisers and sponsors. I hope that you enjoy learning a little more about your local hospice. For regular updates on fundraising events and other news please visit our website at www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk
own hands and approached a local business man Clifton Ibbett to solicit his help and assistance. Clifton was more than happy to help and agreed to donate half of the needed monies from the family charitable trust in remembrance of his mother. Now to fundraise for the other half! Gary Payne a local businessman introduced Donald to the Macmillan Fundraising Organisation of which he was a part and so the fundraising began and a committee and fundraising team was formed. Through their hard work and determination the funds for the hospice were secured, a suitable property was found and converted and the hospice opened its doors in 1992 here at Gladys Ibbett House, 3 Linden Road, Bedford. Celebrating our 21st Anniversary year So here we are some 21 years on, providing individualised holistic care for patients with life limiting illness, from the time of diagnosis through investigations and treatment to remission or palliative care. The
hospice is a safe haven, care and compassion is at the heart of our organisation. Caring for the future Although we are in tough economic times, we are planning for the future to ensure that we continue to make a difference to those that need us for the next 21 years, your support and that of the community is vital, now more than ever. Can you help guarantee the future of Bedford Daycare Hospice for the people of Bedfordshire. To make a donation - cheques made payable to Bedford Daycare Hospice and sent to Bedford Daycare Hospice, Gladys Ibbett House, 3 Linden Road, Bedford MK40 2DD. On line at www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk and click on make a donation, thank you, together we can make a difference! Babs Astle Facilities and Fundraising Manager April 2013
So who are we? Our background and what we do The idea for Bedford Daycare Hospice came about over 23 years ago when Donald Parsons, a surgeon for the local hospital, sat on a District Committee discussing palliative care needs in Bedfordshire. Frustrated with the lack of action he decided to take matters into his
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Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford. T: 01234 352015 E: info@bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk
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Event Spotlight Get involved with your local hospice; create your own personal challenge!
Gymathon Sharnbrook Gym held a 24 hour Gymathon raising over £1,100.
Ben Nevis Climb Hospice Volunteers scale heights! A team of six of our wonderful volunteers were sponsored to climb Ben Nevis and each and everyone succeeded raising over £4,000.00 a truly remarkable achievement for both the Hospice and themselves, well done! Black & Purple Ball Our annual ball enjoyed by over 300 guests and raising over £10,000.00, this year’s event the Black & Silver Ball takes place on 12 October.
Balloon Release Balloon Race organised on our behalf by Caremark of Bedford. Balloon release by the Mayor Dave Hodgson raising over £1200.00.
125ft Jump Babs our very own Fundraising Manager braved the elements to jump from an old water tower raising over £2,000. (Pic opposite).
takes your fancy and invite all your family/friends and ask for donations for the hospice, a perfect excuse to indulge whilst raising money which makes a real difference to local families affected by life limiting illnesses. Invitation packs available from the hospice. 10 July Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot Stuck for a present idea? How about a Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot? We are organising a shoot on Wednesday 10 July from 5pm. It is £65 pp including, bacon roll on arrival, 50 shots. Gun hire, ear defenders, cartridges, clays, an instructor and a buffet to finish. No experience necessary.
25 August Walk a Mile in her Shoes This gives the men the chance to teeter their way around a one-mile course in high heels, an ideal opportunity to get together with their mates, have a laugh and enjoy a slightly different Sunday morning! So what are you waiting for, sign up 9 June – Elegance in the now and raise sponsorship money Afternoon for all our ladies suffering the effects Park Inn Hotel, St Mary’s Street, of cancer. This promises to be such Bedford. a lovely family event, make a day of We invite you to join us for it and bring a picnic! Contact the Amorco Ad EP:Layout 1 30/5/13 16:10 Page 1 Afternoon Tea at 3 where OPUS 18 hospice for your sponsorship pack. choir will entertain you, so Stratton Way Elms Ind. Est., dig out your Bedford, MK41 0NG hats and Office: 01234 271333 fascinators and Fax: 01234 343297 dress to impress. Amorco (Transport) Limited is a family run business Tickets are £12 that has been providing a personal haulage and pp bookable in warehousing service for over 30 years. advance. 29 June Dine at Mine Host a dinner party/BBQ/lunch anything that
Amorco distributes goods all over the UK, using a range of vehicles to suit the customers’ needs.
Our warehousing capacity allows us to operate storage facilities for local, national and international businesses.
enquires@amorco-transport.co.uk
This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds T: 01234 351458 E: info@johnmedhurst.co.uk www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
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Exciting Dates For Your Diary Fundraising supports everything we do. Events remain an important source of income for Bedford Daycare Hospice. There are so many events that you can get involved with all year round so head to www.bedforddaycarehospice to find out how you can attend, sponsor or donate to any of our events. ALL Tickets may be purchased from the Hospice unless otherwise stated. 18 May
Coffee morning 50p entry.
10.30
29 May
Greek buffet at the Greek Villager, Bromham Road, Bedford £12 per tickets payable in advance.
19.30
15 June
Coffee morning 50p entry.
10.30
29 June
Come Dine at Mine! Host a dinner party or bbq for friends and ask them to make a donation in aid of the hospice.
Up to You!
10 July
Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot, sporting targets, Riseley £65 per person fully inclusive no equipment or licence required, teams of 3.
17.00
20 July
Coffee morning & ploughmans lunch £5 a ticket payable in advance.
10.30
9 Aug
Psychic evening with Phillip Kinsella £10 per ticket payable in advance, at the Park Inn Hotel, St Marys Street, Bedford.
19.30
17 Aug
Coffee morning 50p entry.
10.30
25 Aug
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, one for the men, sponsored one mile walk in Bedford Park, bring a picnic and the whole family for a fun day out. Details from the hospice.
11.00
11 Sept
Indian buffet at Indian Sumer Restaurant, Tavistock Street, £12pp payable in advance.
14 Sept
Coffee mormning 50p entry.
10.30
25 Sept
Fashion show featuring nearly new clothes from our Butterfly Boutique. £5 per ticket.
19.30
12 Oct
Black and Silver ball, £50 per ticket payable in advance.
19.00
19 Oct
Coffee morning 50p entry.
10.30
23 Oct
Halloween themed Sausage & Mash supper. £12 a ticket payable in advance.
19.30
14 Nov
Light Up a Life evening, free event, open to all.
18.00
16 Nov
Coffee morning 50p entry.
10.30
7 Dec
Christmas coffee morning 50p entry with seasonal refreshments.
10.30
Remember you can always donate your unloved nearly new clothes and bric-a-brac for our onsite Butterfly Boutique, why not have a donate a clothes day at work, everyone can get involved and make a difference!
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Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford. T: 01234 352015 E: info@bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk
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Fundraising Information 36%
15%
39%
1%
1% 3% 10%
5%
40% 50%
INCOME ■ Donations and Fundraising Events ■ Shop Profits ■ NHS Grant ■ Rental Income ■ Investments
EXPENDITURE ■ Direct Patient Care ■ Indirect Patient Care (including heat, light and water) ■ Fundraising ■ Administration and Support costs ■ Governance
Income
Expenditure
Donations and Fundraising Events
63,354
Shop Profits
8,331
Direct Patient Care
95,705
Indirect Patient Care (Including heat, light and water)
18,705
NHS Grant
62,408
Fundraising
Rental Income
23,860
Administration and Support costs
Investments
1,540
Total
159,493
Net Incoming / (outgoing) Resources
(31,313)
KMA Ad EP:Layout 1
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5,940 69,076
Governance
1,380
Total
190,806
Green Burial Ad EP:Layout 1
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The above figures are extracted from the 2011/12 Annual Report and Accounts, a full copy is available on request. Set in nearly ten acres and surrounded by permanent pasture land on the gently rolling sides of the Great Ouse valley overlooking the small country town of Olney. ■ ■ ■ ■
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Book-keeping Financial accounts Annual accounts Statutory accounts including XBRL conversions Management accounts Financial advice (given in a business context not an investment context) Business modelling including cash flows Charity accounts and independent examinations
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Tax planning Payroll including Employment taxes: PAYE and National insurance P11d requirements Corporation taxes VAT Capital taxes Personal taxes Self-assessment including “Tax Shop” facilities
Olney Green Burial Ground is the natural alternative to using a cemetery or churchyard.
• •
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01234 241808 www.olneygreenburial.co.uk Part of the Green Burial Company plc
This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds T: 01234 351458 E: info@johnmedhurst.co.uk www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
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Volunteers Gift of Time There are many ways in which volunteers make a difference from In house Volunteers, Butterfly Boutique Helpers, Complementary Therapists, Fundraising and Event Helpers and Drivers through to Gardeners, Painters and Decorators. The volunteers are from all walks of life, ages and gender. Some have been at the hospice since the very beginning! There are approximately 80 current volunteers covering everything from complementary therapies to gardening, listening to patients to assisting with fundraising events, driving to making cups of tea. They are the lifeblood of the organisation. work, and I promote their events, encouraging friends to attend. I also invite colleagues to bring in their unwanted items to me at work, so I can donate them on their behalf to the Hospice shop.
first heard about the Hospice when I became friends with the Assistant Fundraiser, Keely Ann Jones. Her job seemed so rewarding and fulfilling to me, and as I learnt more about what the Hospice does and the service it provides to the community, I wanted to do something to help.
I
My father was poorly on and off through my teens with kidney failure, transplants and then cancer. Although he didn’t have the opportunity to use a Hospice as wonderful as Bedford Daycare, the experience helped me to realise how important these places were, to not only the patients, but the families as well – it is important for patients to have somewhere to socialise and meet others away from home, where they feel safe, and the families feel safe to send them. As I work during the week full time, my contribution to the Hospice is mostly at evening and weekend events – I have volunteered at the Hospice Ball for 3 years now, and also at the Proms in the Park, Halloween/Italian/Indian dinners and coffee mornings. I have held raffles at
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I have also volunteered for the day to see exactly what the Hospice do in their working hours, and to bring home what all of the fundraising is for, and it further enhanced my desire to help. The teams do such a wonderful job with the patients, and I take my hat off to them. The patients and staff are lovely, and so welcoming to new helpers. One of my own personal ways to contribute to the Hospice is to hold an ‘Accessories Swap Night’ at home with my friends. Everyone brings their unwanted items (clothes, jewellery, household items, shoes, and scarves, anything in good condition) to my house, we have drinks and nibbles and a good catch-up, and then swap items around. Anything left at the end of the night is donated to the Hospice. I have held 2 so far, had a great time and have collected 10 bin bags full of items for the shop, as well as inspired others to do the same. So when my colleague at DHL was looking for a charity to work with as part of a Finance Development Academy, I jumped at the chance to introduce him and his team to Babs (the Fundraising Manager and Facilities Manager) to see if they could help the Hospice. David Riley and team managed to raise money and spend time to provide a computerised finance package and sponsor a
member of staff to complete a finance course at college, as well as coming in to repaint the outside of the shop. This saved time for the Accountant, made Gift Aid more accurate and enabled the Hospice to produce reports and analysis on the costs and incomes on a regular basis without relying on others. Every penny counts and this information is invaluable for keeping track of spends, and analysing which events generate different levels of income. They did a really great job and I was proud to be a part of it. The Hospice to me means a safe place for people to go when they need it. Every event is a social occasion, and everyone is welcome to join in. It is the opportunity to give something back to the community, and have fun doing it. You can have a great time and contribute to a worthy cause all in one go. There are lots of ways to help out – volunteer, attend events, raise money independently, donate to the shop, anyone can get involved. I intend to continue with my support and encourage as many people as possible to join me. I am in awe of the other volunteers that I have met at the Hospice – they are true inspirational heroes. Lynda McDonald – March 2013 PROUD TO SUPPORT
Bedford Daycare Hospice Allsmart T: 01234 216388 E: Sales@allsmart.co.uk W: www.allsmart.co.uk
Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford. T: 01234 352015 E: info@bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk
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Volunteers Gift of Time However, after a little gentle persuasion from us she eventually agreed to give it a try, she found her first visit quite challenging as reality set in and the realisation that she really was quite poorly dawned. After attending for about three weeks she came home and said she felt blessed and privileged to be part of such a wonderful community and that spending time with people who “understood” what she herself was going through and the feeling was of comfort to her.
y dear Nonna (grandmother) Angelina Mastrandrea was fortunate enough to be offered a place at Bedford Day care Hospice a few years ago.
M
At first she was reluctant to accept as she was apprehensive of what to expect. Angelina was not one for going out very much at all, she was happy to spend most of her time with her family.
had often talked about voluntary work with my wife Ann but in the early part of 1999 Ann was diagnosed with lung cancer and I nursed Ann through to her subsequent death on January 15th 2000.
I
Because of the love, help and medical support I received during 1999 up to and beyond the death of my brave, wonderful wife encouraged me to become a volunteer for the rest of my life. I joined Bedford Daycare Hospice, Gladys Ibbett House in February 2000 and will continue for as long
PROUD TO SUPPORT Bedford Daycare Hospice
woman as are all the staff at the Hospice. I am a Beauty Therapist and choose to volunteer at the Pamper evenings at Bedford Day Care Hospice as a way to say thank you to everyone who helped my wonderful Nonna. But also so the great work they do can carry on. The hospice is a place people are able to go so they can be cared for and supported by people who understand what they have to cope with on a daily basis.
She attended the hospice for a considerable time before she sadly passed away. We as a family would like to thank Bedford Daycare Hospice for the support and kindness shown to our mother and grandmother who we miss dearly, she was a truly inspirational
I feel very lucky to be able to help in the small way that I do. The staff at the hospice have touched a lot of lives. My family and I are very grateful they could help us through our difficult time.
as my health allows.
also laughter, love and continuing support between us all and I feel honoured to part of the team.
I have gained so much as a person in being associated with the hospice during the past ten years. I have made so many friends, both patients and staff and feel I have received much more than I have given, the patients really care for each other and the love and bonding which occurs in this atmosphere is so wonderful to be a part of.
Laura Conte – March 2013
David Burnage – March 2013
Those of us volunteering know there are going to be sad times, as do the patients themselves, but there is
PROUD TO SUPPORT
PROUD TO SUPPORT
PROUD TO SUPPORT
Bedford Daycare Hospice
Bedford Daycare Hospice
Bedford Daycare Hospice
Daisy May Florists
Lowe and Co Solicitors
John Medhurst Jewellers
T: 01234 272164
T: 01234 764731
10 Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3HD
E: daisymay_florists@hotmail.co.uk
E: info@loweandco.co.uk
T: 01234 351458
W: www.daisymayflorist.co.uk
W: www.loweandco.co.uk
W: www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds T: 01234 351458 E: info@johnmedhurst.co.uk www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
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Volunteers Gift of Time magine a place where people always feel safe and wanted, where people smile and laugh, share thoughts, welcome each other with open hearts, experience an inner warmth and where age is no barrier, where you can be at ease knowing that privacy stays private, where emotions are shared and understood without question or judgement. A place
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Lowe Ad HP:HP CTH
1/7/13
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that feels more like a relaxed home with a large family, where wellbeing is important, where experiences are shared, real friendships are formed, and laughter is genuine. These, and a feeling of fulfilment and usefulness are just some of the endless reasons I’ve volunteered with my various dogs, firstly Duffle then Amber and now Jaffa, for so many years at this special place, and I hope to continue for many more to come. I count myself so lucky to be able to help each time I walk through the door at Bedford Daycare Hospice. Jennie Arnold – March 2013
Based in Marston Moretaine, Susan Lowe is a qualified solicitor with many years experience helping families to put their paperwork in order. Susan is a member of Solicitors For the Elderly and she is appointed to the Court of Protection panel of Deputies of Last Resort. Susan runs her own firm – Lowe and Co. Putting your paperwork in order gives you peace of mind. You will know that if you do need help, your family can get on with caring about you without the hassle of unnecessary bureaucracy.
6 Denbigh Close | Marston Moretaine | MK43 0JY Tel: 01234 764731 | Fax: 0845 280 2711 | info@loweandco.co.uk
www.loweandco.co.uk 10
Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford. T: 01234 352015 E: info@bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk
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The Hospice
The Hospice and Services For some there is a stigma attached to the word hospice and a perception that it is a sad place with a focus on death and dying. However once a patient attends for an assessment visit or an outreach clinic it becomes evident that Bedford Daycare Hospice is a happy cheerful place in which care is delivered in a non-judgemental, non-discriminatory manner. The “whole person” is catered for ,mind, body and spirit. Away from the clinical atmosphere the patient can just be themselves in a safe environment where the focus is on living. Bedford Daycare Hospice provides daycare for patients with lifethreatening illnesses, five days a week Monday to Friday from the point of diagnosis through investigations and treatment to remission or palliative care. Respite care is also offered. The
service is open to patients over the age of 18 registered with a North or Mid-Beds GP.
general well being by a Registered Nurse with referral as necessary to the multi-disciplinary team.
Referrals Referrals are accepted from patients themselves, carers or family members and health and social care professionals. Although an independent charity, Bedford Daycare Hospice is part of a wide multi-disciplinary team with close links to the Macmillan Nurses, District Nurses, Oncology Dietician, Palliative Care Physiotherapist, Speech and Language Therapists, Macmillan Welfare Rights Advice Service, Hospice at Home and Sue Ryder Care, St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger. This list is not exhaustive.
A nutritious, well balanced three course meal is cooked by our own chefs with individual dietary needs catered for.
Following referral, the patient is invited to attend an assessment visit where individual needs are assessed using a holistic multidisciplinary approach. The visit allows the patient and carer or family member the opportunity to be shown around the hospice, meet staff, volunteers, fellow patients and experience the calm, peaceful environment. There is an opportunity for the patient and family member or carer to ask questions thereby alleviating anxiety. Following assessment and planning of care the patient will be allocated a day to attend on a weekly basis. Transport to the Hospice is provided by volunteer drivers on three of the five working days of the week. Our Services Services are free to anyone who needs our help and are many and varied. Care and compassion is at the heart of everything we do. At every visit patients are reviewed for pain and symptom control and
Complementary Therapy This is readily available and includes aromatherapy massage, reflexology, Reiki and Indian Head massage in accordance with local and national guidelines. These therapies help to reduce anxiety, relieve stress and promote relaxation in our patients. GP permission is required before treatment and all our therapies are provided by qualified, insured and CRB checked volunteers. Tuesday Pop in Day Where individualised holistic care is offered to any patient with a cancer diagnosis. There is an opportunity for peer support and information sharing in a non clinical environment with others who are at various stages of their cancer journey. Psychological care and counselling are provided in a confidential setting and the Macmillan Welfare Rights Advisor attends on a monthly basis to give benefits advice. Long Term Conditions Education Group In conjunction with NHS Bedfordshire a ten week education programme for patients in the complex/palliative stage of chronic illness is offered. The focus is on wellbeing and empowering the patient to self manage their condition, recognise their limitations and adapt their lifestyle accordingly. Incorporated within the programme are education
This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds T: 01234 351458 E: info@johnmedhurst.co.uk www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
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The Hospice sessions from the physiotherapist, dietician and speech and language therapist. Chair based exercises, relaxation and complementary therapy are also offered. Carers Support Group This is a support group for those caring for loved ones with a life threatening illness and meets at the hospice on alternate weeks. It is a self-help group with the opportunity for individual counselling where necessary.
Ways Ahead This is a private consultation and advice service offered to those experiencing hair loss operated on an appointment system or “pop in” basis. Information on coping with hair loss and hair re growth following treatment for cancer. Advice is given on how to apply scarves and create bespoke headwear for special occasions. Consultations occur in privacy and accessories are available to purchase.
Out Reach Clinics We currently offer two clinics:A visiting Lymphodema Therapy Service run by Sue Ryder Care, St John’s is run on a weekly basis by the Lymphodema Nurse and the Bedfordshire Palliative Care Rehabilitation Group offering a six week chair based exercise programme run by the Palliative Care Physiotherapist. Linda Byer – Nurse Manager April 2013
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Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford. T: 01234 352015 E: info@bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk
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My Cancer Journey, Sarah Torbet worse. I was still in total denial. If I couldn’t face it myself how could I share it with people I didn’t know?
n September 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It all happened very quickly and by Christmas I had had two lumpectomies and had plummeted into a deep depression. All I had to look forward to in the New Year was a program of chemo and radiotherapy. I struggled to come to terms with my diagnosis. I was scared, I locked myself away, I rarely went out or even got out of bed.
I
I didn’t really know much about cancer before. Even when the doctors explained it to me it was a bit like hearing white noise, it felt like they were talking about someone else. I could not believe it had happened to me. During my first Chemotherapy session I was given a leaflet for Bedford Daycare Hospice, Gladys Ibbett Daycare Hospice (GI). My husband encouraged me to go. He was concerned about my depression and withdrawal from my family and friends. GI run a “pop in day” for cancer patients every Tuesday. I wasn’t keen on the idea. I was concerned it would make me more depressed, sitting in a room with other cancer patients talking about cancer, I couldn’t think of anything
One cold Monday afternoon, several weeks later, we were passing the hospice when he suggested we pop in for more information. It’s a day I will never forget; it was a real turning point in my life. I rang the doorbell and immediately dread came over me. I turned to Peter and said, ‘what do I say?’, the door opened and I just looked at the lady and said ‘I don’t know what to say’ and burst into tears. Linda (Linda Byer, Nurse Manager) brought us in out of the cold, got us some tea and we talked about the cancer and what the hospice could do for me. She suggested I come the next day for the pop in and see how I got on. What did I have to lose? There was no pressure, I could stay as long as I liked, even have lunch if I felt comfortable. If I didn’t like it I could just leave. I was still sceptical, but I promised I would give it a try. So the next day I arrived at GI and I never looked back. The people were great, the volunteers, staff and patients made me feel very welcome. Yes, we did talk about cancer, but it wasn’t all negative, some was actually very positive. In fact, I was learning about the disease, not from a medical perspective, but from people who were experiencing it. That day I met people who were going through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and even people who had been cancer
free for several years. I realised that cancer isn’t always a death sentence and I started to believe I could have my life back after cancer. I came away with a list of questions to ask my oncologist and surgeon, but also a sense of hope. The hospice gave me a safe haven. I didn’t have to pretend not to be scared, I could ask questions and get realistic answers. I could share my fears without upsetting the people I love. I found support from fellow cancer patients and professional councillors. This support was both emotional, constructive and also therapeutic. I went to some of the therapy sessions and found Reiki and massage really helpful and soothing. The value of feeling pampered at GI is one that I will never forget. Three years later I am cancer free and up until recently have been to the Tuesday pop in’s. I feel it’s important to continue to go so new patients can see that you can get through cancer. I only return occasionally to GI. I miss it, GI helped me to understand my illness better and to see life does not always end when you are diagnosed with cancer that there are many people who go on to live a very happy life after cancer. Whilst everyone enjoys it when I pop in, the favourite part of my visit is that I bring my beautiful little baby boy, Logan, who was born in December 2012, 3 years from when I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My own health and that of Logan is testament to the help and support of not only my family and friends, but the team at GI for whom I will forever be grateful. Sarah Torbet – April 2013
This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds T: 01234 351458 E: info@johnmedhurst.co.uk www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
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Sam Edhouse: 11 September 1965 – 30 March 2013 going to Bedford Daycare Hospice, Gladys Ibbett House or GI as we all tend to refer to it. The hospice provides care for cancer and other patients both current and recovering. I receive support from fellow patients through good and bad times.
Sam wrote this article before sadly passing away. It is her families wish that we still include this article in her memory. attend the hospice every week. All my family and friends know that I am always busy on a Tuesday
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The staff and volunteers are all wonderful and give us the opportunity to share experiences and meet new friends. Counselling, Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments are readily available to all of us and do make such a difference to our wellbeing. They always have time for you and you feel important and valued, they see past the illness and see the person you really are.
Phil (my husband) and I have also got involved with the fundraising side of the hospice and had some great evenings, eating, dining and even modelling at the fashion shows raising funds to keep this wonderful place functioning for everyone who needs their services. I treasure the friends that I have made here at the hospice and the support that I receive has made such a difference to both myself, my husband and my family and long may it continue. You never know when you or a family member may need the support that is offered here at GI! Sam Edhouse – March 2013
Louisa's Story was given 3 years to live but survived for 7 and I'm sure GI helped keep her going as she really enjoyed going every week and would be upset if she wasn't well enough to attend.
y dear mum Jennifer Vaccaro attended Bedford Daycare Hospice (or GI as she happily referred to it) for several years on and off on a Wednesday since being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She sadly lost her long battle in March 2011.
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My mother was diagnosed with 2 different types of cancer over a period of 7 years but despite all that she was the most positive person I ever knew always so full of life! She
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very supportive to me and many of the volunteers told me how greatly missed Mum would be and how the place would be much quieter without her! She was a big character and liked to share her experiences with others as she always wanted to help those who were suffering and give advice; she was a great listener too. So if you are a new patient who may be a bit dubious about attending the Hospice thinking that it may be a bit of doom and gloom, this really couldn’t be further from the truth GI is full of laughter and care and especially when you get characters like my dear mum there
Mum always spoke very highly of GI and all the staff, volunteers and patients, she loved to sit in the beautiful garden, have a little shopping spree in their Butterfly Boutique and have a few pamper treatments from the therapists. I was my mum’s carer during this time and I know she always felt guilty about this, so going to GI and being able to talk to the staff and volunteers about her illness and have them look after her for the day made her feel like she took the burden off me a bit-not that she was a burden of course, I would do it all again in a heartbeat to have her back.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the brilliant staff and kind volunteers at GI for all the support they gave my dear Mum and myself over the years.
When mum passed away GI were
Louisa Vaccaro – April 2013
Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford. T: 01234 352015 E: info@bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk
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My Life Journey’s Unexpected Turn another sufferer. I made full use of the complementary treatments and often had a massage or manicure. I was also introduced to Reiki for the first time. Lunch time was a place to sit together to chat and laugh and learn so much from each other about our illnesses. My time spent at the hospice was just invaluable. I met so many amazing people, sadly some of whom have now passed away.
i my name is Colette. My life’s journey took an unexpected turn in September 2008 when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. This came as such a shock especially at a time when I had been supporting my sister through secondary Breast Cancer.
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I dealt with the diagnosis as best as possible and started the long journey of treatment that lay ahead. My family and friends were a huge support. It was whilst having treatment in the local oncology ward that a lovely lady, who has since passed away, told me about Bedford Daycare Hospice. She talked about the open door “pop in” session on Tuesdays for all cancer sufferers. She used words to describe the day as caring, supportive, relaxed, fun... pampered. I went along with an open mind and ended up attending every Tuesday for many years. The support was amazing. It was somewhere I could go and cry or laugh if I needed to. There was always a listening ear - whether it was a trained councillor, nurse or
hope to have presentations /demonstration from various charities and groups but mainly just a place to talk and have fun. We are also hoping along the way to raise money for Bedford Daycare Hospice and also other cancer charities. I don’t think I would be where I am today without the love, support and care I received form Bedford Daycare Hospice, I feel that through the Pink Lotus Support Group, I have a wonderful opportunity to give something back.
A number of the people I have met at the hospice are well and in remission and have even returned to work. However, having spoken to fellow sufferers, No68 manyHamilton have QP:Layout 1 28/6/13 16:09 Page 1 expressed how they would benefit Collette Appleby – April 2013 from a support group. Therefore, I am No.68 High Street, Harrold, Beds, MK43 7DA. pleased to say that we are in T: 01234 721645 the process of E: info@no68.co.uk starting up a www.no68.co.uk new support group called Yo u ' l l b e i n g o o d h a n d s a t N o . 6 8 . O u r The Pink Lotus tea m is highly tr a ined a nd pr ovides Women’s the la tes t s er vic es a nd Cancer Support pr ofes s iona l a dvic e. Group. Bedford Here are some of the services we provide Daycare in the local Bedfordshire area: Hospice has • Sports Therapy kindly agreed • Complementary Therapy to allow us to • Yoga run it from All promoting health and wellbeing. their premises. Our opening In addition to the therapeutic services, No.68 offers: evening is on • Ladies Hairdressing Thursday 25th • Gents Barbering services April and we Our hairdressers are kept up to date ensuring hope to meet that your hair is your crowning glory. on the last Thursday of every month after that. As well as supporting each other, we
This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds T: 01234 351458 E: info@johnmedhurst.co.uk www.johnmedhurst.co.uk
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