Life Autumn 2013
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Light up a Life
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Finchley renovation plans
Caring for our mum
Your donations make our work possible www.northlondonhospice.org 020 8343 8841
North London Hospice in Finchley 47 Woodside Avenue, London N12 8TT North London Hospice in Enfield 110 Barrowell Green, London N21 3AY Registered charity No: 285300
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Your donations make our work possible
www.northlondonhospice.org 020 8343 8841
Message from the Chief Executive Welcome to our Autumn newsletter
‘I wish nothing but the best for North London Hospice, and would like to thank everyone for all their help, support and commitment over the years.’
It is with some sadness, after over 10 years at North London Hospice, that I am stepping down as Chief Executive in December to embark on a very different personal challenge as a child psychotherapist. One thing working here has taught me, is how important it is to fulfil your dreams and ambitions.
It has been particularly important to me that the work of staff has been complemented and multiplied by the contribution of so many volunteers who give their time and expertise so tirelessly. This adds another dimension to our work as well as extending the reach of our care in a way that would be impossible otherwise.
During my time at the Hospice, I have seen the difference the organisation has made at a really vulnerable point in people’s lives. I have talked to many people and received many thank-you letters and acknowledgements from patients and families highlighting the fact that staff here go the extra mile to deliver such a vital service in our community.
During my time at the Hospice we have seen many changes, some of which have been difficult to navigate, but it is a considerable achievement that we have managed to deliver an ever-improving and expanding service, which now cares for more people in a wider variety of ways than ever before.
I am proud to have been a part of the work of the Hospice and witnessed what we have done to support patients, their families and friends. The team here have been outstanding and it has been a privilege to work with such talented and dedicated staff.
I wish nothing but the best for North London Hospice, and would like to thank everyone for all their help, support and commitment over the years. My best wishes,
Douglas Bennett
North London Hospice invites you to take part in our annual ‘Light up a Life’ ceremony. This is a very special occasion in the Hospice calendar, on which our volunteers and staff can join with family members and loved ones to remember and celebrate those we have lost and the lives of all who we had the privilege to care for over the years. On Sunday 24 November 2013, at 4pm, you’re invited to ‘Light up a Life’ – a service of remembrance and thanksgiving. You’ll receive a warm welcome at North London Hospice as local people gather for readings, songs and prayers, to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. During the ceremony, our giant horse chestnut tree will be illuminated – each light on the tree representing someone who is special to you. The names of everyone remembered and celebrated will be entered into a Book of Lights, which will be kept on display in the Hospice Room of Quiet at both Finchley and Enfield throughout 2014. Our ‘Light up a Life’ appeal last year raised more than £100,000 and every penny of this was used to make a real difference to people with a terminal illness.
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If you wish to sponsor a light, please complete the form at the back of this newsletter or call 020 8446 2288.
Department of Health grant Regular readers of Life@North London Hospice will know that the Hospice was awarded a grant of £385,776 from the Department of Health in March to refurbish the ground floor of the Finchley site. A steering group, consisting of members of staff from across the Hospice, was set up to look at the development of the project, and feedback was also collated from key stakeholders – patients, families, visitors, chaplains and reception volunteers – to find out their thoughts and views. Building work is due to commence in early October and we would like to take this opportunity to outline the work that will be undertaken. The project will remodel under-utilised spaces to create facilities that will expand the community support we can provide. Patients, family members and carers will be able to access a wider range of formal and informal community services, while relaxing in more homely surroundings. The wall separating the ‘Home from Home’ and reception areas will be removed and three multifunctional treatment rooms will be created. These rooms will be utilised for outpatient clinics, day treatments and extended clinical support and advice from our community team. Our reception desk will be removed and volunteers will personally greet all arrivals to the Hospice, in keeping with the creation of a ‘Home from Home’ feel. The grant fell short of allowing us to replace the existing front doors so we have been fortunate that the Mill Hill and Totteridge Support Group has
offered to fundraise for automatic doors to replace these. This means that not only will the Hospice be more accessible for ambulance drivers and visitors, but also that the moment a person approaches the entrance they will be able to see through into the inviting community area, all the way to the garden. Our garden courtyard area will be reconfigured to ensure that it allows more light into the ground floor, and is more accessible to patients with limited mobility. Granite slabs will replace the existing paving and, in order to maximise space, the flower-bed will be replanted and will incorporate the Tree of Life. A new partitioning glass wall will replace the stained-glass window in the Room of Quiet so that views to the garden can be seen and will allow additional light into the new lobby area. A new kitchen area will be built for use out-of-hours so that visitors can make themselves refreshments when the coffee shop is closed. So that patients, their families and carers feel more at home and so that they can access information relevant to their diagnosis, we will install wi-fi internet in the community services area.
Plans of the redevelopment are on display in the Finchley reception area for viewing.
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‘We as a family were moved by the warmth, strength and support we received from all at the Hospice.’ It was a terrible time, there’s no point saying otherwise. The most beautiful, vibrant, fun, supportive and warm person I have ever known, the central ‘rock’ of our family unit, the greatest mother a child could ever wish to have – suddenly on a frightening journey... A journey which, let’s be honest, happens to other people, other families – not yours and certainly not the person who has stood strong and supported you since the day she brought you into the world. Every family has had the conversation about somebody known to them at some point or another, ‘did you hear his news, poor guy, and so young…’ you take time for a moment, then (guiltily) quietly give thanks that it is not your mother/father/wife/ husband/son/daughter...
‘The daunting trips to the hospital were countered by positive, calm, escapism.’
Then one day you find, this time, it is one of the above. Shell-shocked, you stand side by side resilient and strong, you remain positive – you look to the experts expectantly, hopefully. This should be when families pull together and show their solidarity. You find however, despite this, so much comfort can come from the outside, from people who have experienced this before, people who can make this incredibly testing and difficult period, well, manageable. North London Hospice is an incredible place. In those first few months from last summer when Mum received the diagnosis of her illness, the daunting trips to the hospital were countered by positive, calm, escapism. She looked forward to her regular art classes, the relaxing complementary therapies, the access to warm, positive and experienced social workers and nurses. Mum went into the Hospice three weeks before Christmas. The contrast between the comfort and privacy of the Hospice and the crowded hospital ward could not have been greater. Mum’s room, comfortable and well equipped, allowed us to eat, to laugh and to talk together as a family. And on nights where all three of us wished to stay overnight with Mum, this was also no problem for the nurses and volunteers who happily gathered fold-away beds and blankets to make this possible. The social workers were always there, available in the family room offering emotional and practical support. The most startling fact about North London Hospice is that it is a charity and the services are provided free of charge. Such an invaluable support base is provided in the large part through donations and legacies from people who have been in some way touched by the remarkable resource that is North London Hospice. We as a family were moved by the warmth, strength and support we received from all at the Hospice and, more importantly, the comfort and peace that Mum felt during her stay; for that we will be forever grateful.
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Jean-Luc Lewis
Your donations make our work possible www.northlondonhospice.org 020 8343 8841
Fundraising news... Maths teacher swaps cloak and gown for lycra Will Luck, 24, of Parsonage Gardens, Enfield, tackled a gruelling 300-mile bike ride from London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, accompanied by his team Enfield Wednesday. It took the five-man squad four days to reach the French capital, raising £10,000 for North London Hospice. Will, along with his uncle Richard Stops, was inspired to take on the challenge after the Hospice took care of both his father and his grandmother at the same time last summer. Will’s father Chris Luck was 56 when he passed away in September after battling prostate cancer and being cared for by the Hospice, while Will’s 81-year-old grandmother Phyllis Luck was fighting cancer of the oesophagus. After Will and his father spent some of the last months of his life watching Team GB triumph on two wheels on the roads and in the velodrome during the Olympic Games in London last year, the teacher decided to raise as much money as he could for the Hospice. ‘The staff were fantastic – the whole time it was so peaceful and such a relaxing place,’ Will said. ‘It really was a retreat – and I was really struck by how pleasant a place it was.’ Will’s pupils at Oasis Academy, in Mollison Avenue, Enfield, gave their full support to the cyclists’ charity challenge and organised a talent show as well as a non-uniform day to raise extra funds for their mission. ‘It has been really nice to see them get really involved with it. They responded really well to the assemblies I gave on it.’
London to Brighton on foot A team of 14 employees of Crabtree Group in Finchley Central set off from Richmond on Saturday 25 May to walk to Brighton in aid of the Hospice. Accompanied by a support team, most of the walkers reached the finish line at Brighton racecourse two days later. Crabtree Group Managing Director Robert Robertson said ‘I am very proud to be the managing director of a company that is made up of the kind of people who can work together to achieve such a fantastic result. ‘This was a great event and our team can claim a huge victory for the individuals taking part, for their individual companies and, most importantly, for North London Hospice.’ The team raised a huge £11,000 through office raffles, bake sales, auctions, food sales, office sweepstakes and selling football tickets.
Golfers swing into action Golfers got into the swing of fundraising when they took part in Hendon Golf Club’s annual charity tournament for North London Hospice on Wednesday 10 July. A total of 30 teams took part in the event, which included an afternoon of entertainment and an auction. The day’s total is still being counted but organisers are hoping to beat last year’s effort of £25,000. Organising committee chairman Ian Penhallow said ‘I am so grateful to the generosity of our main sponsors, Martyn Gerrard, the donations of prizes and, of course, the teams which all go to make this a very enjoyable and successful day.’ Life @ NORTH london hospice 5
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Other news... Thanks to…
New video promotes work of Hospice
All our supporters who donated to our Sow a Special Sunflower appeal. This year’s appeal raised £36,600 – the highest amount to date.
A new promotional video has been launched by North London Hospice to show how our work has impacted the lives of some of our patients, families, staff and volunteers.
The team of four from the 22nd Southgate Scout group who canoed 125 miles from Devizes to Westminster to raise £2,700.
Hospice Communications Manager Paola Noto said ‘Video is such a powerful way of engaging with people and raising awareness of the services we provide.
The team of joiners from GMS Bespoke Joninery who raised £10,000 by completing a cycle ride to Paris. Sainsbury’s Highlands Village, HH&GG Roteract and Marks & Spencer in Brent Cross for selecting North London Hospice as their charity of the year.
The video, which is now available to view on the Hospice’s Vimeo channel, will also be used by staff and volunteers as a resource to help promote the work of the Hospice in the community.
‘This short video will help to educate people about the Hospice, encourage them to get involved and prompt them to support our work financially.’ The video has already received a positive response from schools, colleges and businesses. The video can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/66720549 or if you would like a copy to show at work, at an event or meeting, please contact us on 020 8446 2288.
Freemasons fund ultrasound machines North London Hospice was honoured to be presented with a very generous cheque of £15,400 at the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons’ Centenary celebrations on Sunday 30 June.
Friends Patrick Lisoire and Guy Mansfield for cycling a gruelling 900 miles to Marseille and raising more than £3,000.
The celebrations began with a procession of distinguished guests into the Grand Temple followed by a ceremony led by the Grand Master, Bernice Abram.
The 140 cyclists who took part in our On Yer Bike event at the beginning of June.
North London Hospice’s Joanne Brady, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, said ‘We are extremely grateful to the Freemasons for funding such an essential service. The primary aim of introducing the ultrasound facility is to improve patient safety and improve the efficacy of our resources.
All the little ones who took part in our toddle waddle on Saturday 22 June. The organisers, performers, volunteers and audience at this year’s Proms at St Jude’s. Another year of fantastic music and culture. The Friends of Hilly Fields for organising another sucessful rock concert in the park. The afternoon raised £1,094. Everybody that took part in the Midsummer’s Night Ceroc Dance. In total a massive £3,905 was raised. Special thanks goes to
The funds will enable the Hospice to introduce an ultrasound service on the inpatient unit. This is a top priority for improvement to patient safety for the financial year 2013 – 2014.
‘For many of our patients, going to hospital is difficult and they do not feel well enough. By having an ultrasound machine at the Hospice, we can assess people here in an easier and nicer environment.’ The ultrasound service will be used to assess if patients have an accumulation of fluid within their abdomen (ascites). Currently, we rely on clinical assessment alone to assess for the presence of ascites and perform paracentesis (drainage of the fluid). The service will be available for patients on the unit but will also be accessed by community patients who are able to attend the Hospice. We hope eventually to be able to use the mobile machine to go to assess people in their own homes. Phillipa Brent, Nicky Myers, Gill Pelton, Philippa Brent and Robin Dinerstein for organising the event. The group of eight runners who battled the heat to
complete the British 10K. Arriva London’s Tottenham garage for choosing the Hospice to benefit from its centenary celebrations.
...and a massive thank you to all the companies, businesses and generous individuals who support us in so many ways.
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Christmas cards 2013
1. Village in Winter 141 x 141 mm £4.00 for 10 cards Message: Season’s Greetings
2. Angels 151 x 103 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Best wishes
3. Sheep in the Snow 127 x 127 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Season’s Greetings
4. Dove 127 x 127 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Best wishes
5. Follow Yonder Star 127 x 127 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
6. The Twelve Days of Christmas 114 x 160 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Merry Christmas and a happy New Year
7. Riverside Walk 204 x 101 mm £4.00 for 10 cards Message: Season’s Greetings 8. In a Pear Tree 127 x 127 mm £4.00 for 10 cards Message: Season’s Greetings
9. Little Town of Bethlehem 160 x 114 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
Your donations make our work possible
Please also find our cards in our 18 shops
www.northlondonhospice.org 020 8343 8841
10. 12 Days Treasure Hunt 160 x 114 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
12. Adoration of the Kings 141 x 141 mm £4.00 for 10 cards Message: With peace and joy for Christmas and the New Year
15. Madonna and Child 127 x 127 mm £4.00 for 10 cards Message: Peace and Joy for Christmas and the New Year
11. Christmas by Peter Cross 127 x 127 mm £3.75 for 10 cards, 5 each of design Message: Merry Christmas and a happy New Year
13. Robin in the Snow 127 x 127 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Season’s Greetings
14. Covent Garden, London 170 x 120 mm £3.50 for 10 cards Message: Season’s Greetings
16. Trafalgar Square at Night 165 x 113 mm £4.00 for 10 cards Message: Season’s Greetings
Sheep in the Snow
Dove
Follow Yonder Star
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Riverside Walk
In a Pear Tree
Little Town of Bethlehem
12 Days Treasure Hunt
Christmas by Peter Cross
Adoration of the Kings
Robin in the Snow
Covent Garden, London
Madonna and Child
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Card 5
Card 6
Card 7
Card 8
Card 9
Card 10
Card 11
Card 12
Card 13
Card 14
Card 15 £ £ £ £
Subtotal P&P* Donation Total
Price per Pack Total
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Thank you for your order and donation. If you need any help with the order and donation form, please contact the fundraising department;
Card 16 Trafalgar Square at Night *POST AND PACKING Orders under £8 = £2.50 Orders up to £20 = £4.00 Orders over £20 = £6.50 If you would like to top up with a donation to our ‘Light up a Life’ appeal please add it here
Angels
Village in Winter
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‘Light up a Life’ dedications 2013
Christmas Card order form & ‘Light up a Life’ dedications 2013
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Dates for your diary Saturday 14 September Back to the 80s (organised by the N21 Support Group) Come and remember the music of your youth at the Waterhouse Hall, United Reform Church, Winchmore Hill. Tickets: £10
Saturday 21 September Twilight Walk Enjoy a seven-mile evening walk around Barnet, starting and finishing with music from Rock Chorus at Finchley Rugby Club. Open to ladies and men. Registration fee: £20. Minimum sponsorship: £30
Sunday 22 September Sponsored Swim (organised by the North West Support Group) At Queen Elizabeth’s Boys’ School, Barnet. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Registration: FREE
Sunday 17 November Festive Gift Fair at the brand new Allianz Park Stadium – Home to the Saracens Over 60 stalls to choose from and FREE tours of the stadium. Allianz Park Stadium., Greenlands Lane, NW4 1RL 11am – 5pm Adults: £1.50 Children: Free
Saturday 23 November Sir John Tomlinson EXCLUSIVE performance An exclusive event for North London Hospice at the Royal College of Music. Evening consists of a VIP reception and performance followed by a unique opportunity to ask questions to Britain’s finest opera bass. Tickets: £100
Sunday 24 November
Sunday 29 September
Light up a Life ceremony
Skydive We are looking for people to make a sponsored 10,000 feet freefall parachute jump on our behalf.
Saturday 30 November
Sunday 6 October An evening with comedian, doctor and conversationalist Jonathan Miller (organised by the Northern Heights Support Group) Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon Tickets: £20 incl. refreshments
Saturday 2 November Scratch Messiah (organised by the Northern Heights Support Group) Come and sing (or listen to) Handel’s Messiah with orchestra and soloists. No rehearsal – just turn up and get involved. St James’ Church, Muswell Hill, N10 3DB Tickets: £20 incl. refreshments
Festive Concert Primary and secondary schools will be performing some of their favourite festive songs at the Intimate Theatre in Palmers Green. Adult ticket: £5 Children under 16: £2.50
Saturday 30 November Muswell Hill Craft Fair Tetherdown, London, N10 1ND 10am – 4pm
Friday 13 December Wear a Santa Suit Day We are looking for fun people to raise funds by spending the day dressed as Santa. This event is open to everyone. Registration: £10 which covers the cost of the Santa suit that we will provide.
Your donations make our work possible www.northlondonhospice.org 020 8343 8841
North London Hospice in Finchley 47 Woodside Avenue, London N12 8TT North London Hospice in Enfield 110 Barrowell Green, London N21 3AY Registered charity No: 285300
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