Connections August 2016

s n o i t c e n n o C

2016 Autumn

Inside: Latest News Getting Creative Events Diary

Welcome

Here at Phyllis Tuckwell we are always looking to develop our services so that we can provide better care for our patients and their families.

You probably know about our In-Patient Unit, where we care for 350 patients every year, and our Day Hospice, where we support people like Alf, whose story you can read on page 3. But do you know about our other services?

We have recently extended the therapy sessions we run so that, as well as Brush with Art, we now also offer pottery, creative writing and horticulture. You can find out about them on pages 4 & 5.

Our new exercise classes (pictured on the front cover) have been a great success in helping patients build muscle strength and stamina. Those who have taken part have developed strong friendships within the group, too.

As well as caring for patients at the Hospice and Beacon Centre, we also look after an increasing number at home. Last year our Community team cared for over 1,500 patients at home, while our Hospice Care at Home nurses looked after over 500 patients during their last weeks of life. But we can do more.

At the moment, when patients who are living at home face problems at night, they often have no alternative but to call for an ambulance, resulting in their admission to hospital. We want to recruit more night nurses so that we can care for more patients at home during the night, making our home service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - just like our In-Patient Unit.

However, we cannot do that without raising more money. As you know, we only receive 20% of our funds from the Government/NHS, so we have to raise over ÂŁ20,000 a day just to be able to provide our current services, and we will need more if we are to extend them further.

Our Fundraising team works hard to help generate this, through events such as Strictly Dancing and Walk for the Wards, which you can read about on pages 8 & 9. Our Retail and Corporate teams also raise vital funds, which you can find out about on pages 10 & 11 - but we need your help too. By attending one of our events, donating items to or buying from one of our shops, or making a financial donation using the form on page 12, you can enable us to care for more patients and their families. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Sarah Brocklebank (Chief Executive)

Contents 3 Alf’s story 4 Latest News 5 Getting Creative 6 Events Diary

Page 2

8 Fundraising 10 Our Shops 11 Corporate Support 12 Make a Donation

Phyllis Tuckwell, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8BL 01252 729400 www.pth.org.uk PhyllisTuckwellHospice @PTHospice Reg Charity No. 264501

for a place in the RAF, embarking on a career which would last for 23 years, earn him a commendation in the Queen’s Honours List and lead him to meet his wife, Patricia.

Alf and Patricia had two children, Paula and Russell, and were stationed together both in the UK and in Cyprus. When Alf finally left the RAF, the family moved to Watford, before the couple decided to retire to Sandhurst.

Alf’s illness, however, has since forced them to think hard about the future and last year they decided to move to a retirement complex. “We’re settled there now,” he says.

“It’s got a good social life; I know Patricia’s got friends there.”

Alf's Story When Alf began to experience breathing problems and chest pains, he thought it might be a heart condition. He went to see his doctor, who referred him to Frimley Park Hospital for tests, but when the results came back Alf was told that he had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease which causes scarring of the delicate lung tissue and for which there is no cure.

Alf was told that he had three years to live.

“Well, that was up two years ago,” he quips cheerfully, “so I’ve proven them wrong.”

He first came to Phyllis Tuckwell in 2013, where he began a series of eight weekly Day Hospice sessions. “I didn’t need the oxygen the first time I came here,” he says, gesturing towards the cylinder which sits beside him.

He now needs it 24 hours a day.

Born in Calcutta, India, in 1940, Alf moved to England when he was just 18. He applied

When asked how he feels about Phyllis Tuckwell, Alf smiles. “It’s once a week and you look forward to it,” he says.

“If you have any problems, they address them immediately.

Last week I was feeling a bit down, and they were onto it straight away.”

“From the drivers to the volunteers and nurses, they brighten up your day, they’ve always got a smile and they’re so attentive.”

Alf is taken to and from the Hospice each week by a volunteer driver, giving Patricia the whole day to herself. “It’s important for her too,” he nods. “She needs that time for herself.”

Patricia and Paula have also attended sessions at the Hospice which have been designed specifically for family members of patients living with a terminal illness. And Alf has recently returned for another eight weeks of Day Hospice sessions. “I look forward to coming,” he says. “When you’re here you socialise as well. We’re all in the same boat, so we understand each others’ problems.”

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Latest News In April, we held a special remembrance event at our Memory Meadow, in Stoke Park, Guildford. The event, which will be held every spring, also marked the opening of the Meadow, which stands as a stunning floral tribute to those who are no longer with us, but are never forgotten.

Our chaplain Sue Lattey led the event, which was attended by over 60 people, including the Mayor of Guildford councillor Nikki Nelson-Smith, and MP for Guildford Anne Milton. Music was provided by local choir Shuffletunes and everyone was given a copy of the Book of Remembrance, which included dedications in memory of loved ones.

We have also created an online Memory Meadow at www.pth.org.uk/memorymeadow where you can make a donation and dedicate a flower or butterfly in memory of a loved one.

Thank you to everyone who donated to our recent Night Nurse appeal. With your help, and a grant from the Charitable Trust, we have managed to raise a fantastic £33,000, which will enable us to strengthen and grow our Hospice Care at Home team so more patients can be supported at night.

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Gardening is a therapeutic activity for many, but especially so at Phyllis Tuckwell, where patients have been enjoying our new table-top gardening sessions.

Led by Lisi Pilgrem, one of our Occupational Therapists, these Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) sessions help restore patients’ energy levels and improve their quality of life. Research has shown that gardening can measurably reduce stress levels and improve wellbeing. Our STH sessions also provide normalisation, giving patients a chance to get away from their illnesses and join in with an activity which they used to enjoy before they became ill.

Sessions include potting herbs, making pot pourri and creating miniature gardens. Patients are given a set of instructions and materials, and can choose from a selection of plants, so everyone’s final piece is different and personal to themselves.

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“It takes your mind off everything,” said one patient. “All your worries go out the door.”

Patients also benefit from the boost to their self-esteem which comes from creating something themselves. Many have lost muscle strength and movement, and need a carer to help with everyday tasks. Making a miniature garden which they can then take home or give to a loved one is hugely important, and very special for those receiving such a gift.

“It’s amazing to see someone so affected by illness, finding restoration through gardening,” Lisi smiles. “I can see the real person emerging through the barrier which their illness has created. It’s a privilege to be part of.”

Getting Creative

Our Brush with Art sessions have always been popular with patients, so we are pleased to now offer three new classes: pottery, creative writing and horticulture.

Many patients find creative therapy an invaluable way to express their thoughts and feelings, particularly in relation to their illnesses. Through art, they can work through these emotions and find a sense of peace and tranquillity. Painting, drawing, collage, pottery, creative writing and gardening can all provide an invaluable distraction from the stress of a terminal illness, and writing in particular can help patients capture treasured moments through poetry and prose.

and our horticulture sessions are run by our Occupational Therapist Lisi Pilgrem, who is helped by volunteer Denise Farmer.

This year our Brush with Art group took their creativity to another level, entering a collage into Farnham’s Blooming Art competition, and winning 3rd prize in the Group category!

The sessions are also open to patients’ families, providing them with an activity which they can take part in together – something which is often made difficult by the physical limitations which a terminal illness can bring.

They enable those taking part to experiment with new materials and methods, and feel proud of the work which they produce.

Our creative therapy sessions are only possible thanks to the dedication of our staff and volunteers. Brush with Art is led by volunteer Jenny Reynolds, while our creative writing sessions, ‘How to Paint a Life in Words’, are led by Hilary Hares, a local poet who volunteers at the Hospice, Photos clockwise from top left: patient Jo Wilcox puts pen to paper at a creative writing session; a Brush with Art session; our collage for Farnham’s Blooming Art competition; the Brush with Art group celebrate completing the collage.

Page 5

Events Diary OCTOBER Hospice Care Week

3rd - 9th

Could you hold a fundraising event to mark this special week in the calendar? Contact us for fundraising support and ideas.

SEPTEMBER Hospice Plant Sales

1st Sunday of each month April to October 10am - 1pm Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Plants for sale at bargain prices all proceeds to PTHC.

Fashion Show* Friday 7th 7.30pm - Cranleigh Baptist Church

Organised by our Cranleigh Friends of Phyllis Tuckwell group.

Hankley Common Golf Day Tuesday 11th Hankley Common Golf Club, Tilford

Make a Will Fortnight

4 Ball, Stableford Limited places - £320 per team.

A free Will in return for a donation to PTHC.

Hart Male Voice Choir Concert*

12th - 25th

PTHC Corporate Golf Day Thursday 15th West Surrey Golf Club, Milford Format: 4 Ball, Stableford Limited places - £380 per team.

Skydive

Sunday 25th Netheravon, Salisbury

Registration £50. Min sponsorship £450

To register, book tickets or for further information on any of these events: www.pth.org.uk 01252 729446 fundraising@pth.org.uk

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Saturday 22nd 7.30pm St John’s Church, Hartley Wintney Organised by our Fleet Support Group.

Firewalk

FOR 2016

NEW Sunday 23rd The Elvetham Hotel, Hartley Wintney

£30 registration - £100 minimum sponsorship Challenge yourself to walk across hot coals for Phyllis Tuckwell.

*This event is kindly being organised by supporters of Phyllis Tuckwell supported by our Fundraising team.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities available for all main Phyllis Tuckwell events - please call 01252 729446 for further information.

NOVEMBER Wine@9 Gather your friends for a drink in the festive season. Contact us for a FREE Wine@9 pack.

Crondall Christmas Fair*

DECEMBER Chicago...

The Roaring Twenties Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd FIVE, Farnborough

AS CHRISTM PARTY!

Organised by our Crondall Support Group.

Tickets: £37.50pp (includes three course meal, entertainment and survivors’ breakfast) Thanks to Best Parties Ever we are able to organise these huge parties in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell. Book with family and friends, or hold your work Christmas party with us!

Frensham Heights Christmas Fair*

Christmas Market at St Thomas’*

Organised by our Frensham Support Group.

Unique and exciting stalls, Christmas gifts, garden gifts, homemade cakes and preserves, books and more!

Monday 7th (preview evening) 6.30 - 8.30pm Tuesday 8th 10am - 4pm Both at Crondall Village Hall

Tuesday 22nd 11am - 5pm Frensham Heights School

Scottish Ceilidh*

Friday 25th Godalming Rugby Club

Tickets £30pp - dinner & wee dram of whisky.

PTHC Christmas Fayre Saturday 26th 10am - 2.30pm Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

Free admission, everyone welcome.

Santa & Rudolph Fun Run Sunday 27th 11am - Hindhead**

Light up a Life

Monday 28th 6.30pm - Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Free admission, everyone welcome.

Saturday 3rd 10am - 12.30pm St Thomas on the Bourne Church

Santa & Rudolph Fun Run Saturday 10th 11am - Godalming** Sunday 11th 11am - Aldershot** **Adults £12, Child (U14) £5 until 31st Oct. Prices from 1st Nov: Adults £14, Child (U14) £7 Registration fee includes Santa suit for adults, and reindeer antlers and red nose for children.

Register from 3rd September.

Carols by Candlelight* Sunday 11th 5.30pm The Church of Our Lady, Fleet

Organised by our Fleet Support Group.

Page 7

Fundraising We celebrate the Queen's 90th with

Royal-Tea

On 10th June we held a royal-tea party at the Hospice to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Patients, families, staff and volunteers all joined in with the royal theme, with flags, bunting and crowns in abundance, and sandwiches, cakes and, of course, cups of tea were enjoyed by all those who came along.

Strictly Success Over 650 people attended our Strictly Dancing event, which raised an amazing £28,872!

Held at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, the evening saw BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing couple Kevin and Karen Clifton perform four dances, and delight the audience with stories of how they became professionals and how Kevin proposed to Karen. They also donated a dance each, which were auctioned off, raising over £900.

Also performing were our nine Strictly Learn to Dance couples, who have attended weekly lessons with Angela’s School of Dancing and who gave an impressive debut performance. The University of Surrey’s Ballroom and Latin American dance class also took to the floor, and live music was provided by Premier Cru. Our thanks go to Bob Potter OBE for donating the use of his venue, Angela’s School of Dancing, Paul Fitchett Images, Katie Jefferies and Zoe Baker for helping with hair and make-up, and all of our volunteers. We were also presented with a cheque for £1,300 from the University of Surrey’s Ballroom and Latin American dance class, which was raised through a recent Strictly themed evening they held, so a huge thank you to them too!

Page 8

Make a Will Fortnight

Walking on Sunshine!

This year’s Walk for the Wards took place on a gloriously sunny day in May, when 540 people gathered to take part in this annual sponsored event, raising an amazing £24,429! Walkers chose between a five mile route which encompassed Tilford’s stunning bluebell woods, and a ten mile option which ventured on through Frensham Common and around the Little Pond, which looked inviting in the heat! Thanks to everyone who took part, all of our volunteers and marshals, Paul Fitchett Images, Sainsbury’s in Grayshott & Farnborough, Morrison’s in Fleet, and Tesco’s in Aldershot and Guildford, all of whom donated scones and other refreshments. We hope everyone enjoyed their well-deserved cream tea at the end!

Do you keep thinking that you really should make a Will, but haven’t got round to it yet? Well, now is the time! During Make a Will Fortnight (12th – 25th September) a number of local solicitors will waive their normal Will-writing fee for the preparation of a basic or standard Will, in return for a minimum suggested donation of £200 to Phyllis Tuckwell. The list of participating solicitors is available from www.pth.org. uk/makeawillfortnight or by calling 01252 729446, but be quick - the number of appointments available from each solicitor is limited, so make sure you book your’s soon!

Marathon Mania!

We’ve been going marathon mad this year, with 20 runners in Brighton’s marathon and 30 in London’s, including two who completed both! Our sporty supporters all took part in the 26.2 mile challenge and have raised in excess of £79,000! Well done and thank you to them all.

a Sunglasses out! Our walkers enjoyed e. beautiful sunny day in the countrysid

Page 9

Our Shops CALLING ALL SUPERHEROES! Our shops rely on hard-working superheroes – so pull on your cape and join the team.

Become one of the awesome volunteers who help us raise millions of pounds every year through our retail sales. And in return for your superpowers, you’ll learn new skills, meet people, make friends and have a blast.

Are you a:

Super er Sort

Skills: • Turning bags of donations into ordered stock • Steaming and ironing clothing • Labelling and pricing.

Fashion er Find

Skills: • Using innovative ideas to design window displays • Assisting customers with style advice • Creating eye-catching displays in the shops.

Page Page Page 10 10 10

Antiqueter Hun

Skills: • Identifying antique or collectable items • Helping run our eBay and online operations.

Mighty les Musc

Skills: • Helping on one of our stock delivery vans • Collecting donations from local companies • Delivering stock to all of our shops.

We’ll help you find your strengths and develop your skills - and best of all - we can fit in with you. Most of our retail volunteering roles need only take a few hours of your week, so we can fit in around your other commitments. We have full-time roles too though, so if you want to do more, just ask! We’re open on Saturdays as well as weekdays (although closed Sundays and bank holidays) so if weekends suit you better, then that works for us!

Although we think all of our volunteers are superheroes, you don’t actually need any special skills to help in our shops. You just need a bit of spare time and the desire to do something positive.

Zoom into your nearest PTHC shop to speak to the superhero shop manager there, and see how you can join our team. Alternatively you can contact our Retail Superheroes manager, Barry Young, on 07880 389755 or email barry.young@pth.org.uk

Corporate Support By developing relationships with a local charity, companies can benefit from PR, social media and branding, while their staff engage in team-building events and corporate hospitality. To discuss a relationship tailored to your company’s needs, call 01252 729446 or email corporate@pth.org.uk

Red Mist Ramble

Local pub chain and Official Charity Partner of PTHC, Red Mist Leisure has raised £7,030 for PTHC over the last year through donations, sales of its Red Mist Ale and a 26 mile walk!

In May, over 40 Red Mist staff, along with customers, suppliers and friends, took on the Red Mist Ramble, walking along 26 miles of Surrey Hills footpaths, from The Queen’s Head in East Clandon, via The Stag on the River in Eashing, to The Wheatsheaf in Farnham.

Red Mist have also donated 20p for each pint of Red Mist Ale sold in three of its pubs, raising an amazing £2,730, and are implementing Pennies, which will enable customers to donate 20p to PTHC when paying for food or drink by card.

Sailing Regatta Our first ever Corporate Sailing Regatta was a huge success, with everyone enjoying their day on the ocean waves, especially winning team Godalming Connections! Thanks to everyone who took part, and we hope to see some of you again at next year’s regatta!

Bridges Football Match Aldershot FC recently played host to former England footballer David James at our charity football match. The match was organised by Bridges Estate Agents, Official Charity Partner of PTHC, who challenged us to a game to raise vital funds to support our care.

PTHC fielded a team of staff and supporters, and after a closely-fought match secured a 3-2 win against Bridges. Afterwards, David James presented all players with a medal, and Tony Raffermati, Chairman of Bridges, spoke about his commitment to Phyllis Tuckwell.

We would like to thank Bridges, Aldershot Town FC, David James, Hambledon FC for providing the kit, and all those who came to cheer the teams on. Many generous donations were made on the night and over £3,000 was raised. Bridges have already challenged us to a re-match, so watch this space for details!

Thank You! We really appreciate the support we receive from so many local businesses – your help is vital in enabling us to provide our care. There are too many to mention, but to name a few: thank you to Fleet Sports Therapy, whose 24 hour Spinathon raised £1,342.50, Lucie Harrington Hair Design who held a raffle, raising £250, and British Car Auctions, whose Dress Down Day raised £821.57.

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Phyllis Tuckwell Memorial Hospice Ltd. Registered Number 1063033. Registered Charity Number 264501.

Ack: