Category: Hospice News
Inflatable Colour Dash launches for 2019
St Barnabas Hospice launches the 2019 Inflatable Colour Dash with exciting new inflatables to make the Colour Dash’s fifth consecutive year the biggest, brightest and best yet.
St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice have announced that their popular Inflatable Colour Dash will be returning to the Lincolnshire Showground on Saturday 11th May 2019.
Last year thousands of people were showered in colourful powder paint and together raised more than £130,000 for local hospice care.
For 2019, alongside the ‘dash’ itself is the Colour Village: an area with live DJs, exciting activities and street food and drink for the whole family. Spectators of the Inflatable Colour Dash do not have to pay to gain access to the Colour Village to enjoy watching their friends and family.
The Inflatable Colour Dash is the perfect opportunity to come together and show your support for St Barnabas. This bright and vibrant 5k fun run will see you splattered from head to toe in powder paint at each kilometre and inflatable obstacles along the way. To take part, participants must be aged five years old and over, and anyone aged under sixteen must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Amelia Mochan, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“The Inflatable Colour Dash is back – bigger, louder and more colourful than ever before! Lincolnshire’s first and best Colour Dash has just got better. Colour Dash is all about wearing your biggest smile, raising money and having fun with your friends and family. By the time you cross the finish line you will be showered in all the colours of the rainbow!
“The Inflatable Colour Dash is for all ages, fitness levels and abilities – you don’t have to be a runner to take part! Whether you run, walk or dance your way around, you should feel proud that you are doing it for such a good cause.”
Events like this are crucial in helping raise the funds needed to continue caring for and supporting over 10,500 people across Lincolnshire who are living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
Amelia said:
“St Barnabas works tirelessly to ensure patients and their families make the most of every single second they share, regardless of how much time remains. The money raised from events such as the Inflatable Colour Dash enables this work to continue.”
Registration is now open where adults can take advantage of the early bird price of just £15 and £10 for children. Participants can also buy an early bird family ticket (two adults and two children) for just £40. The early bird prices are available until 8th February 2019.
The registration fee includes a bag of powder paint, neon sunglasses, a bottle of water, a polythene poncho (to keep cars clean on the ride home) and a commemorative medal.
Click here to register online. For the answers to the most frequently asked questions, please click here.
For more information, or if you’re interested in holding a Street Food Stall at Colour Village, contact the St Barnabas Events Team on 01522 540 300 or fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
New support service for families living with dementia creates six new Admiral nursing roles in Lincolnshire
St Barnabas Hospice is working in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and Dementia UK to recruit six nurses to deliver a new Admiral Nurse Service in Lincolnshire. The new service is due to be launched in Spring 2019.
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who support families when times are difficult and challenging by providing one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions.
Those interested in the new roles will have an opportunity to speak to the partner organisations at four information drop-in sessions which are being held across the county.
Drop-in sessions:
1st December 2018, 10am-12pm
2 Clover Way PE11 3GD
5th December 2018, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Lincoln LN2 4QX
16th January 2019, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Barrowby Road NG31 8AF
23rd January 2019, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Grimsby Road
LN11 OEX
Michelle Webb, Director of Patient Care for St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“St Barnabas is delighted to be supporting the project which is being delivered through the partnership. This collaboration will ensure that the Admiral Nursing Team are able to care for a greater number of patients and families across the county and improve the life of those living with dementia.”
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for adult care at Lincolnshire County Council, said:
“We are committed to help people in Lincolnshire live well with dementia, and we are very pleased to support this collaboration. Helping people living with dementia and their families is one of the Council’s main priorities and the recruitment of more dementia nurses will help many more people in the county.”
For further information about the roles available contact 07484 024 895 or 07767 167 365 or email enquiries@stbarnabashospice.co.uk
THOR’S Tipi Bar to Host Charity Evening for St Barnabas Hospice
THOR’S Tipi Bar in Lincoln City Centre, will be supporting St Barnabas Hospice on 21st November, by donating all proceeds of Mulled Wine and Beer sales from 5pm until 10pm.
Caroline Swindin, Corporate Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice said:
“What a privilege it is to be supported by THOR’S Tipi Bar. A staple in Lincoln’s calendar, supporting the Hospice is sure to create a furore that will leave a big impact. We can’t wait to join them for this wonderful evening and raise much needed funds in the process.”
Thor’s Tipi Bar brings an original Viking inspired Christmas experience to the Cornhill area of Lincoln and has proven to be a very popular winter attraction in the city. As well as Mulled Wine and Beer, the bar inside offers indulgent Hot Chocolate, Prosecco and more.
This year they are also collaborating with the ‘Cheese Cave’, who provides a plethora of grilled cheese street foods designed to go perfectly with the winter drinks.
Maria Farrugia, Co-Founder of THOR’S Tipi Bar said:
“We always try to support a local charity with all of our events and when St Barnabas approached us, we were delighted to help. We hope as many people as possible come join in with the celebrations to help raise as much money as we can.”
For further information please contact Caroline Swindin on 01522 540 300 or email caroline.swindin@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
Louth Hospice gets in the Festive Spirit with a Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
A local hospice is welcoming the Christmas festivities with a craft and gift fair in Louth.
St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will host its Christmas Craft and Gift Fair at Louth Hospice on Grimsby Road in Louth on Saturday 24th November 2018, from 11.30am until 2pm.
Amy Bailey, Community Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“We welcome shoppers into Louth Hospice to browse unique Christmas gifts from across the county. The beautiful St Barnabas Charity Christmas cards will also be available to buy on the day.
“If you’re not yet in the Christmas spirit, this is the perfect remedy. The opportunity to indulge in some delicious coffee and cakes whilst you wander around to the sound of Christmas music is enough to warm the heart of the more stubborn of humbugs!”
Guests will also be invited to have a go on the raffle and tombola whilst they enjoy Christmas music, cakes and coffee. This craft and gift fair will offer the perfect chance to find those special gifts this Christmas to start off your festivities.
For more information about the Christmas Craft and Gift Fair please get in touch with Amy Bailey on amy.bailey@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
Family cycles 136 miles in memory of treasured Boston Grandad
A family will be taking on a bike ride and walk in aid of St Barnabas and in memory of their treasured Boston Grandad
Lauren Shephard, along with her family (ages ranging from 4 to 60), will be completing a Boston bike ride and walk in memory of her Grandad, to boost funds for the charity who helped care for him in his final days.
Ron Baring, 85, was diagnosed with tongue cancer and secondary lung cancer shortly after his 85th birthday, and sadly died on June 1st 2018.
Lauren decided to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice to thank them for their support. She said:
“We are so grateful for all the help that all the nurses gave my Grandad. It really does mean a lot. Watching someone you love with cancer is truly one of the hardest things to watch. You feel helpless and all you want is to take their pain away. When the nurses turn up they ease not just their patient, but the whole family too.
“St Barnabas always kept my Grandad’s dignity and put him at ease. They understood how scared he was feeling and they managed to put him at ease and keep him comfortable.”
On Saturday 20th October, Lauren’s father and brother will be cycling 136 miles from Orpington to Boston. The rest of the family will join the challenge on Sunday 21st October as they take on a walk from Skegness, a place their Grandad loved to eat Fish and Chips, to Burton House in Boston, where their Grandad often treated the whole family to meals out.
Lauren said:
“We wanted to do something special for Grandad, something to really push ourselves. He was a family orientated man; he had seven kids and lots of grandchildren – he doted on all of them!
“A memory that sticks out when I think of him is from when I was a kid. He’d make us ice creams dipped in hundreds and thousands as a special treat. Everyone loved visiting Nan and Grandad because Grandad would make everyone smile.”
If you wish to support Lauren and her family during their cycling and walking challenge, please click here to donate.
Lauren said:
“If Grandad knew about what we were doing for him he’d tell us that we were bonkers but he would be really proud. He’d pack us a basket full of food, definitely including pork pies!”
If you would like to take on a challenging event in support of St Barnabas Hospice, please view our challenge page or contact Mike Pastor at mike.pastor@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call 01522 540 300.
St Barnabas Hospice recognised as star employer
Local Hospice recognised as top Lincoln employer in prestigious new scheme
St Barnabas Hospice has been recognised as a star employer in Lincoln’s Social Responsibility Charter. The accolade was awarded as part of the city’s new initiative to recognise and encourage good employers in the city.
The Lincoln Social Responsibility Charter assessed St Barnabas’ socially responsible activities which went above and beyond any statutory minimum requirement. The activities were split into two groups – those which benefit the employee and those which benefit the local community in the City of Lincoln.
Chris Wheway, Chief Executive for St Barnabas Hospice, commented:
“Our staff and volunteers are a crucial part of our organisation and nurturing them enables us to be better placed to care for those who need us across the county. Over the past 18 months we have introduced a number of new benefits including annual awards, flexible working, buying and selling of annual leave and a comprehensive training programme.
“The award is reflective of the ethos of the Hospice when it comes to our most valuable resource – people. It also recognises the strong culture and values which are woven throughout our organisation.”
The local independent charity employs more than 330 staff and is supported by 1,100 volunteers across the county.
Lisa Phillips, Head of People and Development for St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“We were really pleased to have been recognised as a star employer in Lincoln and we understand that we will need to continue to work hard to retain this prestigious title. We take this accolade seriously as not only does it help us to benchmark our development as an organisation but we hope that it will also help us to attract a new generation of talent.
To find out more about joining St Barnabas Hospice and for the latest vacancies visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Lincoln City Football Club make Hospice patient’s last wish a reality
Lincoln City Football Club have gone above and beyond to facilitate final wish for St Barnabas Hospice patient
On Thursday 20th and Saturday 22nd September, Lincoln City Football Club pulled out all the stops to help make the final wish of St Barnabas patient, Tim Smith, come true.
Tim, age 49 from Lincoln, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in June. Upon talking to Tim about his Advanced Care Plan, staff at St Barnabas Hospice discovered his love of football, in particular Lincoln City FC, and decided to get in touch with the football club.
Mary Hall, Specialist Nurse Practitioner at St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“When I spoke with Tim and his family about what matters to him, it became really obvious that football was one of his lifelong passions – specifically Lincoln City Football Club.
“He had attended matches with his father since he was five-years-old and both himself and his son are still regular attendees at every match.”
Caroline Swindin, Corporate Fundraiser at St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“The football club have been so overwhelmingly kind in helping us to sort out such a special experience for Tim and his family and I can’t thank them enough for going the extra mile.
“We have been working closely with Lincoln City FC over the course of the year as one of their Charity Partners. It has been wonderful to build relationships with both the club and their supporters and has given us a great opportunity to further raise awareness of the work we do across Lincolnshire.”
Tim had initially thought he would be attending Thursday’s press conference to meet Harry Toffolo and Danny Cowley with his family and good friend, but he was surprised further when Harry organised for the squad to come and see him. This resulted in Lee Frecklington inviting Tim to lead the squad out of the tunnel during Saturday’s game vs. MK Dons. Danny Cowley took things a step further by arranging a whole VIP day for Tim and his guests, including meeting the squad in the changing room before the game, match tickets, VIP lounge access, the chance to sit in on the post-match press conference, photos with the Checkatrade Trophy and drinks with the manager.
When talking about the win during the post-match press conference, Danny Cowley said:
“That was for Tim Smith. We met him on Thursday and [his story] really touched all of us. We were really determined as a group to get a win for him and it felt right.
“It was a pleasure for us to have Tim and his family with us and it felt really special before the game.”
Tim said:
“The care at St Barnabas has been second to none. Mary, Caroline and their team have all been magnificent.
“It’s sad to say, but it’s not until you need them that you realise how important this organisation is. The Hospice at Home girls just can’t do enough for me. They’re lovely, genuine people.”
St Barnabas cannot thank Lincoln City Football Club enough for the time they have taken to ensure Tim’s final wish has come true. The Hospice is now looking at ways of working more closely with the Club to support the wellbeing of staff and fans.
If you would like more information about this, please contact Caroline Swindin on 01522 540 300 or email caroline.swindin@stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Awards evening celebrates outstanding achievements at Lincolnshire Hospice
St Barnabas has celebrated staff, volunteer and supporter achievements at their annual Staff Awards evening in Lincoln
Held on Thursday 13th September at Bishop Grosseteste University, the St Barnabas Hospice Staff Awards have highlighted outstanding achievements of staff members, volunteers and corporate partners over the past year.
Now in its second year, this special awards ceremony is the Hospice’s way of showing gratitude for all the hard work which goes into helping to provide outstanding palliative care and generating further income at St Barnabas.
Michele Duggan, Director of Income Generation and People at St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“The organisation has achieved a lot over the last twelve months and the evening was our way of saying thank you and recognising our staff. So many of them have taken part and volunteered at events, helped out in our shops in their spare time, as well as supporting colleagues in our Inpatient Unit during the bad weather. We are really proud of them.
“The evening was also an opportunity to thank our Trustees, volunteers, supporters and a number of local organisations who have given so much to St Barnabas. We could not do what we do without their amazing support.”
Around 115 guests attended the evening which was hosted by Michele Duggan, Director of Income Generation and People. Guests were played in by Chris Dodsworth on piano and then entertained later on in the evening by Gary Barlow tribute, Dan Hadfield.
St Barnabas staff and volunteers were given a month to nominate their colleagues for one of seven awards. A judging panel comprising of four of the Executive team then shortlisted the top three in each category and a team of three Trustees picked a winner.
The staff award winners are as follows:
- Rising Star Award – Annie Penrice (Staff Nurse)
- Team Award – The IM&T Team
- Outstanding Leadership Award – Jenny Streather (Allied Health Professional Lead)
- Outstanding Innovation Award – Emma-Jayne Parker (New Goods Buyer)
- Service Excellence Award – Minnie Haigh (Graphic Designer)
- Exceptional Contribution to the Patient Experience Award – Sarah Carr (Day Therapy Coordinator)
- Unsung Hero Award – Caroline Swindin (Corporate Fundraiser)
Several volunteers were thanked for their long service, together with other supporters and corporate organisations who have been nominated by our Fundraising team.
The 20 Years Long Service Volunteer Award winners are as follows:
- Sandra Clack
- Barbara Jones
- Lesley Pitt
- Daphne Luke
The supporter award winners are as follows:
- Jules King Young Fundraiser of the Year – Harriet Burke
- Award for Outstanding Contribution – Ali Cormack
The Corporate Award winners are as follows:
- Hodgkinsons Solicitors
- John Kaberry Ltd.
- Rapid Relief
- Turbine Efficiency
- Belton Park Golf Club
- Knipfest Committee
Special awards were also given out to several of our staff and volunteers in recognition of their work for the Hospice.
Winners of these awards are as follows:
- Director of Patient Care Special Award – Wendy Herridge and Mandy Tapfield
- Director of Income Generation Special Award – Lisa Phillips
- Chief Executive Special Award – Debbie Watson
Chris Wheway, Chief Executive of St Barnabas Hospice, said:
“Never have I been more proud to be attending an event like this. This is about celebrating what it is to deliver the hospice approach to care in Lincolnshire.
“We should be very proud in this county that we have a brilliant Hospice that has brilliant support, brilliant clinicians, brilliant shops and more.”
St Barnabas Hospice would like to thank everyone who has supported their work over the past year. Without the amazing efforts made by staff, volunteers and external supporters, they would not be able to continue caring for people across Lincolnshire living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, and their families and carers.
Runner completes 50K “Ultra Marathon” in memory of his Aunt
Hugh Risebrow has taken on the Salisbury 50K “Ultra Marathon” and so far raised £980 for St Barnabas Hospice
Hugh Risebrow (56) successfully completed the “Salisbury 5,4,3,2,1 50K Trail Ultra Marathon” in memory of his Aunt, Sheila Creasey. He has raised an amazing £980 for St Barnabas Hospice so far.
Hugh’s Aunt, Sheila, was diagnosed with Dementia, and sadly died in January 2018 following a two-week stay at the St Barnabas Hospice in the Hospital in Grantham.
Hugh said:
“My Aunt was always laughing and joking. She was sporty and fun, representing her county in hockey and tennis, which inspired me to be sporty too. She had no kids of her own and me and my siblings were her surrogate children.
“She lived a full and happy life and died at 94. The Hospice allowed her to spend her final weeks still laughing and joking while being genuinely cared for.”
This was Hugh’s first fundraising activity for St Barnabas Hospice. To add to his sponsorship amount, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hugh-risebrow1.
When asked about the care his Aunt received at St Barnabas Hospice, Hugh said:
“If I was in her shoes it’s what I’d want for myself. She was treated as a person, by people who genuinely cared for her. I remember her laughing and joking when I was young, and she was laughing and joking in the Hospice too.”
If you would like to take on a challenge event in support of St Barnabas Hospice, please contact Mike Pastor at mike.pastor@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call 01522 540 300.
Hospice dog brings comfort to patients in Lincoln and Gainsborough
St Barnabas Hospice Canine Concern dog has supported patients and families for over three years
Since 2015, Jess the Canine Concern dog has been a regular face at the St Barnabas Day Therapy Centre in Gainsborough, as well as the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln. She has supported many patients and their families during what is one of the most difficult times in their lives, and provides comfort to those who need it the most.
Pat, Jess’s owner, who is also a Hospice Chaplain and volunteer at the Gainsborough Day Therapy Centre, said:
“Because our patients are all experiencing life-limiting or terminal illnesses, this sometimes means that their current situation has meant they can no longer look after their own dog. Therefore when they meet Jess, it can often bring them some comfort and gives them an outlet.
“We also find that Jess gives patients the opportunity to talk about something outside of their diagnosis, which can be very difficult at times. She brings a touch of normality to our service, which we find increases the therapeutic value of our treatments immensely.”
Jess was born in Cyprus around thirteen years ago, before a rescue charity brought her over to England. Her breed is unknown, but she is thought to have some spaniel and pomeranian in her. Her temperament is very laid back, although she is very intuitive and is able to pick up on people’s body language well. Many patients have commented on how calming her presence is.
Pat said:
“Jess has helped so many patients and families and I will always remember how she helped a particular patient in our Lincoln Inpatient Unit. The patient had moved to England from South Africa three years before she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was really missing her dog, which was still in South Africa.
“Knowing this, I took Jess to see the patient, who immediately appeared more at ease. In the following days, the patient who was no longer able to talk much spoke to the nurses at length about Jess’s visit and it occupied much of her conversation in the week leading up to her death.
“Jess has also helped a patient who had become unresponsive. She put her paws on the frame of the patient’s bed and within a few minutes it became apparent that the patient was aware of Jess. The patient reached out to stroke her, saying the word “soft,” which was the first word she had spoken in some time.”
Jess is part of the furniture at the Gainsborough Day Therapy Centre, and is adored by all who meet her. She is often the first port of call for patients when they enter the building, as she is able to put them at ease before they meet with a Nurse for their treatment. Many people are able to open-up and feel more comfortable with their surroundings with the support of Jess.
To find out more about the palliative services which St Barnabas Hospice provides free of charge across Lincolnshire, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk