Category: Stories

February 25 2019

Local charity and healthcare provider St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has been placed number 89 the Sunday Times Top 100 Not For Profit Organisations to Work for 2019 list.

The national accreditation is awarded on the results of an anonymous staff survey, which covers staff wellbeing, relationships, leadership and personal growth.

Announced on February 22, the ranking appeared in the Sunday Times publication alongside the National Trust, Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity and only six other Hospices.

With a workforce of over 300 staff and 1000 volunteers St Barnabas commit to providing a happy working environment, celebrating individual and collective success in all departments.

 

Lisa Phillips, Head of People and Development explains

“The independent survey took place with all staff throughout October 2018. We also completed a comprehensive organisational questionnaire showcasing the services St Barnabas provide, and what we do to support, recognise and reward our employees including a Reward and Recognition Scheme, flexible working practices, wellbeing support, a staff and management focus group.

I am so proud to have been awarded a One to Watch accreditation, placing 89^th in the Top 100 and to have been ranked highly in the ‘areas of success’ – ‘great service to its customers, proud to work for the organisation, and the organisation has strong values and principles’ by our own team.”

 

Best Companies, the award body acknowledged St Barnabas staff agreed ‘People in my team go out of their way to help me.’ Best Companies noted ‘They recognise the power of community; building connections and relationships that help them make a positive contribution. They are one team, united and inspired by their common purpose’

 

Chris Wheway, CEO adds

“I am delighted that the support, the wellbeing and happiness of our team has been recognised. People are at the centre of what we do, whether that is the patient, their family or the team that make the service possible I am so proud to lead an organisation that has so many brilliant individuals, working together making a massive impact.”

 

St Barnabas supports more than 10,500 local people every year and delivers care to patients living with a life limiting or terminal illness and their families. Our ambition, for every patient we meet, is to enable them to live life to the fullest possible extent for however many days, weeks or months they have left.

This year it will cost over £11.5m to deliver our services. The NHS does give us some money, but we still need to raise at least £5.5 million. There are so many ways you can get involved and help us achieve our ambition.

Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk for events, fundraising opportunities and how to volunteer. To join the team visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/about-us/join-our-team/

“How many more days?” my Grandad Keith asked my Nanny Ann.
“Three” she replied. “Three days until Amy’s wedding.”
He gripped the arms of his chair and gave my Nanny a determined look.
“We’re going to do this.”

The morning of my wedding was one of mixed emotions. I knew that my Grandad was determined to see this day. Throughout the planning process I involved him in everything; showing him photos of my dress and even trying out the seats at the venue to make sure he had the best possible view.

St Barnabas had been supporting my Grandad at home. He was very unwell but he didn’t want to go into the Hospice until after my big day. His day-to-day care had been taken over by the nurses which enabled us to be a family in that time, rather than his carers. However, in the days leading up to the wedding, my Nanny was starting to get worried about getting Grandad ready.

Unable to stand, it would have been a huge job for her to lift and dress him, shave his face and make him look the part. Little did she know that soon we would receive a phone call that diminished our worries.

The St Barnabas nurses called us to arrange to come to the house to wash, dress and make my Grandad look and feel handsome on the morning of my big day. This enabled my Nanny to take her time, enjoy the process of getting herself all done up and allowed her to relax before the day ahead.

Everything fell into place and as I looked back down the aisle, there he was: in the ‘best seat in the house’ grinning from ear to ear.

A special dance was arranged for my Nanny and Grandad and not a dry eye was left in the house as they danced together to ‘Days of our Lives’ by Queen.

He felt proud and included and was able to join in the celebrations with our family. I think the secret red wine in his beaker may have helped too; I honestly thought it was juice!

When I look back now, following his death, amongst our happy memories together is his smile at my wedding day and I want to thank St Barnabas for their part in making that a reality.

I would like to invite you to dedicate your Forget Me Not in memory of someone special, like I have done for my Grandad. Every donation for a Forget Me Not will help raise much needed funds for more families like ours. Thanks to the incredible care and support from St Barnabas, we became a family again rather than Grandad’s carers. This allowed us to make the most of our time together and create the treasured memories we have today.

Amy King

One of the patients of St Barnabas Hospice celebrated his 65th Wedding Anniversary earlier this year on 18th July 2018. Robert King and his wife and sole carer, Georgina King, share their incredible love story to celebrate their 65 years of happy marriage and adventures.

Both Bob and Georgina were born in London, Bob in Walthamstow in May 1928 and Georgina in Camden Town in November 1931. However, when war was declared in September 1939, Bob was eleven and Georgina only seven. They were both evacuated from London to the countryside.

“That photograph is me, only seven with my teddy bear, my label and my gas mask over my shoulder.” Georgina shares.

“I was sent to a tiny village with a young couple and I absolutely hated it, it was deep in the country and I had to leave my mother in London. I was an only child and my dad had been called up to serve in the Army.”

“Both my mum and I hated being separated and this very early period was known as the “Phoney War” and as nothing had happened, I came back to our London flat after only six weeks as my mother and I decided that if we were going to die we should die together. So I stayed in London through the Blitz enduring all the hardships and rationing whilst trying to attend school.”

Bob was also evacuated to the country but stayed away much longer. His house in Walthamstow had bomb damage so his mother joined him and his sister in Bedfordshire and helped to look after the family.

Their story together began when they met at Alexandra Palace “Ally Pally”, the roller skating rink in North London in 1947.

“I do remember our first date actually it was quite funny, we met at Ally Pally but that wasn’t a date as such. I remember Bob mentioning Petticoat Lane Market, and I remember saying to him that “you wouldn’t believe it but living so near to it I had never gone” and he said “Oh come with me on Sunday.” I agreed of course.

“Sunday came and it was pouring with rain so I didn’t go. We didn’t have phones then so I couldn’t let him know. The following week he said that he had turned up and I hadn’t. So he asked if we could try again, now I can’t remember what happened, I think I overslept or something and I didn’t turn up to that one either. I did turn up for the third one. Third time lucky and look at us now.

“The romance grew from there, we got engaged shortly after and got married in 1953, and it was only a small wedding because we couldn’t afford to invite many people with the rationing. We just had a small reception in my parents’ flat in Camden Town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We moved to our first home, a maisonette in London where we stayed for thirteen years. We only lived seven miles from the West End and we both worked there for many years. Bob was a carpenter/joiner and was employed by a large company and has worked in Kensington Palace and also at large recording studios. I learnt shorthand typing at night school and worked for five years at a big language school in Regent Street, where I was able to view the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 from their Showrooms. Later on I worked in the fashion trade.

“We had a lovely life in London, we both loved the cinema and theatre and as I worked very near to the Palladium I was able to get tickets to see most of the greats of that period who had begun to visit the UK. We were lucky enough to see the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Judy Garland. We loved and frequented all the jazz clubs, and saw Duke Ellington band, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and so many more.

“Bob and I moved away from London in 1968 to the lovely Thames Valley near Henley where we lived very happily for over 30 years, both still working as we had no family. I still commuted to London working for a jewelers on Bond Street which had the royal warrant.

“When travelling into London became too tiring I worked in Reading as a personal assistant and secretary to the Chairman of a large company for fourteen year, until I retired (for the first time) at 60. Bob became self-employed and continued to work until the age of 72, when we made the move to Lincolnshire in 2000 where we still live in our bungalow. We then had two cars and a caravan but now Bob is 90 and no longer drives and neither do I as I lost the sight in my right eye in a bad accident.

“Our love for travelling has taken us to many countries and began in the late 50’s when we still lived in London. We had a lovely bright red scooter that we travelled across the continent on. We drove the scooter from London to Rome when some of the motorways were not built. When we lived in the Thames Valley we were close to Heathrow so could do lots of long-haul flights to places like China, Sri Lanka, Borneo, South Africa, India, Thailand, Malaysia, America, I could go on.

“We have so many favourite memories from travelling that I could not pick one.”

“Unfortunately now at our age and the poor health of Bob, we can’t venture far, but we have had a great life together, with so many happy memories, a great social life in the past with good friends and have been blessed with good health most of the time, so we have no regrets.

About three years ago in 2015 Bob’s health began to deteriorate and he was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Having a reserved occupation he had worked through the war in a munitions factory. He has never smoked but the pollution from the factory has caused his COPD. Since then he has been diagnosed with cancer of the bladder and dementia.

“We were fortunate to be referred to St Barnabas Day Therapy. We have both attended six week sessions for Easy Breathing, Relaxation and Tai Chi, all of which were very beneficial to both of us. Since then, his health problems have accelerated and I have become his sole carer.

“Fortunately we still have regular contact with all the lovely helpful staff and volunteers from St Barnabas who have supplied him with useful equipment and are a great help to me as his carer. We both look forward to our regular visits and don’t know where we would be without their support.”

Georgina and Bob have lived well, travelled very well and have made an incredible achievement to celebrate their 65^th wedding anniversary. Most people can only dream of having that kind of relationship. When asked the secret to their happy marriage they said.

“We have always been able to laugh together, we have had a happy life together, and we have never had any major problems. Bob has always been very easy to get along with, he has always been the maintenance man of the pair and I have always done the secretarial side of it.”

Georgina adds whilst looking at Bob,

“Always remember to laugh together”.

A local woman from Lincoln has signed up to St Barnabas Moonlight Walk in memory of her mum and is hoping to raise £2,000

A local woman will be taking part in St Barnabas Hospice’s Moonlight Walk, which takes place on Saturday 10th June at Yarborough Leisure Centre.

Vanessa Rushby, 47, from Lincoln, is walking in memory of her mum, who was cared for by the local charity.

Vanessa’s mother, Shirley Miller, was cared for at home by the charity’s community nursing team, after spending 13 weeks in their hospice on Nettleham Road in Lincoln. As her condition began to deteriorate, she returned to the hospice where she spent her final days with her family.

Vanessa said: “It is a real honour to be able to raise money in my mum’s memory, she was always such a lovely and bubbly character and I am sure she would have loved an event like Moonlight Walk.

“The care Mum received at St Barnabas was simply amazing, I can’t fault it. The love and care we experienced is something that I will always cherish, they really took the time to look after the whole family.”

The Moonlight Walk is a flagship event for St Barnabas, and features a 10K route around Lincoln. Participants will warm-up at Yarborough Leisure Centre before heading out to the streets of Lincoln and past the Cathedral.

Vanessa said: “I am also taking part in the Colour Dash and doing a skydive and I am hoping to raise £2,000 from all three events. I think Mum would be really proud of all the fundraising I am doing and perhaps a little mad too!”

Registration for the Moonlight Walk, which starts at Yarborough Leisure Centre, Riseholme Road, Lincoln, is £12 for adults and £7 for children (11 – 15).

Adult participants are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £20.17 and children are asked to raise as much as they can.

Participants can register online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/moonlight17

For more information contact Events Fundraiser, Laura Stones on 01522 559 515 or email laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

A St Barnabas volunteer has won the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2017 Coastal Community Awards in Skegness

Lincoln, Wednesday 12th April 2017 – Pam Haynes, a volunteer at the St Barnabas Hospice Skegness Day Therapy Centre, has been selected from over 100 nominations as the winner of this year’s Volunteer of the Year award at the Coastal Community Awards, which were held on 31st March at the Grosvenor Hotel in Skegness.

The Coastal Community Awards were hosted by local radio station, Coastal Sound, who had received over 420 nominations for the various awards on offer.

Sarah Holmes, Complementary Therapy Services Team Leader at St Barnabas Hospice, was the person who had decided to nominate Pam for the volunteer award.

Sarah said:

“Pam began volunteering in 2004 as a home and day care host volunteer, and chose at the age of 74 to undertake Reiki training and join the Complementary Therapy team at the Skegness Day Therapy Centre.

“In 2013, Pam experienced a bad fall and subsequent operations, yet recovered quickly and returned to giving Reiki to patients within four months.

“In addition to her Skegness commitment, Pam has travelled to Louth for several months to cover for another Reiki Practitioner who was unwell.

“Pam is an extraordinary 84 year old lady; she is incredibly compassionate, caring, giving and completely committed to her role at St Barnabas.”

Pam Haynes said:

“I was completely surprised to find out that I won the award, and feel honoured to have been nominated.

“To me, I just do my job and enjoy it. I never really think of it as an effort or that I’m doing anything special.

“I enjoy volunteering and being able to help others, especially as I can see the positive effect that Reiki has on the patients. It can help them to adjust to their conditions and improve their daily lives.

“During my time as a volunteer, I have been privileged to meet some wonderful people who have demonstrated such compassion and strength, who I have learnt from and who remind you how fortunate you are in life.

“People might be quite surprised to find out what a happy place the hospice is. We value life and we encourage others to make the most of theirs. There is a great sense of togetherness and a feeling that you are not in this alone.

St Barnabas Hospice has over 1,100 volunteers who are integral to the success of the organisation. Whether it is complimentary therapists, receptionists or even gardeners, the Hospice values the hard work of every volunteer.

Steve Bond, Volunteer Development Manager at St Barnabas, said:

“Volunteering is a wonderful way for people to learn new skills, boost their CV and give something back to their community. It can help people to make new friends and get hands-on experience in hundreds of roles.”

Picture courtesy of the Skegness Standard www.skegnessstandard.co.uk

For further information about volunteering, call 01522 518 221 or email volunteering@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

A hospice patient diagnosed with terminal cancer has given high praise to St Barnabas for helping him to spend quality time at home with his young family.

Kevin Shelton, 62, from Anderby Creek near Skegness was given just three to six months to live after being diagnosed with advanced oesophageal cancer before Christmas.

After failed palliative chemotherapy, the married father-of-four was referred to St Barnabas for specialist end of life care.

“I was sceptical at first because I thought hospice care meant that I would have to leave my family to be looked after in a hospice somewhere,” says Kevin. “I had no idea there was Hospice at Home nurses who would care for me in my own home.

“My family means everything to me and being at home means that I can be part of making lasting memories that will hopefully live on long after I have gone. My youngest son is only four-years-old and I didn’t want to miss a single second of his life now, when I am going to miss out on so much of his future.

“The St Barnabas nurses have been a blessing from the very beginning as they have become like friends to my family and me. They immediately helped to get my pain and symptoms under control which means I have a better quality of life and can enjoy the time I have left.”

St Barnabas Hospice at Home team are there to help manage the medical needs of their patients but also to offer a listening ear, practical advice and support; or even sometimes a comforting arm round the shoulder.

Kevin said: “St Barnabas take the time to really listen to you and when I mentioned that I was struggling to get comfortable or sleep they arranged for a specialist bed to be delivered within 48 hours.

“Nothing is ever too much trouble and they are always there to answer any little questions or to soothe any fears you might have. They will do absolutely anything to help and whatever you ask for they will strive to get it for you; they always deliver what they say they will.

“To me, they are more than just nurses. They are all angels.”

Louise Garwood, Clinical Team Lead for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“As part of the Hospice at Home team my focus is to bring my expertise and knowledge right into the patient’s own home so that they can remain within the home setting. Our priority is to ensure that the patient has a good quality of life and that they are able to enjoy the time they have left with their loved ones.

“Managing the medical needs of our patients is one of the most important parts of our roles, but just as important is to provide the ‘human touch’ and to look after the whole family who will be feeling the strain too.

“Taking the time to get to know a patient and their family is vitally important for us to be able to look after that patient as an individual and ensure that we provide a tailored package of care and that we always deliver what we say we will.”

St Barnabas Hospice at Home team visit Kevin and his family three or four times a week but can increase their visits when needed.

Kevin said: “It’s really reassuring to know that St Barnabas are only ever a phone call away and that we can speak so openly to people who understand fully what we are going through.

“They always include me in all the decisions about my care and that is really important at a time when you feel you are losing control. They have helped to encourage my mobility and independence and subsequently I have set myself little goals about what I would like to achieve, like celebrating my birthday this month and enjoying one last family holiday together.

“Living with cancer has taught me how precious life is and to grab every single second of it when you can. I am determined to keep fighting this for myself and for my family but I know that even after I’ve gone St Barnabas will continue to be there for my family, and that offers me real comfort on the darkest of days.”

The Hospice at Home team work seven days a week from their headquarters at their flagship day hospice at Grimsby Road in Louth. Last year the team supported 678 people with a terminal illness to remain at home across East Lincolnshire.

Anyone aged 18 and above can be referred to this service through a Community Nurse, GP, Specialist Nurse or other healthcare professional. For any further information on how St Barnabas’ care services can be accessed in your area please call 01522 511566 or visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Caroline Swindin, Corporate Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, is joining thousands of people around Lincolnshire in remembering someone they will never forget. For Caroline, this special person is her mum.

Caroline’s mum, Sylvia Boardman, sadly died on 11th August 2015, age 72, from bone cancer in her spine and related issues.

Caroline said, “When Mum was diagnosed, age 62, I was with her in hospital. She reacted like I knew she would – remaining positive and determined to keep going regardless of her situation. She received treatment for around eight years, and attended a lot of the St Barnabas events which I organise as part of my job.”

Sylvia has five grandchildren – two boys by her daughter, Caroline, as well as two boys and a girl by her daughter, Sonya.

“Mum was always close to the grandchildren, and made sure to keep up her routine of picking them up from school once a week. I honestly believe that they kept her going. Even a month before her death, Mum made sure to attend the year six leavers’ concert for my youngest son, Adam. Everyone was astonished that she achieved this, being so unwell, but I know my Mum and she would not have missed it for the world.”

Sylvia didn’t initially realise how she could benefit from St Barnabas’ services, until Caroline took her for a cup of coffee at the Lincoln Day Therapy Centre one day. She then spent much time using their services – particularly enjoying the head massage and complimentary therapies. Once Sylvia began to face the last couple of months of her life, she spent 7.5 weeks at the Lincoln Inpatient Unit, and a further 3.5 weeks being treated at home by the Hospice at Home team. Sylvia’s husband, Cliff, also benefitted from visiting the Day Therapy Centre, as it enabled him to talk about his wife’s condition and also receive some welcome support.

Caroline said, “The support which both my parents received from St Barnabas was simply amazing. Mum always said the staff were angels, and she felt very safe in their care. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and I’m so proud to work alongside such caring and dedicated colleagues.”

As we enter the festive period, it can be a difficult time for some families, and one of reflection and remembrance.

When thinking back on fond memories, Caroline recalls, “Every year at Christmas, I’d go round to Mum’s house and we would wrap all the presents. I don’t remember a year when we didn’t decorate the tree together, and she always made sure to hang some special chocolates with her grandsons.

“To remember Mum, I always buy a Christmas candle which we light for her, and a special decoration so that she is always with us.”

Caroline has been heavily involved in fundraising for the Hospice, and this year has taken on 35 challenges to celebrate its 35th birthday. From cycling London to Paris, to trying 35 flavours of ice cream and even wearing 35 items of clothing, Caroline has pushed the boat out for hospice care.

When asked what her mum would think about all her fundraising, Caroline said, “She would be extremely supportive and proud, and I know that if she were still here she would have attended every single challenge with me in support.

“I want to continue doing as much as I can for such a wonderful charity, and Mum is such an inspiration for doing this. I get all my strength from her.”

If you would like to dedicate a light in memory of someone you will never forget, just like Caroline is doing for her mum, please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life/

A Ruskington woman praises the volunteering opportunities at St Barnabas Hospice, following the death of her father

Ken Cox, 82, had been volunteering at the Ruskington book shop since it opened in 2013. Following the death of his wife in 2016, Ken had found friendship and company through volunteering, before he died suddenly on 21st May from a stroke.

After 36 years’ service in the RAF, Ken and his wife, Moyra, moved to Ruskington during retirement to be closer to family. Both Ken and Moyra had always volunteered in their spare time, so Ken decided to volunteer at the St Barnabas book shop in Ruskington.

Ken and Moyra’s daughter, Lydia Sheldon, 49 said:

“I’ve been told Dad was a great sales man in the shop, and he enjoyed talking to customers and advising them on books and films.

“Even on the days he wasn’t at work, he would often call into the shop on his scooter to say ‘hello’ to the other volunteers and check they were working hard!”

Ken’s life changed drastically when his wife, Moyra, died aged 86 on 29th May 2016 from multiple organ failure in St Barnabas Hospice, Grantham.

Lydia said:

“Although Mum was only in the Hospice for a night, I can’t thank them enough for the support and care our family received.

“After Mum died, Dad decided to sell her haberdashery items and give this money to St Barnabas in gratitude for her care. In total, this came to over £1,000.

“I’m so glad my dad was able to continue volunteering for St Barnabas after Mum’s death, as the book shop was a brilliant help in ensuring that he wasn’t as isolated.

“Even though she was ill for a year prior to her death, Mum always encouraged Dad to continue volunteering at the book shop because she knew it was so beneficial for him.”

Ken has always been highly regarded in his life, which can be seen from his time in the RAF where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). This is a silver medal for distinguished service and gallantry.

Lydia looks back fondly at the memories she shared with her dad, before his death:

“One of my most special memories of Dad is our Wednesday film nights. He often came round with a DVD he had bought from the St Barnabas shop, or one of his own ‘golden oldies’, and we would watch it with wine, cheese and biscuits.

“Dad’s taste in film was very different to my own, but I always treasured that time together.

“I’m glad that Dad found so much joy from volunteering with St Barnabas, as it indulged his love of film and books, and kept him going after my mum’s death.

To find out more about the range of volunteering roles across Lincolnshire at St Barnabas Hospice, email volunteering@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call Volunteer Services on 01522 518 232.

A Grantham woman is set to take part in a skydive in memory of her father, and hopes to raise £1,500 for St Barnabas Hospice.

Kathleen Shields, 33, and her friend, Tracie Morton, 33, will be taking the leap of faith in memory of Kathleen’s dad, who spent his final few weeks being cared for by St Barnabas.

Her father, Malcolm Hensby, was diagnosed in February 2015 with lung cancer, and after a courageous battle against the disease, sadly died a year later on 14th April 2016, aged 63.

Kathleen said:

“Even in the most heart breaking of circumstances, the staff at the St Barnabas Hospice Inpatient Unit in Lincoln managed to make Dad smile. They listened to him, and made sure he was comfortable and cared for.

“The staff were compassionate, honest, and highly skilled. Mum described them as ‘angels’. The accommodation at the hospice allowed Mum to stay with Dad during his final days rather than having to travel back and forth from Grantham which took the added stress of travel and separation away. We want to do what we can to help enable the Trust to continue to provide this service for families in their time of need.”

The skydive takes place at Hibaldstow Airfield on Sunday 10th September, with participants jumping in tandem alongside a professional parachute instructor. The jump and training is completed in a day, and the instructor will be there to ensure safe landing.

Kathleen said:

“I think Dad would be very happy that we are being proactive and trying to give something back to the Hospice. He would have been very touched that friends, family and members of the local community have been so giving with their money, time and efforts.

“He would think that we have taken leave of our senses, throwing ourselves out of a plane, but would hopefully understand why.

“£7,556 has already been raised in Dad’s memory for St Barnabas, from a sponsored walk and 24 hour pool marathon, and we just want to keep going!”

Registration for the skydive is completely free, but all participants are asked to raise a minimum of £395 in sponsorship (including a £70 booking deposit).

Skydivers must be at least 16 years old to take part, and under 15 stone in weight.

Participants can register online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/SDSept17

For more information contact Community Fundraiser, Harriet Hickin on 01522 540 300 or email harriet.hickin@stbarnabashospice.co.uk