Give the gift of comfort this Christmas

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is asking the community to support their Christmas ‘Furnish with Love’ Appeal by taking part in festive fundraising activities to help raise the vital funds needed to kit out its new in-patient family lounge.

With Christmas only five weeks away, and their new build facing setbacks due to Covid-19, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice have launched their Christmas appeal- ‘Furnish with Love – Give the Gift of Comfort.’

The Hospice’s new In-Patient Unit, which was originally due to open its doors in September, has faced substantial delays and additional spend.

With a New Year opening now on the cards, the Hospice is trying to find the essential funds to furnish their new in-patient family lounge, funds which were originally budgeted for before having to deal with an unexpected Covid-19 related shortfall of £601,352.

The in-patient family lounge will be the heart of the new In-Patient Unit with the entire redevelopment providing the modern, dignified and private facilities that patients and their families deserve.

The internal all-important furnishings of the Hospice’s new in-patient family lounge will help to provide a home from home, for patients to relax in with their loved ones, spending precious time together and creating special memories.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is asking the community to support their Christmas Appeal, whether you’re an individual, company, school or nursery there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Ward Sister Kelly Foster, who is spearheading the Furnish with Love – Give the Gift of Comfort appeal, said: “Whether it’s giving a donation or taking part in a fundraising activity, everyone can help.

"We have lots of Christmas fundraising ideas for people to get involved in, like ditching the Christmas cards for one of our e-cards and donating to the appeal, or swapping your Secret Santa gift for a ‘Furnish with Love’ donation.

"Whether you’re working from home or in the office you could also have a Christmas comfies day with every penny of your dress down day giving comfort to patients in our care.

"Schools and nurseries can get involved in the fundraising too by bringing Christmas to Class.

"However you help us, it will mean so much to our patients, both now and in years to come.

"Thank you so much for your support!”

The in-patient family lounge will be a combination of areas, from cosy corners furnished with coffee tables and chairs, comfortable sofa spaces and even a dining room area with a large table and chairs for a family to sit and eat together.

The furniture required is specialist, furniture that is similar to what you have in your own home but with differences in that they must follow strict health and safety guidelines.

A donation of £10 could help towards the gift of a sofa for a patient to have that comforting family cuddle.

With support from the community, £50 could help towards the gift of a spacious dining table for patients and their loved ones to gather around for a special meal or just some family time.

By taking part in festive fundraising, £100 could help towards the gift of a comfortable armchair to support a grandma as she sits to hold her grandchild for the first or perhaps, the last time.

Community support for this initiative is vital to ensure that patients and their families can have their precious moments in a special, comforting environment.

To make a donation towards the purchase of these much-needed furnishings simply visit the website: www.drkh.org.uk/support-us/furnishwithlove or call 0161 624 9984.

If you want to find out more about how you can take part in festive fundraising to support the appeal, please call the Hospice’s fundraising team on 0161 624 9984.

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