Hospice kicks off appeal

A city hospice has launched a festive appeal to raise enough money to cover the cost of running its services on Christmas Day.
Janice Edgar, staff nurse at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.Janice Edgar, staff nurse at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.
Janice Edgar, staff nurse at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, which provides hospice care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in the north west, west and south of Leeds, hopes to raise £12,000.

Every year the hospice in Headingley cares for more than 1,000 people, its community nurses provide more than 4,000 home visits and more than 500 people attend its day therapy service.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Janice Edgar, staff nurse at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “At Christmas the atmosphere is everything but gloomy. The rooms are decorated ready to welcome visitors; there are always mince pies and a glass of mulled wine ready in reception to welcome families and friends. We all dress up for the occasion, it is not just a normal day, it’s Christmas. And we want to make sure it is a pleasant day for everyone who is with us, full of happy memories to treasure for the future. They can forget where they are for one day.”

Ann Barlow spent her last Christmas and New Year’s Eve with her family at the hospice.

Her daughter Jackie Barlow, said: “I was dreading the idea of Christmas, but it was one of the best I had. Her room looked fantastic, and mum looked beautiful. One of the nurses on the night shift even made a bunting for mum saying ‘Merry Christmas’ and there were presents on her bed. She took the time to do that at home for her. It was so special.”

To support the hospice’s Christmas appeal, visit www.sueryder.org/wheatfieldsxmas, call 0113 278 7249 or send a cheque to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, Grove Road, Headingley, Leeds, quoting ‘Wheatfields Christmas’.

Related topics: