Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice Headingley staff touched by kind Weetwood Primary School gesture

Staff at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley were thrilled this week to receive the special delivery from Weetwood Primary School.

The idea for the postcards came about when reception class teacher Miss Worsnop and teaching assistant Miss Wynne were teaching the children about people who help others.

Pupils learned about the work of doctors, nurses and police officers among others, as well as talking about how important the jobs of key workers have been during the pandemic.

Miss Worsnop said: "The children in reception are just four and five years old and they really wanted to show their support and gratitude to key workers. We thought it would be amazing to link with Sue Ryder and the work they do.

"In class, we have been discussing some of the work they do at the Sue Ryder hospices, especially Wheatfields as it is close to us, discussing the different jobs within the hospice and the care they provide by looking at their website."

The school has also been celebrating Inspirational Women’s Week, with pupils learning about the humanitarian work of Lady Sue Ryder.

Dedicated to the relief of suffering, she helped people displaced from their homes during WWII and went on to found the palliative neurological and bereavement support charity that still bears her name.

Miss Worsnop said: "We learned about the story of Sue Ryder and how the legacy still lives on today. We place a huge emphasis on being kind and caring for one another in the classroom

and the class could understand and relate to the Sue Ryder message 'do what you can for the person in front of you'."

With that message in mind, pupils in the reception class each decorated postcards and many added messages such as 'thank you' or 'be happy' for the recipients.

In a message to the class, hospice director Elaine Hill said: "All the staff at the hospice were so thrilled to receive their ‘positivity postcards’ in the post this week. They really did put a huge smile on everyone’s faces.

"Thank you so much from all of us for this lovely gesture. It really is greatly appreciated."

Visit www.sueryder.org to find out more about the charity's work in Leeds or to make a donation.

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