Give the gift of care through Willen Hospice’s Christmas Appeal.
Willen Hospice has this week launched its Christmas Appeal, inspired by a recent patient – mum-of-three Michelle. Thanks to the Hospice’s expert end-of-life care and support, Michelle was able to celebrate not one but two Christmases with her family last year.
Michelle’s mum, Amanda, has shared her story to show the huge impact the Hospice’s work can have for local families all year round, but particularly at Christmas, when time together is so precious.
“This time last year I was helping my daughter, Michelle, settle into her room at Willen Hospice. She was just 42 years old and had stage 4 bowel cancer,” says Amanda. “All of the staff and volunteers were so accommodating and kind. It seemed that nothing was too much trouble.
“Michelle wanted to have Christmas early in case she wasn’t well enough on 25 December, and we arranged that, with help from Chloe – a Lead Nurse on the In-Patient Unit. There was a Christmas tree and fairy lights along the wall. We exchanged presents, played games and listened to music. I could see Michelle watching her children; she looked so proud of them.
“On Christmas Day itself the Hospice staff set a table up beautifully at the side of Michelle’s bed for her, her husband and the children to have Christmas dinner together. Michelle just smiled all the way through it.
“We felt so looked after, and I know that none of this would have been possible without the amazing support the Hospice receives from the local community. We owe Willen and its supporters an awful lot.”
Nurse Chloe, who helped organise Michelle’s early Christmas, says, “Sadly not all of our patients will make it to Christmas Day, so for those who celebrate Christmas and want to do it earlier, it's really important for us to help them make those memories while they’re well. We listen to what they want and find out what traditions mean a lot to them. Then we come together as a team here at Willen to make that happen.”
Willen Hospice is for the community and funded by the community. Each year, the charity must raise an incredible £9.6 million to continue providing compassionate care for local families affected by life-limiting illness. The Willen Hospice Christmas Appeal invites the people of Milton Keynes to come together in the spirit of giving and support their local hospice, helping patients and their loved ones to make special memories this Christmas.
To donate, visit willen-hospice.org.uk/christmas or text GIFTCARE followed by your donation amount to 70085.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting in to hearing more from Willen Hospice. Text donations are limited to a maximum of £20 per text. If you would like to donate but don't wish to hear more from Willen Hospice, text GIFTCARENOINFO instead.
