As part of the TextAnywhere Foundation, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care was chosen by the TextAnywhere employees as one of the charities they would like to support in 2016. Phyllis Tuckwell is the only Hospice Care service for adult patients, and their families, across the whole of West Surrey and part of North East Hampshire, in the Hospice, at the Beacon Centre, in patients’ own homes and in the community. A few weeks ago, Wendy and Shaz from TextAnywhere Marketing went to visit Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. Below they share their experience:
Shaz: “The first thing that striked us both was how the hospice was decorated bright and colourful. When being shown around there was a clear upbeat and relaxed atmosphere – every member of staff had such a warm and friendly personality, it was truly contagious. It’s amazing how in such a daunting time in someone’s life that there is a place where spirits can be some what lifted.We were shown round the gardens which is fit to cater anybody, if someone is in a hospital bed there is enough room for them to go – they were truly beautiful. One of the iconic things in the garden was the wishing tree – in which people can get a special message written on the tree. There are lots more special areas around the garden for people to go and take some time to relax.”
Wendy: “It was truly a humbling experience and one I believe both of us won’t forget in particular looking at all the pictures of patients and staff – one of a patients wedding, which the staff organised within 24 hours, this included the food which the catering team laid on for all their friends and family. Another story we were told about was about one lady who sadly was very ill who previously used to breed dogs and was very down about the thought of never seeing a puppy again so the nurses rallied round and found three cockapoo puppies and brought them in for the lady to cuddle. There are many more stories in which hospice goes above and beyond trying to make everyone’s last wishes come true.”
The hospice is clearly more than just a building, 85% of their care with patients, carers and relatives, is provided away from their In-Patient Unit. In celebration of Hospice Care Week, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice created a video by getting children, supporters and patients to finish the sentence ‘Hospice Care is…’ watch it here. Phyllis Tuckwell have to raise a staggering amount to sustain the care and devotion demonstrated at the Hospice every day, a daunting figure of around £20,000 a day to provide all their services. Therefore they have to rely on public donations such as ourselves to help, along with this they have many charity shops in the area.
A large part of where Phyllis Tuckwell gain funding is through the fundraising events they run. These events make up a large part of the money they need to raise in order to provide the outstanding care they do. On Monday 28th November, the Hospice will be holding their annual Light up a Life service. Anyone who has lost someone special – whether they were cared for by Phyllis Tuckwell or not – is invited to attend the Light up a Life service.
For more information about Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, please call 01252 729400 standard of clinical care and support.
For more information about the TextAnywhere Foundation please free to contact us on 0845 122 1302 or email [email protected].