AS the world buzzes with festive cheer on Christmas Day, unsung heroes at a Colchester hospice will carry on doing what they do best.
It will cost £30,000 to run St Helena Hospice’s services on Christmas Day for the people it supports at home across north Essex and at the hospice in Barncroft Close.
But that won’t stop the hospice from giving as many people as possible a precious Christmas in the knowledge that it could be someone’s last Christmas, or the Christmas they never expected to have with their loved ones.
Staff and volunteers at the hospice work day and night throughout the festive period to help patients make extra special memories with their loved ones, while its SinglePoint helpline continues to provide 24/7 support.
Niamh Eve, hospice matron, says the hospice does everything it can to make Christmas a special time for everyone it supports.
She said: “This year we've had a reindeer visit the hospice just to bring a bit of light and humour for people, and we make sure there are presents for people.
“If someone wants to go home, we will try to get them home for Christmas. If we know someone may be too poorly for Christmas, then we will bring it forward for them so they're able to enjoy it with their family.”
Deputy sister, Samina Haig-Earle, added: “We have lots of fun decorating and it just feels really cosy and so pretty. It's a symbol that this is a home from home environment and that we understand it's a really difficult time for families and patients, and for some it may be their last Christmas.
“As seasons go on, days go on, events like Christmas happen and we need to try and encourage patients and families to feel included in that still, even in illness and sickness.”
This year, the catering team will be putting on a traditional roast and vegan wellington for patients and their visitors.
Collette Jones, a chef at the hospice, said: “It could be someone’s last Christmas so we try to make it so they can spend it with their family enjoying delicious homemade food with all the trimmings and festive crackers.”
Thanks to the support of Boxted-based Christmas tree business Fred Smith Christmas Trees, the hospice has been transformed into a winter wonderland.
Staff nurse Beth Swallow feels the festive period is a “special time” for both the staff and the people they support.
“At Christmas, it's a little more magical with everyone's families here. We have Christmas carols and all the pretty lights outside, and the wonderful smell of Christmas dinner,” she said.
“It just gives a little bit of hope and makes it a special time for our families at the hospice.
“My favourite thing about being a nurse here is getting to know the patients and their families, as here we get that extra time to spend with them to hold their hand and give the care and the compassion they deserve.”
To support St Helena this Christmas, visit sthelena.org.uk/lastchristmas23.
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