Woking & Sam Beare Hospice’s new appeal wants to ensure everyone receives the best possible care and support when it matters most
Christmas is the time for giving, caring and sharing so how about supporting local charity, Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and their Always In Our Hearts Appeal to raise £500,000 by the end of March 2025.
Kerry Gibb tells us more: “There has been a lot in the press and media recently about the financial struggle faced by Hospices across the country. Whilst we do receive some very much appreciated funding from the NHS, we have to self-generate two-thirds of our income from fundraising and the sale of goods in our charity shops. As a charity, we need the support of our local community to keep our services running.
“We are working closely with our healthcare and NHS partners across North West Surrey to ensure the best possible palliative and end of life care for the people of North West Surrey. All of our services are free to those who need them, but demand is growing. Not only are we seeing an increasingly ageing population, we are also seeing a lot of younger patients.”
One such patient was Nicky Newman who became well known as a public figure, raising awareness for breast cancer. Her husband, Alex, is continuing her legacy by supporting us with our appeal so that other families can continue to receive the amazing care that we were able to give to him and Nicky.
Alex says: “All of the care we received was free of charge. To give other families memories like we have in their closing days in this world really is a gift that donations help to provide. You cannot put a value on the impact of having such precious memories, even at the very end. Memories I will cherish forever.”
The appeal was launched in September in Woking town centre with a flash mob choreographed by Emma at First Dance Studios. Dancers, Hospice staff, and volunteers showed just what an amazing, positive place the Hospice is as they danced in the torrential rain, embracing the elements.
Kerry adds: “We have a new head of ‘fun-raising’ at the Hospice to support the appeal. Sam Bear will be helping to raise awareness by making guest appearances at the Hospice and out in the community so keep an eye out for him!
“Our Hospice is such a vital part of our community, and together we can continue to see it thrive.”
For more information about the appeal please visit: Always In Our Hearts Appeal – Woking & Sam Beare Hospices
