You made the little moments that make life matter...
Life. It's all about the little moments. The moments that make you smile, that make you laugh, that make your heart feel full. North Devon Hospice helps local people who are facing a life-limiting illness like cancer to enjoy as many of these moments as possible
Every single precious moment enjoyed over the last year, by families facing their darkest hour, has been made possible thanks to you
...you realise your final days can still be good days
“We’re animal lovers, so when Jenson the llama came to visit, it just melted me. He looked right into my eyes and his eyelashes were twinkling at me. It was magical. I never expected anything like this at the hospice. I thought they would nurse me, but they’ve gone way, way above and beyond. I feel so at peace.”
Christine, who died at North Devon Hospice earlier this year
...you know you can move forwards
"I still think about Sharon every day, but it’s really positive and grief is not controlling my life now. I’d had hospice counselling since she died, but I felt I was ready to move on. There have certainly been wobbles since then, but the hospice’s support meant that I knew what to do and how to cope. Now, I’m perfectly fine and able to step out of my comfort zone again.”
Steve, who was able to move on from hospice support this year and rebuild his life again
WATCH: Steve talks about the care his wife received at the hospice, and how his whole family have been supported...
...you achieve something they said you never could
“As a Down Syndrome baby, my parents were told I’d barely be able to dress myself, so I’ve always enjoyed proving people wrong. I stood on the start line of the London Triathlon not feeling like I had a disability, but like a ‘normal’ competitor. I completed the race in 2hrs 39mins to raise £25,000 for North Devon Hospice. I define myself as a triathlete and a fundraiser. If I can inspire just one other person, disability or not, then I’m happy.”
Jade, hospice fundraiser who inspired thousands of people this year
WATCH: Jade training for the London Triathlon, when she became the first ever woman with Down syndrome to complete a sprint triathlon...
...you’re honoured for your bravery, in a place you feel at home
“I decided to receive my British Empire Medal at North Devon Hospice. It was a special moment for me, and I was proud to hand my medal to my son for him to keep. The hospice is a ray of sunshine in my life, which picks me up when I’m struggling. I want to be here in my final days, as I know that the staff will be there for each individual that loves me.”
Lisa, whose incredible charity efforts were honoured this year, shortly before she died at the hospice
WATCH: Lisa knows the hospice team will be there, to support her and her family in her final days
... you meet an old friend, one last time
"A patient I was visiting lived on a farm. Horses were a huge part of her life, but her illness meant she hadn't been able to spend time with them for so long. We took the time to wheel her chair all the way up to the top field so she could enjoy her horse's company again. I could see what a difference it made to her soul that day."
Sarah, Hospice to Home nurse who helped create a precious memory for her patient this year
How else has your support made a difference this year?...
Highlights of the Year - 2021/2022
(all made possible thanks to you...)
The financial year 2021/2022 could barely have been more challenging. We had to cope with the continuously changing Covid rules, including rules which were different for healthcare settings than for the general public. This meant a great amount of upheaval, but credit to every single hospice team member - volunteers and staff - who coped incredibly well to keep our care services going.
It is such a pleasure to look back on the last 12 months and reflect on just how many special moments were created thanks to the support of our North Devon community. Your generosity, during such difficult times, meant that we could carry on caring for people who were facing a life-limiting illness with the added stress and fear brought about by Covid. It is unthinkable to imagine what life would have been like for our patients and their families in this time without the shoulder of the hospice to lean upon.
At North Devon Hospice, we believe that it's the life in your days which counts, not the days in your life. Thank you for helping to put so much life into the last 365 days.
Stephen Roberts, North Devon Hospice CEO
Financial summary
Where our money came from
Where we spent our money
A big thank you
As well as our incredible staff, volunteers and supporters, North Devon Hospice is indebted to those who give their support as Patron, Vice Presidents and Trustees. Your time and your role as an ambassador for the charity is truly appreciated
Patron: Countess of Arran MBE DL Vice Presidents: David Morgan, David Whiteley, Geoffrey Cox QC MP, Gavin Davies OBE, John Riley, Lady Stucley, Mark Parkhouse Dl, Sir Nick Harvey MP, Philip Jewell, Ron Ley MBE, The Hon, John Rous DL, John Brend The Board of Trustees: Mary Brooks, Sharon Bates, Kate Cox, Zara Svensson, David Cottingham, Lisa McCormack (joined 31/03/22), Rob Withecombe, Kevin Underwood (joined 17/03/22), Jennie Willmott, Rachel Loosemore, Iain Spear (stood down 22/07/22)
Credits:
Created with an image by Alexia Khruscheva - "Eye of Arabian bay horse"