Funds are still very much needed for Ealing's community hospice

Volunteers turned out in force last Saturday afternoon ( 5th November) to raise much-needed funds for the Meadow House Hospice in the grounds of Ealing Hospital at their annual Christmas event.

Meadow House Hospice has been open since 1987.  It provides special palliative care and end of life services for patients, families and carers through illness and bereavement. It has 15 in-patient beds and supports 500 patients within the community in their Day Hospice.

The Centre also offers a range of services from counseling, will writing, massages and reflexology as well as specialised medical treatment.

Lynne May the newly appointed Voluntary Services Manger who organised the event said: “It was great to see people queuing at the door. We raised £1,074 which is fantastic news for us.”

Most of the helpers had been affected in someway by the Hospice and appreciated the care and support given by the clinical team and volunteers and wanted to give something back.  Stalls ranged from homemade cakes, bric-a-brac, handmade Christmas cards, plants, gifts and refreshments.

Jacqueline Grove, Clinical Service Manager: “ We have been asked to cut beds in order to save money, but that would be desperate.  We are a small charity and I can’t praise the volunteers enough for their dedication and time.  Today wasn’t just about raising money but to hear their inspiring stories.”

Margherita Maynard, 77 who is in remission from cancer was there with her granddaughter Natasha, 15.  Marghertia came over form Venice when she was just 11 years old.  Her Italian homemade cakes, pizzas and chutneys raised over £100.  She said: “I am lucky to be alive. I work as a volunteer in the Day Hospice on Thursdays because I know what its like although I do get a bit tired.”

Last year £250,000 were raised by fundraising, legacies and hospice events. The money was used to refurbish the in-patient unit including building a family room for people coming to terms with bereavement.

Jacqueline said: “The next project is to hopefully start a lottery based on an annual subscription. It is important to think strategically about the fundraising for the future as we now may be forced to use the money to keep essential clinical posts.”

If you would like to find out more or to donate take a look at the website:   http://www.meadowhousehospice.org.uk/

Sally Smith

8th November 2011