The way we talk about dying matters This Dying Matters Week, we join hospices across the UK to break down taboos around death, dying and bereavement. By talking honestly about these topics, we can help more people receive good end-of-life care tailored to their needs. Tia Mountain, a Nurse in our Living Well Team, explains why it’s important to speak openly and clearly about death and dying, and the benefits of creating an Advance Care Plan: “Living well and dying well are fundamental to good palliative care. As a hospice we strive to facilitate both. “Dying is inevitable, and one of the chall ..read more

MORE than 500 people gathered at Worcester Cathedral to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a hospice charity. A service of thanksgiving and celebration for St Richard’s Hospice took place on Wednesday, May 1 – 40 years to the day since the charity began caring for patients in Worcestershire. Guests heard the hospice’s story told through the recollections and reflections of volunteers and staff members. The service was led by The Reverend Canon John Paul Hoskins, Canon Precentor, Worcester Cathedral, and the hospice’s Lead Chaplain, The Reverend Canon Clare Griffiths. Music was provided by schoo ..read more

GOLFERS are invited to step out on the fairway for a hospice’s fundraising golf day this May. The St Richard’s Hospice Golf Day is set to take place on Friday, May 17, from 9.30am, at The Vale Golf Club in Evesham. Teams of four will play 18 holes, followed by a two-course dinner, prize giving ceremony, auction and raffle. Ria Simons, Corporate Fundraising Lead at St Richard’s, said: “We are really looking forward to a great day of golf, raising funds for our care! “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who joins us for this event, helping make a difference to the lives of those we care for.” On ..read more

A charity raffle winner has donated the majority of her prize pot back to a Worcestershire hospice fundraising for its care. Rita Bullock from Upton upon Severn scooped the top prize of £3,100 in the St Richard’s Hospice Snowdrop Draw – a pound for every person cared for by the hospice team each year. Upon hearing of her lucky win, Mrs Bullock – who’d bought a single ticket at the charity’s Upton upon Severn charity shop – immediately donated £2,000 back, much to the surprise and delight of hospice fundraisers. Laura Clarke, Campaigns Fundraiser for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Being able to c ..read more

WALKERS are invited to stride out across the Malvern Hills for a hospice’s 40th annual fundraising challenge. The St Richard’s Hospice Malvern Hills Walk takes place on Saturday, May 11 – with two, five and 11-mile routes available. The fundraising walk has been a fixture in the hospice’s calendar since it was founded in 1984, raising funds to help the charity continue its care. Alison Parkes, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “We are very much looking forward to this year’s Malvern Hills Walk, as it’s not only a fantastic way to raise funds for our care but it also marks a milestone in our ho ..read more

CHARITY trekkers have completed a five-day hike through the Jordanian desert to raise funds for a city-based hospice. A group of 16 fundraisers braved rocky desert terrain and thunder storms along ancient Bedouin migration paths to reach the world-famous archaeological site, and historic city, Petra. In doing so the team of Worcestershire trekkers raised £48,975 for St Richard’s Hospice, after costs.  Sofia Gunster, Events and Community Fundraising Lead, was part of the group who flew to Jordan to take on the challenge for local hospice care: “It really was the most incredible experience ..read more

Tanya’s story Over the decades St Richard’s has cared for many thousands of people, and that care is always remembered. Ten years on, Tanya still vividly remembers how the hospice team cared for her dad Ivor, 56, from Worcester and supported their family. “The care, smiles, warmth and happiness that the staff gave made the experience of being in St Richard’s more settling.  Not only did we feel this but I could see my dad felt this too. “The staff were always on hand, attentive, not only took time to spend with my dad but us as a family. I knew my dad was in good hands and the staff show ..read more

CELEBRATIONS for the 40th anniversary of a city-based hospice raised thousands for its care of patients and families. St Richard’s Hospice’s Grand Gala Dinner took place in the Nave at Worcester Cathedral and raised, after costs, £40,000 – and counting – for the charity. The glittering event was hosted by Louise Hewett, a Patron of St Richard’s, and saw 207 guests attend on the night. The event also marked the end of Louise’s tenure as High Sheriff of Worcestershire. Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director at St Richard’s, said: “It was an incredible evening filled with so much joy and celebration ..read more

CHARITY trekkers will depart this weekend for a five-day hike through the Jordanian desert to raise funds for a Worcester-based hospice. On Sunday, March 17, a group of 16 fundraisers will fly to Jordan to embark on their trek to the world-famous archaeological site, and historic city – Petra. At the same time, a team of six will embark on a virtual version of the challenge in Wales, taking on an eight-day, 136-mile walk along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. The Worcestershire trekkers are raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice, with their collective fundraising total currently at £39,363, aft ..read more

CUSTOMERS will soon be able to bag a bargain at a hospice’s clearance shop in Barnards Green, Malvern.  St Richard’s Hospice is reinventing its premises at 1B Court Road, Barnards Green, into its first clearance shop which will open on Tuesday, April 2 at 9.30am.  The shop will stock clothing, accessories, toys, books and bric-a-brac which have not sold at its 17 shops across Worcestershire.  Items will be on sale for reduced prices of £5 and under. The lowest-priced items will be available to buy individually or in a bundle of 10 for £5.  Dan Corns, Commercial Director at ..read more