Fresh appeal to raise money for hospice refurbishments

We’re issuing a fresh appeal for help to raise the rest of the money we need to upgrade our patient bedrooms.

We launched the Comfort and Care campaign in November to raise £200,000 to substantially transform our inpatient bedrooms and bathrooms. Over half of the target has already been raised.

The planned improvements will include new specialist beds, furniture, flooring and décor, and will help patients and their families feel more comfortable and relaxed during their stay – whilst also providing a peaceful and homely environment.

The hospice has released a breakdown of some of the costs associated with the refurbishment, to highlight the difference that donations will make.

They range from £175 for safety rails to be installed in en-suite bathrooms, to £5,000 for a specialist hoist that will enable immobile patients to be moved in and out of bed with dignity.

It will cost over £3,000 for each room that is adapted to allow oxygen to be piped inside, helping patients to breathe easier during their stay. Wall-mounted seats to allow them to safely enjoy a hot shower will cost £350.

Malcolm Eastwood (pictured), 69, is backing the Comfort and Care campaign after spending ten nights at the hospice to help control the pain caused by his Multiple Sclerosis.

Malcolm, who lives in Oxspring, said: “As well as helping me with my pain, my stay also took some pressure off my wife, who cares for me full-time. I wasn’t just a number, I felt like I was amongst friends. Barnsley Hospice has transformed my life, which is why I’m supporting this appeal.” 
 
Julie Ferry, chief executive of Barnsley Hospice, said: “We’re really grateful to everyone who has so far helped us raise over £100,000. It will mean so much to patients and their families to feel more at home during their stay with us, at a time when small things make such a difference. We’re asking people to give whatever they can afford to help us raise the rest of the money and be part of creating a more comfortable and relaxed environment for those who need us.”

Last year the Morrisons Foundation, a charity set up by the Bradford-based supermarket, pledged to fund £300,000 towards the project, which will cost a total of £500,000.

The rest of the money so far has come from community fundraising activities, individual donations, corporate support and funding from grant making charitable trusts.

Donations to the Comfort and Care campaign can be made online by clicking here, in person at the hospice reception in Gawber, or at one of the six hospice shops across Barnsley.

A video about the campaign, featuring Malcolm Eastwood, can be viewed here.

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