Stephanie Hirst launches our Comfort and Care campaign

Radio and TV presenter Stephanie Hirst is backing a fundraising appeal to substantially transform our inpatient bedrooms.

Stephanie, whose mother was cared for at the hospice, is calling on support for the ‘Comfort and Care campaign’ – which aims to raise around a further £200,000 to refurbish our ten inpatient rooms to a luxury standard.

The Morrisons Foundation, a charity set up by the Bradford-based supermarket, has already pledged to fund £300,000 towards the project. This will be the first time the rooms have been fully refurbished.  

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.

Stephanie’s mother, Joyce Hirst, spent two weeks here during the summer of 2013, before her death from pancreatic cancer. Stephanie said: “Barnsley Hospice has a special place in my heart and I’m proud to be helping them launch this campaign.

“My mum received outstanding care during her time at the hospice and for that I’ll always be grateful. I’m hoping the people of Barnsley will join me in getting behind this appeal, which will make a huge difference to patients and their families.”

Our chief executive Julie Ferry said: “When patients come into the hospice they and their families are often unsure what to expect. Having a more comfortable and relaxed environment can help them to feel more at home and have a positive impact on their care.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Morrisons Foundation for their extremely generous pledge and we now need the Barnsley community to support the Comfort and Care campaign to help us raise the rest.”

Sam Burden, Morrisons Foundation specialist, said: “We support charities which make a positive difference in local communities and we know that Barnsley Hospice does just that. We’re delighted to be supporting their care appeal which will make a real difference to patients and their families during difficult times.”

A crowdfunding page has been set up to encourage donations to the Comfort and Care campaign. Visit http://bit.ly/2j90QtM.