It has been another tough year for everyone, and like many charities, we have faced unprecedented financial challenges as the pandemic has continued to impact their normal streams of income. But despite this, our doors have remained open all year. We have continued to care for local people, your friends, neighbours, colleagues and family. But all of this has only been possible thanks to the wonderful Calderdale community, and as Christmas approaches everyone here at the Hospice feels the value of that support more than ever.
Because of support from the Calderdale community, local families who are facing their last Christmas together will be safe and supported, surrounded by the care and love of the team at Overgate.
Marie Sullivan, Deputy Clinical Services Director at the Hospice, said, ‘
Christmas is such as extraordinary time at the Hospice as we do everything we can to make it special for our patients. Whilst this year will be different due to the continuing restrictions that the pandemic has brought, we know that we can still be part of making special memories for the families in our care. Our teams will be here throughout the festive period, spreading their very special Christmas cheer.’
Sandra Bowles, Staff Nurse on Overgate’s Inpatient Unit, is working on Christmas Day and explains how important support from the local community is; “
I see first-hand the difference our supporters make in each and every moment here; when a patient is able to enjoy a day out to spend with family, in the comfortable smile of being surrounded by those they love, and in the love and care that my colleagues give to our patients every single day. But it will mean so much more to see it on Christmas day, as we try to forget the difficulties this year has brought and welcome families to the Hospice for a truly special day.”
The day will be made even more special thanks to the kindness of the Ross Smith Foundation, who have provided gifts for each of our patients at Christmas since 2017.
Our patients both at the Hospice and at home will each receive a Christmas hamper thanks to the generosity of the Ross Smith Foundation. These gifts have been lovingly created by Body Shop Consultant Nicola Booth who has generously given her time to create the hampers.
Jayne from The Ross Smith Foundation said “
Fundraising this year has been particularly hard for everyone. However, we know these gifts mean the world to the people Overgate care for, and so we are pleased to be able to support Overgate Hospice again this year with Christmas presents for all their patients.”
Director of Income Generation at the Hospice, Laura Golding, added, ‘
We are so grateful to the team at the Ross Smith Foundation, and to you, the Calderdale community, for your continued support. We know that we have asked a lot of our community in the past two years, but Overgate is Calderdale’s only adult Hospice and it is so important that it is still here to care for families, neighbours, friends and loved ones in the months and years to come. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to the Halifax Courier and all of their readers who have been a vital part of keeping our doors open throughout this incredibly tough time.”
Make a donation to support our care this Christmas