Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local community St John's Hospice have reached their £14,000 target to buy a specialist ‘cuddle bed’, helping people to be closer to their loved ones while they are receiving palliative care.
With nearly 200 donations from individuals and local companies received, St John's Hospice has hit its fundraising target since launching and on-line appeal in October. With sponsored slims, hikes and runs and donations made in memory of loved ones – the cuddle bed appeal touched so many.
David from Kendal, who made a generous gift to the Cuddle Bed Appeal, said
“When my wife was in the Hospice for five weeks, three years ago, we stayed in a room half way down the ward. The room has a fold down bed, which I would pull down and I slept on that every night so I could be beside her, but I wasn’t with her. At the time I thought this pull-down bed was great, but when I heard about the cuddle bed, I thought that it was a very good idea. Based on my own experience I know how important the emotional support is as well as the medical support and that was why I wanted to support this amazing appeal.”
The cuddle bed will buy patients and their loved ones, very precious moments to together, without the physical barriers of an ordinary bed. Cuddling and physical touch have been shown to reduce stress, decrease pain and intensify bonds between people, and the ‘cuddle’ bed means patients and their loved ones can have this connection while receiving palliative care.
Maddy Bass, Director of Nursing and Quality, St John’s Hospice said,
“We are over the moon that this appeal has successfully reached its target. Years of nursing has shown me how important it is for someone to lay next to their loved one to offer comfort and physical support. At this time of year especially, we can all understand the importance of a cuddle and how it makes you feel. A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this appeal for the benefit of so many people.”
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
