News Archive
Hospice disappointed not to be on list of official half marathon charities (June 2010)
Fundraisers at Birmingham’s only independent adult hospice have expressed strong disappointment that the charity has been left off the list of official charities supported by the City’s half marathon this year.
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice for the second year in a row has failed to become one of the 12 charities to benefit from the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon in October.
Staff at the Selly Park-based Hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across Birmingham and Sandwell, feel they have been short-changed - particularly because a number of national charities have made it on to the list and are appearing for the second year running.
Head of Fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s Caroline Taylor said: “While all of the charities benefiting from the marathon are worthy of support, as a local charity which is making a massive difference to local people’s lives we firmly believe we should have been given official charity status.
“We don’t want to appear like sore losers but we feel it is a real shame that we’re not benefiting from this event at an official level.
“We will be pitching hard to be included on next year’s official charities list, but in the meantime we would urge anyone who is thinking of running the Birmingham Half Marathon to do it for their local hospice, Birmingham St Mary’s.”
Birmingham Half Marathon, which is organised by Birmingham City Council and sponsored by EDF Energy, takes place on October 24, 2010. The list of official charities has just been announced in an email to people who have registered an interest in the event.
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s attempt to become an official charity was turned down before a bid could be submitted earlier this year.
Caroline said: “For the first year of the marathon we never knew that there would be official charities, so we missed out. We didn’t want to lose out again on the second year, so we approached Birmingham City Council in February this year but were told that it would be the same list of charities again. This is not how many sporting events are run; the charities change every year.”
Hospice relieved at Government spending plans announcement (June 2010)
Staff and patients at Birmingham St Mary’s have breathed a huge sigh of relief following the Government announcement that crucial funding to refurbish the Day Hospice will not fall victim to public spending cuts.
Thursday’s reconfirmation that the Department of Health’s £40 million Hospices Capital Grants Programme will go ahead met with joy at the Selly Park-based hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across Birmingham and Sandwell.
Under the previous Labour government, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice was allocated £395,000 under the programme towards a scheme to refurbish its 20-place Day Hospice. The total cost of the project stands at around £724,000.
A capital appeal for the remainder of the funds will be launched soon with a view to completing the work by next March.
The work is long overdue and doctors and nurses at the Hospice know what the new look facility will mean to its users. Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice Chief Executive Tina Swani was delighted by the Government’s announcement.
She said: “At a time of economic doom and gloom and unprecedented fear for the future of vital public services, the news that we are still going to receive the Department of Health funding to refurbish our Day Hospice is a real ray of light.
“Patients, relatives, doctors and nurses at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice all know how important the Day Hospice is to communities across the region. We cannot overstate how much it benefits families in Birmingham and Sandwell who are going through difficult times with terminal illness, so we are extremely relieved that we can now move forward with this project.”
The Day Hospice is a key element of Birmingham St Mary’s services, as it allows patients living with illnesses such as cancer, MS and Motor Neurone Disease to spend longer at home with their loved ones.
The centre, which gives carers the chance of a weekly break, is open four days a week and offers therapies ranging from physio and reflexology to art. Many of these services are delivered by a combination of clinical staff and skilled volunteers, ensuring both a high quality service and value for money.
Fashionistas invited to avoid World Cup at Hospice ladies clothing sale (June 2010)
Women from across Birmingham who would like a night off from the World Cup are invited to a special nearly new clothes sale in aid of the city’s only independent adult hospice.
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is staging its Quality Ladies’ Clothes Sale between 7pm and 10pm on Tuesday, June 29, at King Edward VI High School for Girls in Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston.
Money raised at the event will help the Hospice provide vital palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses in Birmingham and Sandwell.
Donations are still being sought for the sale, which will feature day and evening dresses, suits, trousers, skirts, blouses, jewellery, hats, scarves, bags, shoes and accessories.
On hand at the event will be a colour analyst, personal shopper, hand masseur and eyebrow shaper.
Entry is £3 on the door and includes a glass of wine. To donate items or for more information contact Yvonne McPhillips on 0121 4721191 or visit www.bsmh.org.uk/fundraising
Birmingham St Mary's Hospice Vs Aston Villa Old Stars (April 2010)
Birmingham St Mary's Hospice footballers held their own against a squad of soccer legends on Sunday, scoring 2 goals to Aston Villa Old Stars' 3 in a cha rity showdown in Kings Heath.
On top of the respectable score, several thousand pounds were raise d for the Hospice, which provides vital palliative care to people in Birmingham and Sandwell.
The event, at The Stadium in Wheelers Lane, was organised by Hospice volunteer Kieran Lavin, whose sterling efforts in the run-up to the match ensured more than 400 people turned out on what was a beautiful spring afternoon.
It is estimated that the event raised at least £4,000 but more funds are still pourin g in, with the final total yet to be announced.
The match itself was a nail-biting contest, with the Villa side only managing to score the winning goal 10 minutes before the final whistle.
Hospice Community Fundraiser Jo Proudler, who worked alongside Kieran to helpmake the game a success, thanked everyone who turned out.
"It was such a great day. Kieran originally had the idea to organise a game, but he never envisaged it would become as big as this. It just snowballed and received loads of support," she said.
After the match, a charity auction was staged at Vaughan's Social Club in Hall Green, with lots such as signed photographs and other footballing memorabilia proving popular among bidders.
Jo added: "I'd also like to thank everyone who donated items for the auction, which really put the icing on the cake for this very special day."
Following the success of this event, fundraisers at Birmingham St Mary's are already considering staging a similar event in 2011.
Birmingham solicitor firm is doggedly determined to raise funds!
A Birmingham firm of solicitors is doggedly determined in its mission to raise funds for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, their Charity of the Year. To get things going, Buller Jeffries has kicked things off with a gift of £255.
The firm held a competition to name a giant toy dog, kindly donated by partner, Derek Adamson. Marketing Assistant, Kay Dashti was the lucky winner after she called him Ben, in honour of her husband. Kay’s young twins, Ella and Daniel were mad keen on hearing that another Ben was coming to live with them and even more keen to know that they wouldn’t have to take him for walkies!
Buller Jeffries’ year of fundraising will help Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provide vital care for those people with life-limiting illnesses. As part of the partnership, Buller Jeffries staff are being offered the chance to visit the Hospice when the weekly PAT (Pets as Therapy) dogs visit. PAT dogs help provide a therapeutic service for people on the in-patient unit as the dogs bring everyday life closer and with it all the happy associations of home comforts. Many patients miss the constant companionship and unconditional love that a pet can bring so PAT dogs are really important.
Buller Jeffries have a number of fundraising events planned throughout the year and hope to provide a much-needed boost of funds which will be used to help the Hospice care for approx 1,000 patients and their families from all over the city.
From the West End to Birmingham (Feb 2010)
An all-female choir will be performing a fundraising concert by bringing the magic of the West End to Birmingham in aid of a local Hospice.
Halesowen Circuit Ladies Choir will present ‘Spellbound’, singing songs from West End musicals on Saturday 20 March at St Michael and All Angels Church in Bartley Green from 7.30pm, to help raise vital funds for Birmingham St Mary's Hospice.
The programme will include songs from some of the greatest musicals of all times such as Mamma Mia, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins and Les Miserables.
Community Fundraiser, Joanne Proudler for the Hospice said: “I’m very pleased the Halesowen Circuit Ladies Choir has decided to support our cause. I’ve been to hear the choir rehearse and they sound great so I know it’ll be a really enjoyable evening.”
Tickets costs £6.00 each and can be purchased from Joanne Proudler at the Hospice on 0121 472 1191.
A huge Thank You to everyone who supported us during 2009 and here's to a successful 2010!
Volunteer John Barron is highly commended (Oct 2009)
Long standing volunteer John Barron, who has been connected with Birmingham St Mary's Hospice since the day it opened 30 years ago, was nominated by the Hospice for a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in the recent Birmingham Local Hearts Awards.
The awards ceremony, which took place on Wednesday 21 October at the Council House, saw John recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ for the work he has done for the Hospice and for the commitment he has shown over the years.
John was presented his award by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councilor Michael Wilkes.
Charlotte Witteridge, our Voluntary Services Co-ordinator, showed her dedication to the Hospice by doing a tandem skydive on Saturday!! Charlotte, who started working at the Hospice just over 3 months ago, decided she would jump in at the deep end to help raise vital funds.
Charlotte said: ‘Having settled into Hospice life, and after seeing all of the amazing work that is carried out on a day-to-day basis, I felt that I should get involved and raise some much needed money! I thoroughly enjoyed my skydive, it was incredibly exhilarating, and it was a privilege to represent and support the Hospice. A big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me!’
The daredevil act took place at Hinton Airfield near Oxford. Luckily the weather was perfect and Charlotte bravely leapt out of the plane at 13,000ft! She has raised a wonderful £600 for the Hospice.
From sadness there's happiness (Sept 2009)
Two people who lost their spouses to cancer have found happiness together all thanks a counselling service offered by Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.
Maggie Knibbs from Bournville and Clem Murray from Yardley Wood met each other when attending the Chrysalis group, which is a bereavement support group for people over 55 held every other Thursday at the Hospice .
They first met when Clem joined the group in November 2008 and during the Spring 2009 when they went out for a meal with three other members of the group they knew there was a ‘spark’ between them. Soon after their relationship developed and love blossomed leading Clem to ‘pop the question’.
Maggie who lost her husband Harvey in October 2007 and Clem, who lost his wife Rose in November 2008, joined the group after being recommended the service by the community nurses who cared for their partners.
Clem said: “Before Rose passed away she made me promise I’d come to St Mary’s for counselling as she knew they’d look after me and when she did die I went to pieces and couldn’t see a future. I was at an all time low but thanks to the St Mary’s especially the Chrysalis group I managed to pick myself up and get my life back on track. I can now see a future ahead me and that’s with Maggie.
"I was at Maggie’s when I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. We officially became a couple on 4th April 2009 and we’ve planned our wedding at Selly Manor in Bournville for the 4th April 2010.”
Maggie said: “Its third time lucky for both of us and when we say this to people some look at us in judgement but when they know the stories behind our marriage they all say how wonderful it is and congratulate us both.
"I’d like to say a huge thank you to St Mary’s, the members of the Chrysalis group and our friends and family for all their support.”
Gift Aid in Shops (August 2009)
Stop press! You can now gift aid your donated goods at our shops!
You may have heard of gift aid on cash donations but now you are able to help us generate further funds simply by allowing us to claim gift aid on your donated items at any of our shops. For every £1 raised through the sale of those items, the Hospice can claim 28p extra from the government.
In order to do this, you need to be a UK tax payer and the goods you donate must belong to you. Just visit any of our shops and fill in one simple form, we’ll do the rest. In return we’ll give you an individual i.d. card to join our gift aid scheme, and then every time you donate at any of our shops we’ll ask you for your personal i.d. number so we can track the sales of your goods. All you have to do is keep donating to us and giving us your i.d. number. From then on we’ll write to you every so often to let you know how much you’ve raised for us through the scheme.
It’s that simple! So go on visit one of our shops today to find out more.
We're 30 Years Old!! (July 2009)
10th July 2009 is a landmark in the history of Birmingham St Mary's
Hospice, marking thirty years of hospice care and making us the oldest and largest independent hospice in the West Midlands.
Although patients were admitted earlier in 1979, the official opening was carried out in July by HRH Princess Alexandra, who marked the occasion by unveiling a flagstone and being the first name in the visitor book.
Our success in reaching this milestone is largely due to the magnificent support we have received from people in the Birmingham community.
We couldn't have done it without you
Thank you
Rosetta Life, Lets Talk about Living (June 2009)
Rosetta Life, a charity dedicated to working with people who have life-threatening illnesses, has been working with Hospice patients to encourage them to tell their stories and experiences through the arts. A range of innovative projects have been taking place across the region and the campaign called ‘Let’s Talk About Living’ will mark the success of this work starting with a series of events taking place in Birmingham during June.
The campaign will make Birmingham the first City to talk openly about how its citizens positively approach life as it draws to a close and how they want to be remembered.
The ‘Let’s Talk About Living’ activity will include:
Birmingham Repertory Theatre, 4th & 5th June, 7pm. “The Magical Glow of the Co-Op” a rehearsed reading that will feature the work of both St Mary’s and St Giles Hospice. Working together, more than 30 hospice users have generated a performance script that looks at the choices people face when dying and the difficulties they face when making these choices. The script will be performed by four professional actors from the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. It will finish with an after show discussion called ‘The Big Conversation – Let’s Talk About Living’ where an invited panel of hospice users, health care practitioners and the citizens of Birmingham will debate the issues raised in the performance. Members of the public are welcome to attend the free performances at the Birmingham Rep and take part in the after show discussion and debate. For further ticket information please contact the Birmingham Rep Box office on 0121 236 4455.
The celebration in June will culminate in a film premiere at one of the city’s highest profile venues The Electric Cinema, Birmingham on 29th June commencing at 5.30pm. The Screening of ‘Night and Day’ will show the story of six families from the region who are living with life-threatening illnesses. Directed by Chris Rawlence, who directed the acclaimed seven part BBC 2 series ‘The Mind Traveller’, the film offers a voice to those whom illness and society has silenced and shows how a terminal diagnosis need not be a death sentence.
Loose Women - Ladies Lunch (Jun 09)
Getting one person who is entertaining, creative, intelligent and well-informed is hard enough...getting five was fantastic!
Suzanne Virdee managed to take time away from the lunchtime news slot to join us and proved to be a great contributor to the event. At the forefront of current news, Suzanne interviewed Gordon Brown earlier in the month and shared the experience with guests. She remains our favourite BBC presenter (don't worry Nick, we love you too).
Lee Benson, about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the city's most celebrated art gallery, Number Nine was highly entertaining and sporting the most fetching black Fedora.Lee certainly lived up to his motto "dare to be different".
Our fabulous host was Jo Cameron, the co-founder of the Women on Their Way awards. No wonder she is becoming rapidly sort after at the highest levels. Jo lead and directed the panel with verve and infectious enthusiasm.
Another man with style is The Birmingham Post's Magazines Editor, Jon Perks. Lifestyle runs high on Jon's agenda and with such a wealth of experience he was able to offer a male perspective to the lively debate
Llewela Bailey shone brightly and has lost none of her skills in front of an audience since leaving Central News after "20 years of showing off" in front of the cameras. There was no showing off here - just great charm and wit.
Thanks also to Russ Morris from BRMB, who opened the event and kicked things off brilliantly by setting the light-hearted tone we were looking for. He grabbed the guests attention immediately and gave the whole event a truly profesional feel. Good work!Linda Changes Roles (May 2009)
The Community Palliative Care Team (CPCT) has just welcomed its latest recruit - and it was someone who needed no introduction. Linda Hetherington has worked on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice for the last 9 years but she’s now changed her role from Ward Manager to that of Clinical Specialist Nurse, caring for people in the community as part of the CPCT.
The vast majority of our patients are cared for in their own homes, and when the CPCT vacancy came up, Linda saw the specialist role as an opportunity to fill the one gap she has in her nursing career by experiencing a different but equally important aspect of palliative care. Many of her skills transfer seamlessly; ability to communicate and being well-organised are very important in managing a caseload, as is liaising with GPs and District Nurses and supporting patients and families in their own homes.
For Linda, this role offers new challenges – working with a new team, finding her way round the area and having her own caseload. But she believes that one thing is fundamental and will always remain the same. When she’s one-to-one with a patient, her dedication helps her to focus solely on that one person and channel all of her skill and experience to provide the best in care and support.
Golfers had a ‘hole’ lot of fun for charity (May 2009)
Since their first golf day competition in 1995, members of the Greek Cypriot and Friends Golf Society have been competing annually to take on the challenge of being crowned winner of the Birmingham St Mary's Hospice Cup, which is sponsored by Savvides & Co Chartered Accountants in Edgbaston.
Around 50 members and guests of the society took to the greens on Wednesday 29th April 2009 at Moseley Golf Club but there could be only one winner. Michael Christou from Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield took this years title.
Support from the generous members and sponsors helped to raise a magnificent £3,660 in aid of St Mary's Hospice taking the society's overall donation to over £35,000.
Andreas Ktori the society chairman said "I am amazed at the generosity of our members who continue to support St Mary's year after year. Even in these tough times they have still dug deep into their pockets and managed to raise a record amount."
Jo Proudler, Community Fundraiser from the Hospice said "Community support is really important to us. It costs £15,600 a day to run the Hospice so we're very grateful to Andreas Ktori and the members of Greek Cypriot & Friend Golf Society for the continued support they give us each year.
"Donations from the local community like this allow us to keep on providing patients and their loved ones with the highest level of care"
Read their account of how this opportunity arose here
Clever clogs help raise £38K for Hospice (May 2009)
Quiz buffs that have put their general knowledge skills to the test over the years have helped to raise around £38,000 for a local hospice.
Followers from across the South Birmingham area have been attending the St Mary’s Hospice ‘Quiz Nights’, held at TASCOS Social Club in Stirchley, which started in 1995.
Jo Proudler, Community Fundraiser for the Hospice said: “Attendance figures have grown steadily over the years. Our quizzes are a mixture of general knowledge questions, picture and sound rounds so there’s something for everyone. They’re a good way for people to socialise, have a bit of fun and also raise money for an excellent cause.
“We’re always very grateful for community support and this event shows how dedicated people are when it comes to supporting St Mary’s Hospice.
“Raising this amount of money has and will continue to help us care for the 1000 patients we treat every year within the Hospice and their homes.”
The next St Mary’s Hospice quiz night is on Thursday 28 May 2009 at TASCOS Social Club, Stichley. Registration is from 7.45pm for an 8.30pm start and teams of 6 are invited at £2.50 per head payable on the night. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Royal Event for Hospice Care (April 2009)
Help the Hospices was founded 25 years ago and to celebrate their achievements an evening reception was held on Monday 16th March 2009 at St James’s Palace in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Help the Hospices invited 600 guests from the realms of business, politics and entertainment, as well as hospice founders, staff and volunteers from adults and children’s hospices.
Judi Millward, Trisha Castenheira, Diane Davies, Helene Trebinska and June Underhill were lucky enough to be invited from St Mary's to this prestigious event.
Judi and Trisha were to be 'officially' presented to the Duke of Edinburgh, but by luck, Di, Helene and June also had the chance to have a chat.
Read their account of how this opportunity arose here
First Patient admitted 30 years ago (March 2009)
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice started in 1973, when the mutual concern of a hospital chaplain and a retiring matron – at the difficulty of giving adequate, total, care to certain patients – reached its climax. “We need a Hospice in the Midlands” she said.
‘She’ was Monica Pearce and she believed that although not every patient can be cured every patient can be helped – that there is always something that can be done, both for the patient and for the family. Monica Pearce had great enthusiasm and drive and inspired those around her to achieve her vision for a local hospice.
From the very beginning, it was intended that the hospice should be non-fee paying. It was established that patients will be admitted according to need - medical and social - and that services should be available for people from all walks of life, of all faiths and of none.
Birmingham St Mary’s was only the seventh hospice to be founded in the country, a result of tireless fundraising and incredible generosity. The hospice opened to receive its first patient on 5th March 1979. The official opening by Princess Alexandra took place in July 1979.
In January 1979 the cost of keeping one patient in the hospice was forecast to be £8,500 per annum. Now, 30 years later, the cost of running the hospice is over £5 million a year. Since then the hospice has cared for many thousands of Birmingham people either in the hospice or in their own homes. In 1999, following a successful capital appeal to pay for much needed extensions and refurbishment, the name of the city was added to the name of the hospice. This both emphasises the unique role played by St Mary’s in Birmingham and acknowledges the generous support given by the city’s people to their hospice.Award for catering staff (Jan 2009)
Last week the catering staff here at the Hospice had an unannounced inspection by the Environmental Health Department. They were measured against compliance of food hygiene practices (general cleaning, control of pests, prevention of cross-contamination, washing facilities etc); compliance relating to the structure of the kitchen (the state of repair of the premises, layout, condition of equipment); and confidence in management (whether good food safety management systems are in place).
The catering department come out top in all categories and were awarded a '5 H'. This is the highest score possible under the scheme run by Birmingham City Council.
Congratulations to all the Catering Staff!
Hospice Patients tell their stories (Sep 2008)
A number of patients who attend the Day Hospicewere reccently interviewed by the local media. Patients Elias, Maggie and Michael were featured because of their involvement in the production of a DVD for the Hospice. The newspaper stories can be found below:
- Michael and Maggies article (Opens in new window)
- Elias article (Opens in new window)
- Patient DVD article (Opens in new window)
Our new furniture shop will be opening its doors on Monday 2nd June 2008 at 11.00 am. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations!
Pam Stanley, the Hospice's Retail Manager, said “the expansion plan for our retail outlets is progressing really well and we are delighted to be opening our first furniture shop in Cotteridge.”
For some time now we have been asked by customers and donors if we can sell furniture. After piloting the sales in our current shops we found that there was a great supply and demand for the service.
There are currently some volunteer opportunities and if you wish to join our team at the shop please contact us by email or popping into one of our current shops for a chat.
We are also collecting stock for the opening so if you have any furniture you wish to donate please call our Selly Oak shop on 0121 472 1500.
If your interests are more for purchasing or just a look around come along and we look forward to seeing you there.
Our new furniture shop is located at 15 Pershore South, Cotteridge, B30
Saturday 5th July 2008 brings a new and exciting event - St Mary's Hospice Midnight Walk. Starting from The University of Birmingham, the marshalled 10km route will take walkers through Edgbaston, Harborne and Selly Oak arriving back at the University in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Tea at 3 is taking place on 16th May this year - but feel free to host your
event anytime throughout May or June.
It’s a simple and fun way to raise money for the Hospice. The event can be held at home, at work or with your local church or group, and it can be as small or big as you want- anything from inviting friends round for a cuppa to holding a Mad hatters tea party!Read more
Your break can make a difference
A Warm Welcome to our New Consultant
Dr Steve Plenderleith recently joined Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice as a Consultant in Palliative Medicine and our Medical Director – a welcome addition to our medical staff.
Steve’s wide experience in Palliative Medicine includes working at St Rocco’s Hospice, Warrington, Countess Mountbatten House, Southampton and Salisbury Hospice. He has a special interest in information technology and its use in hospices and is the Clinical Lead on Help the Hospices’ Connect project.
Steve has three young children and declares his personal interests revolve around his family - including sailing, skiing, cycling and DIY when necessary. There’s also mention of learning to play the saxophone – busy times ahead!
We welcome Steve and look forward to working with him.
We have been named one of the best organisations in the UK for nurses to work for following a national survey of healthcare organisations.
The Nursing Times Top 100 survey canvassed registered nurses at the Hospice to determine what they think about the organisation, including opportunities for training and development, family friendliness, flexible working, equality and diversity and listening to employees.
Trisha Castanheira, the Head of Nursing Services at Birmingham St Mary's Hospice, said " to be recognised in this way is a great tribute to the dedicated nursing staff at the Hospice and also to the whole team who support them to care for patients and their loved ones. We are very pleased to have been shortlisted and look forward to the next stage."
The Hospice has now been invited to attend a lunch reception at the Landmark Hotel in London on Monday 31 March 2008, when the Nursing Times will announced the results of Stage 2 of the judging process – the Top 10 ranked organisations and those organisations which have scored highest in specific categories.
Patients' Forum DVD
Patients’ Forum has been involved in making a DVD for people who have been referred to the Hospice. Patients in the Forum talk about how anxious they were when they knew they were coming to the Day Hospice. They knew very little about what went on here and were worried about what they would find. They want the DVD to show how different it is in reality, how lively and enjoyable the Day Hospice is and how much support they all get from each other. The DVD will be distributed to GP surgeries and hospitals to lend to people who might be coming to the Hospice.
Six courageous supporters took a leap of faith and skydived for the 
Hospice this Saturday. A gap in the atrocious weather allowed the parachute jump to go ahead as the sun shone down. It was still very cold with temperatures reaching a freezing -20 degrees up in the air. Over £2,000 has been raised for the Hospice so far, with money still coming in. Thanks and a big congratulations to everyone who took part!
Due to the success of this event we are planning another parachute jump day later on Saturday 19th July – You too could experience the thrill of a skydive and help raise vital funds for the Hospice. For details please contact Charlotte Sudbury on 0121 4721191.
On 11th December 2007 we launched our newly refurbished Butterfly Lounge.
Carol singers greeted our guests, who tucked into coffee and cakes and even managed to join in with a song or two. Then Hospice Patron Nick Owen took centre stage to officially open the area.
The Butterfly Lounge is a coffee lounge for our patients and visitors, which also offers a chance for some retail therapy from our new gift shop. The shop stocks new gifts and cards, branded merchandise, toiletries and even seasonal goods.
The refurbishment was possible thanks to a grants received from several charitable Trusts and supporters, allowing us to transform the area into a welcoming space for our patients and visitors.
The area is solely run by our dedicated team of volunteers, who aim to ensure that our customers can access these services between 10.30 and 19.30 every day. Profits from the gift shop help fund our vital services for patients and families.
'A refreshingly honest Hospice'
Is what Intelligentgiving.com had to say about the Hospice this year. Intelligentgiving.com rates charities according to the quality of their annual accounts, this year they gave us 77% a great achievement!
Christmas Bazaar
Only a week to go before our annual Christmas Bazaar at Birmingham Botanical Gardens! Come along and join in the fun! All the usual stall will be there from cakes and marmalade to jigsaws and jewellery. We also have a great selection of external stalls including cashmere scarfs and childrens books. Tickets are available at a reduced rate of £2.50 adult / £1.50 concession in advance or £3 / £2 on the day.
For more details contact Charlotte on 0121 4721191.
Education
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is committed to on going education and training for both its own staff and also Health Care Professionals working within the immediate Birmingham area and the wider community.
The Hospice offers specialist courses and study sessions on areas related to Palliative care.
We believe that In teaching others we continue to teach ourselves and through this process we strive to develop and improve palliative care services for patients, carers and service users.
“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.” (Confucius BC 551- BC 479)
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