Thank you for considering volunteering at the Moonlight Walk! We need lots of marshals to make sure all our walkers are safe (and stay on the right path!) If you’re interested in volunteering as a marshal, please fill in the form below and we will be in touch. If you’re interested in volunteering in another capacity, please email [email protected]
“I’ve completed the Moonlight Walk at least 7 times over the years and always look forward to the night. Some years specifically in memory of someone I have lost, and others to help raise vital funds for the Hospice. There’s something thrilling about walking the streets at night, when most people are in bed – it’s also a challenge as I am normally in the land of nod at that time too.
The atmosphere is buzzing as you arrive on site, seeing so many others turning out to share the experience. There is a great party atmosphere and a ‘we’re all in this together’ feeling in the air. Last year was exceptional as we took in Lancaster Castle as part of the route for the first time – the views at night were stunning.
This year I’m going to volunteer as a helper so, although not walking, I’m still involved and will feel the vibe. I’ll be based at the Hospice instead, doing my bit to make sure all our wonderful walkers get what they need to make it a truly memorable night for them. You don’t want to miss this event so even if you don’t want to walk, you can still help!”
If you’d like to be part of the Moonlight Walk, but don’t fancy walking it, you could volunteer as a marshal – helping to keep everyone safe! If you’re interested, fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch
In Tammy’s words, “St John’s isn’t as I expected, not what I worried about, instead coming here is one of the best decisions I’ve made.
“After time in hospital and time at home spent really struggling with my pain and medication, I needed St John’s help. I panicked at first when I heard the ‘hospice’ word but once I was reassured by St John’s and my husband that I could go back home, I agreed to stay at the hospice for a while.
“The support I’m getting is amazing, I know exactly what is happening. I’m not frightened and feel it’s the first time I have been really and properly listened to in years.”
Tammy and her husband, Graham
“The big difference is being treated and respected as a person rather than feeling like a medical case on a conveyor belt. The staff take time to explain things properly, they remember what I tell them: they’re interested in me, my family and what they can do to help. They read my notes properly, they come back when they say they will and if I need to be alone they respect that too. Nothing is pushed at me, I can be independent, keep to my preferred routine and be cared for with dignity.
“St John’s are flexible too – eating is very difficult for me yet they have found things I can eat by adapting foods. They remembered cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches were my favourite and made them for me – all wrapped up nicely for when I woke up in the late hours after a treatment. Everyone is nurturing, so friendly and they know their stuff too – the pain has really reduced – I can actually sleep in a bed now.
“I know they are doing everything they can to make it possible for me to go home again. I want to make the best of my remaining time: I have a 60th birthday to enjoy and I’d love a family Christmas too.”
Tammy with one of her nurses, Sophie
Graham, Tammy’s husband has his thoughts about St John’s too;
“When they said Tammy should go to St John’s I knew she’d be in a good place. I’d done my homework and a friend of mine had said it was a wonderful place. There’s a positive, ‘can do’ attitude here. It feels very different from a hospital. It’s not regimented here, it’s like a home from home.
“Somehow you feel as if you have known the staff for a long time, even when someone’s had a few days off, they still remember what Tammy needs. To feel this confident in the nurses, doctors, hospitality staff, cleaners – everyone, it’s such a relief.
“They listen, I know Tammy’s already said that and it makes a big difference. We’ve all been in in the situation where you don’t feel listened to or taken seriously, it’s awful and can make you feel even worse. Not everyone could do the job they do and we are grateful for St John’s and for all those who give to this charity to help people like Tammy.”
Tammy’s colourful hair brightened up everyone’s day while she was here on our ward, and she wanted to share her story to encourage everyone to be colourful!
“My husband Dan and I took part in last year’s Moonlight Walk in memory of my wonderful mum, Christine, who received end of life care at St John’s Hospice back in 2022 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour aged just 53.
During the few months she received hospice care the team went above and beyond every day, not only to make sure mum was comfortable, but also to offer much needed support to the whole family. I had heard many good things about the hospice before, but only when I witnessed their care first hand did I truly realise just how incredible they are and how vital their services are for the community.
Dan and I had become engaged a month before mum fell ill, but wedding planning was a distant thought which became even more distant once we received the diagnosis. However, walking down the aisle without my lovely mum – my best friend, in the room was unthinkable, and so the St John’s team got to planning for me. What I thought was impossible was no problem for them, and after mum took a turn for the worse they had everything in place at just three days notice. None of us could believe what they had pulled off!
And so, in July 2022, we had the most beautiful wedding blessing held in the hospice grounds. The team had thought of everything – a lovely celebrant to host the service, a professional hairdresser and makeup artist to get me and mum ready for the big day, a delicious buffet and wedding cake, beautiful decorations and a photographer to capture memories which I will cherish forever. The team were on hand all day to make sure we had everything we needed – from little things like helping me in and out of my dress, to making sure mum was perfectly taken care of so we could all relax and enjoy ourselves.
No one dreams of getting married in a hospice but in that moment it didn’t matter where we were. It felt like a proper wedding – the most magical day we could have dreamed of and more! This was just one of the many amazing things the hospice did for our family and I will never be able to repay them, but I will continue to try by taking part in wonderful events like the Moonlight Walk to raise money to help them continue to provide other families with the care and support they provided for ours.”
The money we raise through the Moonlight Walk makes care like this possible
Rob kindly shared his and his Dad’s experience of St John’s care with us for Light Up A Life this year.
“My Dad always supported the Hospice. He came to this service every year. In June 2022 he took part in the Moonlight Walk walking for all the friends he had lost, and raising vital funds for the Hospice. We were so proud of him so on social media I said “So proud of my Dad doing the Moonlight Walk last night he’s fit as a fiddle is the lad”. Little did we know everything was going to change.
A couple of months later in August 2022 my Dad got diagnosed with a brain tumour. The operation to examine it affected his speech, understanding and his hearing & we were given the news he had 4-6 months to live with stage 4 glioblastoma: a fast-growing brain tumour. We were all devastated at this news but as a family all remained positive. I did so much with my Dad in these months, I took him to all his favourite places, watched all his favourite films with him and supported my Mum and family the best I could.
In these months St John’s offered us respite care to give my family a break from caring for Dad, they were amazing. He had massages, friendly faces coming in to chat with him including Shaun. Dad bonded with Shaun well and really enjoyed his company.
In January 2023 Dad’s tumour was making him hallucinate and act differently. I didn’t know what to do so went to the Hospice and asked for help. Straight away they gave me time and got a plan in place to bring my Dad in. Mum really wanted him to be at home but I knew if he went into St John’s she could be a wife and be there for him, rather than a carer.
On the 20th January 2023 my Dad was taken to the Hospice. We didn’t know how to feel about this but all knew it was the right thing to do for all of us. We were welcomed by kind friendly staff and instantly felt at ease. Dad’s 76th birthday was on the Saturday 21st and all the Hospice team gave us the garden room to celebrate it so we could all be together and they even made us a cake!
Me and my three sisters stayed at my Dad’s side for four full days, sleeping at St John’s. They fed us and were so kind. My Dad was in the right place and getting the care he deserved. The team were gentle and kind to my Dad and I will never forget that everyone who works at the Hospice are angels and very special people.
We lost Dad on the 25th of January and life is really tough without him. We miss him so much as he left behind a wife, four kids and nine grandchildren who have all been affected in some way by his loss. Thanks to the Forget Me Not Centre for helping us all grieve, especially my Mum who got counselling too. The Hospice holds a special place in our hearts, and we will always continue to support it.”
In November last year, Christine received St John’s care here at the Hospice, and in her own home. Her husband, Michael, has kindly shared her experience with us.
“In October 2023 my wife Christine asked her Oncology Consultant the question that no one would ever want to ask, I don’t remember exactly the words she used, but I shall remember his answer forever,
“You will not be alive at Christmas.”
Her disease was well advanced when diagnosed in May 2022, it being a variant of ovarian cancer and with over thirty years employment in a hospital she soon realised the stark reality that was ahead of her. The immediate Chemotherapy treatment reduced the cancer. As a young and vibrant sixty-year old she had so much to offer the world, as her lifetime soulmate I clung to the hope of a continuing improvement, but tragically it never came.
So, sixteen months later her end of life care was passed to St John’s Hospice and as her condition rapidly deteriorated we first visited the Hospice. Its facilities and staff made it an oasis of calmness. We knew that with only 13 beds a bed could not be guaranteed.
Her faith gave Christine the strength to accept death, but she said she needed reassurance that it could be managed without undue pain, I was floundering to cope emotionally, but the calmness and sheer professionalism of St John’s medical, nursing and support staff provided reassurance to us both.
Christine was supported at home by the St John’s Clinical Nurse Specialists and Hospice at Home team for weeks. It was her strong wish not to spend her last days at home, saying she did not want to leave me with the life-long memory of her passing at home, but her condition quickly deteriorated. By early November 2023 she once again found herself in hospital and realising her last days were near, she was transferred to St John’s Hospice.
In her last few days I saw the undoubted empathetic professionalism of the caring staff, death came pain free with dignity, in reassuring surroundings for a lady whose courage and selflessness were evident to her dying breath.”
Michael Malley
Each year we look for the perfect gifts for our friends and family, and to make life easier we have four simple ideas on ways you can give a gift that matters this Christmas!
Presents are a way we can show we care for others and if you are looking to buy something that could be eco-friendly or meaningful, look no further. We have created a guide on how you could support your local Hospice and give a loved one an alternative gift to make them smile 💚
Buy an alternative gift with a donation to support meaningful activities for local patients and their loved ones!
For your donation, you can choose a digital or printed card with the details of your gift, which you can send to a friend or loved one. All four gift options are available here
From Kendal to Garstang we have a range of charity shops full of fabulous items. Whether you are looking for clothes and toys or furniture and homeware, we have shops full of golden finds for a big gift or small secret Santa item. Shop locations and opening times are available here
Remember someone special this Christmas and dedicate a light on our Christmas Tree this season. Light Up a Life is an opportunity to donate in memory of someone you love, in return you will receive a beautiful calligraphy card and card stars.
You can also purchase a £5 limited edition wooden ornament to gift on. Find out more here
From Christmas cards to branded Hospice socks. Every purchase helps raise vital funds for St John’s. Browse our Christmas shop here
Thank you for choosing to support St John’s Hospice this festive season!
How a systemic approach was used to support families affected by the loss of a parent. Using nature to connect with a family’s journey of hope.
During the Autumn of 2023, therapists and volunteers from the Forget Me Not Centre bereavement service based at St John’s Hospice Lancaster were involved in a research project to explore how families could connect with each and through the medium of nature based systemic therapy.
Useful links:
https://www.labyrinthpark.gr/en/history-of-labyrinth
Forget Me Not Centre – St John’s Hospice
Other scales derived from the RRL and AAG – Mapping Grief
SCORE Resource Pack – Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS)
Dawn was referred to St John’s Day Therapy Services from the Hospital respiratory team.
Having benefited from many of the Hospice services, Dawn is happy to share her experiences to help others!
“I have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it got so bad I had to retire from my job and then I found myself ill and alone in hospital during the pandemic.
After the pandemic my breathing had worsened so when St John’s Day Therapy Services were suggested I thought, “I’ve nothing to lose”. I knew I’d be safe and cared for because they nursed someone in my family who’d passed away on the ward and my Dad has fantastic care from the Hospice at Home team.
I have attended the “FAB” programme for my fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness, which has made such a difference. It was then time to take stock of my mental health; it had got worse through living with this life limiting COPD. So, I signed up to the Positive Living Group in the hope of improving my wellbeing, confidence and developing future plans. It’s worked – I have found myself exploring activities and new hobbies that I enjoy! We can all laugh at crafts and things but they give you a focus, you actually make something and they can distract me from my pain.
If I’m honest, it can be hard to summon up the courage to walk into a place where you don’t know anyone. I don’t know why I was so worried because everyone is so friendly. There’s always a brew, biscuits, advice and
support. Plus, you get to meet other people, you make friends – this place has an amazing feel to it!
The St John’s Day Therapy team always know how you are feeling – it’s like they can sense it. They’re genuinely interested in their patients: such amazing people.
I was a right mess when I first came here and I’m in a different place now. My physical and mental health has improved and I’ve found my self confidence that I’d thought I’d lost forever.”
Karen Smith is one of our St John’s night sitters – she visits patients in their own homes and stays with them overnight, so that their carer can have a good night’s sleep, safe in the knowledge their loved one is being looked after. On top of this, Karen has a personal connection to the Hospice; in 2020, her best friend Julie was a patient here at St John’s, for the last five days of her life.
It was the height of the Covid pandemic, but because Julie was on our ward, Karen was able to visit her until the end. Having found great comfort in this, she decided to fundraise in her friend’s memory. Having wanted to experience a skydive for a while, Karen’s husband bought her a tandem skydive with video footage included for Christmas.
Karen wanted to use this opportunity to raise some funds for St John’s Hospice and help everyone who benefits from our services. She set up her JustGiving page and has raised just over £1,500!
Karen said ” It was amazing & I didn’t feel scared as I just focused on all those people that we care for who have no choice in what they have to face and that put it all into perspective for me.”
You can see Karen’s incredible skydive from 15,000 feet here:
An anonymous £100k Donation from the Pappagallino Fund to Cumbria Community Foundation has directly supported St John’s Hospice care of patients in their own homes.
This very generous donation has meant that St John’s has been able to offer many additional services to South Lakes patients from Kendal, Grasmere, Ambleside, Kirby Lonsdale, Arnside, Silverdale and further afield. This is timely to say the least as demand from this area increases year by year.
St John’s cares for patients and families in patients’ homes or the inpatient ward so patients can be in their place of choice.
Living in rural areas such as the South Lakes can bring challenges e.g. access to services, navigating public transport to get to appointments and other issues can make people feel disadvantaged or excluded from care. Cumbria Community Foundation is very aware of the impact of these challenges on palliative and end of life care so, so kindly supported St John’s to make a positive impact on patients and families.
The funding has meant that 145 patients in the South Lakes area have been supported by this very generous donation. This support has boosted 464 Hospice at Home visits to patients’ homes, 1479 support telephone calls to families,127 respite visits and 183 night sit visits.
All of this is in addition to the 42 South Lakes patients who have stayed on the inpatient ward for a combined total of 1050 days of care from St John’s specialist doctors, experienced nurses, social workers, and a range of therapists. 103 people also received bereavement support from our expert team of counsellors, therapists and volunteers pre and post bereavement.
The Cumbria Community Foundation donation also enabled St John’s to support health and social care colleagues to deliver excellent palliative and end of life care. For example, education, advice and guidance for GPs, District Nurses, social workers, care homes and more.
Cumbria Community Foundation is an award-winning charity dedicated to improving community life and tackling the most important challenges our county faces. It manages more than 100 grant making funds on behalf of individuals, families and organisations and supports more than 500 community projects each year. Since 1999, it has invested more than £60 million into 4,000 groups and 8,000 individuals, which has improved the quality of life for thousands of residents across the region. For further information visit: www.cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760
Our popular Moonlight Walk returns on Saturday 15th June; the 15km route has been updated to take participants around some of the famous sights of Lancaster and Morecambe at night.
This year, for the first time, the walk will include a trip up to Lancaster Castle, the stunning centuries old building will be lit up in St John’s Hospice green for the occasion.
Hundreds of people have already signed up to ‘do something wonderful’ in memory of someone they love. We’re aiming high, looking for 1,000 participants to join the unique walk. Our last Moonlight Walk saw a participant come all the way from Bahrain to take part, and this year the message to do something wonderful for St John’s has spread all the way to Times Square in New York!
Lily Knight, Events and Corporate Fundraiser, St John’s Hospice, said “The Moonlight Walk has always been one of our best-attended events which we’ve brought back due to popular demand! We’ve worked hard re-imagining the event, to welcome first-timers and still keep it exciting for the amazing people who have joined us before.
“There’s an incredible atmosphere and sense of community at the Moonlight Walk, and we want to welcome everyone to come and walk in memory of someone they love, whether they received care at St John’s Hospice or not.
“It’s also a really unique experience to share with friends! We’re so excited for everyone to see how we’ve updated the event.”
St John’s Hospice provides palliative and end of life care for adults across North Lancashire, the South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire. As well as the inpatient ward, our community teams care for patients in their own homes, and our bereavement team provide whole-family support. St John’s Hospice costs £12,000 a day to run, with around 25% of funding coming from the NHS, and the rest raised through incredible community support.
David, whose wife Jean received St John’s Hospice care, wants to encourage people to sign up and fundraise for the Moonlight Walk. He said “St John’s know how important it is to celebrate life events. We wanted a family get-together for our 57th wedding anniversary – the thought of it rallied Jean. Our Hospice at Home nurse Diane arrived with a bottle of Prosecco and there were hugs all round. That night I said to Jean, “Night, night, I love you”, Jean said, “I love you too” and as always, I held her hand as she went to sleep. Jean never woke up again.
“I’m still flabbergasted at the amount of work St John’s do. They’re on the hospice ward, they are in homes like mine and then there’s all the bereavement support, which is good; we need that help afterwards. I used to wonder why they were always fundraising, now I know why – so many different types of care and support that we all need, and it all needs paying for.”
Individuals, friend groups and families have already signed up to the event, as well as teams from groups and workplaces.
Joanne, a district nurse from Lancaster, said “In the district nursing team we really see just how important St John’s Hospice is, and how invaluable the care they provide is to this community. At work we are split into four separate teams across the district, spanning a large area. We’ve been thinking about trying to organise an in-person get together for a while now and thought the Moonlight Walk was the perfect opportunity to see each other and also raise money for this incredible local cause.”
Tickets, more information about the event and details of more ways you can remember your loved one through the Moonlight Walk are available here!
Thank you to the Lancaster Guardian and The Westmorland Gazette for also sharing this story.
