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.
The Moonlight Walk is BACK for 2024! Join us on Saturday 15 June
This year’s walk will be bigger and better than ever, and everyone is invited to walk in memory of a loved one whilst supporting and celebrating your local hospice!
We’ve got so many exciting ideas in store that we’re revealing like the phases of the moon, and we’re so excited them with you!
We’ve given the classic Moonlight Walk route an update, this year we’re setting off from St John’s Hospice and heading up to Lancaster Castle before heading on to Morecambe prom, through to Bolton le Sands and back here to St John’s!
Lancaster and Morecambe will turn GREEN for one night only, representing all the local people who have been touched by St John’s Hospice care. Lancaster Castle will be looking splendent, illuminated in a glorious green glow! We have plans in store for an interactive experience for all participants to take part in at the castle, but we’re keeping that a secret for now…
Something familiar, something new – introducing new ways to honour your loved ones on this Moonlight Walk
You will be able to purchase one of our beautiful metal work Forget Me Nots, which you can display in our garden of remembrance here at St John’s before taking home with you. You might recognise the flowers from our 2022 displays at Lancaster Castle and Brockhole; especially for the Moonlight Walk, they have been reduced to £20 each
Introducing a completely new element to this year’s Walk – Memory Lane. For the first time, a section of the route along Morecambe Prom will be dedicated to remembering your loved ones. For £30, a photo of someone you love can be displayed on Memory Lane, reminding you who you are walking for and giving you that boost to keep going!
Our poster boy for Memory Lane is Bill, whose daughter Anna has kindly shared her story with us:
“My dad Bill was Governor at Lancaster Castle from 1987 to 1990 and he loved it! Of all his postings he really enjoyed his time there – every time we see the castle coming over the bridge we always say ‘there’s King Billy’s castle’. When I saw the announcement that this year’s Moonlight Walk route would include the castle, and it would be lit up green, I felt like there was something spiritual going on there. Green had always been my dad’s favourite colour, and he had such a strong attachment to the castle.
Dad died in 2018, and even though he didn’t receive hospice care, he could have – any one of us could need it, and we’ve always supported St John’s. Whether it’s care you get at home, or in the hospice, what’s intrinsic is St John’s people-centred care for all the family. The Hospice gives our family comfort, and we take part in St John’s events to remember him, they’re such love-filled and gentle spaces to be able to do that.
Dad was funny and caring, he would always fall on his luck. He was the life and soul of everything and he would have loved to be launching Memory Lane. My mum Marie isn’t going to be able to join us on the walk this year, but I can’t wait for her to see dad’s photo on the route.”
Prizes!
We are very excited to announce that we are bringing back our Moonlight Walk Fundraising Prize Draw for 2024! Generous local businesses have got involved and have donated some incredible prizes for you, as fundraisers, to be within a chance of winning!
Raise over £50 and you will be entered into a draw to win a Luxury Hamper
Raise over £100 and you will be entered into a draw to win Afternoon Tea for two at the Toll House Inn & a prize donated by Sue Shields Face & Body Spa
Raise over £250 and you will be entered into a draw to win Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two at Aspect Bar & Bistro and two float sessions for two people at Re:Set Mind Body Soul
Raise over £350 and you will be entered into a draw to win a Tapas and Cocktail Pitcher voucher at Cappuvino, Thermal Journey voucher at Tranquil Spa and a free bottle of fizz voucher at Brittlestar
It doesn’t end there – Jo & Cass Lancaster have donated one year’s FREE hairdressing to be awarded to our ‘Top Fundraiser’ – the person who raises the most amount of money! The prize can be redeemed at either the Jo & Cass Salon or The Men’s Room barbers!
Don’t forget the more you raise, the higher amount of prize draws you will be entered in to!
The Event Village!
This year we have some wonderful plans for our event village so make sure to join us from 8pm on Saturday 15th June to enjoy the whole magic of the evening!
The brilliant Beyond Radio with us on the night providing tunes to get you pumped up ahead of the walk, Jennifers Dancers will be putting on a wonderful performance to entertain the crowds and Chelsea from CW Fitness will be making sure you are warmed up ahead of pounding the pavements for the Hospice!
New for 2024!
Join us to fuel up before the walk with the tasty Three Guys Fish and Chips
or something delicious from Diplos Sourdough Pizza
Get hydrated with lovely Lay-By Lattes
The team from our medal sponsor, Vogue by Laura Jane Norman, will be there on the night to plait hair
and we have a wonderful glitter artist Stef as well , to add that extra sparkle on the special night!
Now is the perfect time to kick start your fundraising! This element of the event truly ensures we can continue to support our local community and make it a real success for the Hospice. Set up a page on our dedicated Just Giving Campaign or print off a traditional sponsorship form to reach people who aren’t as tech savvy.
One of our supporters, Carole has raised over £1,000 already which has just blown us away! Here’s what Carole has to say about taking part in the Moonlight Walk
“I decided to do the Moonlight walk for St John’s in memory of two members of my family. My husband, who was a keen walker, died in an accident seven years ago and my younger son died suddenly, when in hospital, just over a year ago. He had run fundraising marathons after losing friends, so walking seemed an appropriate way of remembering both of them. I am completely overwhelmed by the response I have received. In the 4 days since launching my Just Giving page, over £1000 has been donated to St John’s.”
Mark yourself as ‘attending’ the Moonlight Walk on Facebook to join in the conversation! Especially as we get nearer to the event we’ll be sharing lots in here, and supporting you through your fundraising!
We need marshals along the route of the Moonlight Walk to keep everyone going and to make sure everyone stays safe. If you’re interested in marshalling, please fill in this form (no commitment at this stage) and we’ll be in touch!
“I’m a straightforward person. Yes, I have cancer and I’ve decided not to let it define me. I don’t want to sit in a corner, I want to get on with my life and I still am – it’s just different. People see me for what I am: still smiling and still happy.
I feel lucky as I have Sandy from St John’s Hospice to help me. I met Sandy in February after I was diagnosed with cancer. I wasn’t sure when I heard the ‘hospice’ word as I thought of it as a building where people go to die. I now see St John’s as an amazing place that helps people, and I’m looking forward to going to the Courtyard Café for lunch soon!
To me the Hospice is home because Sandy comes to me at home. I never knew the Hospice came out to see people at home and it’s great that they do – I couldn’t do without St John’s now. Sandy works with other people involved in my care like the GP and it’s so helpful. If I have a problem, say with medication, I just call her and she sorts it, she doesn’t let me down. Sandy has also helped me get ready for the future by supporting me with my advanced care planning so my wishes will be listened to, in fact she’s helped Mum and Dad too.
Sandy encourages me to be myself, to still socialise, which is great as I love to get out. My friend Irene and I put a bit of bling on and go out for lunch together. It’s nice to get dressed up once a week and feel a bit glamorous and special!”
We caught up with Irene who told us, “Michelle is an exceptional woman. I’ve known her for over 30 years and she’s loyal, caring and helpful. When I had my brain injury Michelle was here for me. We’ve been through a lot and its scary sometimes but Michelle is a determined woman facing her illness head on. When we lunch out together we talk nonsense and have a good laugh because positivity and good thoughts are positive healers. We’re ignoring the ‘red lights’ and letting the sun shine on us. Knowing St John’s is there for Michelle means she’s not alone. That means so much for Michelle, me and her family.
Meet Vic and Pat who are firm fans of Day Therapies, including Complementary Therapy.
Vic has a life limiting lung condition and his St John’s Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jill, was supporting Vic and his wife Pat at home. She encouraged Vic to come to St John’s for help from the popular FAB programme to manage his Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness.
Jill also noticed that Vic was struggling to relax, so arranged for the St John’s Complementary Therapist to visit him at home to provide treatment. Although complementary therapy was new to Vic, he soon became aware of the significant benefits it can bring and told us more,
“When Hannah, one of the St John’s Complementary Therapists visited me at home I was unsure if such a therapy would make any difference, now I know it does and look forward to it! I now have massages at St John’s Hospice. The massage eases the stress and tension that the illness brings. After therapy I feel calmer, relaxed and less anxious. It means I can have a ‘good day’ and actually ‘feel good’, physically and mentally for a time. To be able to switch off from the real world for an hour feels like a treat. The complementary therapy goes hand in hand with the support I have had from the Hospice’s FAB group and Positive Living Group. The support I get puts things into perspective and has given me tips on the relatively simple things I can do to make a positive difference.
“My wife Pat has also had a few sessions of complementary therapy here at St John’s too, which I am really grateful for. Some people underestimate the role of a family carer, until it happens to you. Pat has to care for me 24/7, deal with all my problems and keep on top of everything – it’s like every day there’s something new to learn. For Pat to have a complete hour to herself and focus on herself instead of my illness is important for both of us.
“Thanks to Hannah and her complementary therapy I can be ‘me’ for an hour and so can Pat. It means a lot because I don’t want to be ‘a medical illness’ all the time – I want to be myself. Thank you Hannah, Pat and I think you’re a wonder!”
Meet Ursula who visited the inpatient ward recently.
Ursula from Windermere is 91, a mum, a grandma and a great grandma! She has also been ‘mum’ to several Yorkie dogs over the years. Ursula recently visited St John’s for pain management and kindly shared her experiences with us.
“I have a tumour which was causing constant pain so it was suggested that I came to St John’s for help. I hadn’t been to St John’s Hospice before, so my first thought was, “Why would I go to a Hospice when I’m not dying?”
“When I got here it was such an eye-opener. It’s nothing like a hospital and it’s unbelievable. The minute you come through the hospice doors and meet the reception team you feel the love everywhere. The nurses and doctors are like a gift, sent to help you and to sort everything out – they just give so much. It doesn’t stop there; the housekeeping staff keep everywhere spotless and the hospitality staff bring your food when you feel it’s the right time to eat. The food is wonderful, especially the chicken soup! Food is important to me as when I came here I really didn’t want to eat because of the pain but now I’m eating more and the fact it’s all homemade is wonderful. If I can’t eat something, then the kitchen team will make a little something else for me it’s like staying in The Ritz!
“Everyone here understands that it’s the little things that make a difference: a chat, a treat, a soak in the bath or peaceful time to read a book. They’re one special team working together to make everything just right for patients.
“They’ve also been so kind to my visitors, guests such as my nieces have been made to feel very welcome and even their visiting dogs were allowed in too. It’s been lovely to stay here, and even though I’m looking forward to going back home I have loved every minute of it.
“This is a very special charity – thank you for supporting St John’s Hospice so that it’s here to help people like me.”
