Independent Suffolk charity St Elizabeth Hospice has announced the return of its annual Christmas appeal, Be a Star, for 2021.
On average every Christmas, the hospice provides vital care to 300 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses and their families across Great Yarmouth and Waveney, for many of whom it will be their last Christmas spent together.
Through Be a Star, the charity is encouraging the community to support the hospice during this very special time of year and help staff ensure patients and families can have the Christmas they deserve.
Pauline Donkin, Head of Individual Giving and Supporter Care at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Every year we help families and their loved ones over Christmas, during what for some will sadly be their last.
“This care is delivered at our Inpatient Unit, at Beccles Hospital and in homes throughout the community, across Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, wherever our support is needed we will be there.
“We are always grateful for the community support we receive throughout the year. But to allow us to help as many people and their families as possible this Christmas, we are calling on the public to Be a Star and support St Elizabeth Hospice this festive period and make a difference to the lives of those in their local community, who are living through difficult times in their lives.”
From purchasing items such as Christmas cards, from St Elizabeth Hospice shops or online store, to taking part fundraising events like the Christmas Day Dip or volunteering time to help the hospice as part of a New Year’s resolution.
There are a number of ways to take part in the Be a Star appeal and each one makes a vital contribution to supporting the hospice in making Christmas time a special time for those under its care this year.
One person who is familiar with the support St Elizabeth Hospice provides at Christmas time is Leanne Mann, whose mum, Lorraine Brown, was cared for during the Christmas period in 2019.This support enabled the family to enjoy Christmas together as well as help Lorraine attend Leanne’s wedding before Lorraine’s death in January 2020.
“I really enjoyed our Christmas in the hospice as a family, it really was a home from home,” explained Leanne.
“We knew deep down this would be our last Christmas together so with the hospice’s help we made sure it was a very happy Christmas full of food, presents and lots of time spent together.
“Without St Elizabeth Hospice our Christmas would have been very different but thanks to their support we shared a normal family Christmas. It was made more perfect because of where it was and thanks to their care, Mum had the Christmas she deserved and we were able to have the family feeling we love.”
Find out how to support the Be a Star appeal by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star/be-a-star-appeal or call 01473 723600.