The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

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OUR DETAILSAddress

Mary Ann Evans HospiceEliot WayNuneatonCV10 7QL

Hospice Care024 7686 5451

Fundraising024 7686 5450/5439

Websitewww.maryannevans.org.uk

Emailmaehenquiries@geh.nhs.uk

Reg Charity Number1014800

As many of you will know 2011 has been our 20th Anniversary Year, I hope you will have been able to join in some of the special events we have organised this year. We have a responsibility to work hard to sustain the organisation and continue the dedicated work of those who developed the idea of a Hospice in North Warwickshire. From listening to people who really know what Hospice care is, those patients and their families who benefit, it is a service that must continue to develop. At present we have to raise 75% of our funding from voluntary sources which amounts to £1,200 EVERY DAY.

The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

The Mary Ann Evans Hospice

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Yvonne’s Challenge

Yvonne and the team of 11 sky divers have raised the fantastic sum of £6,500. Well done to all. Yvonne said of behalf of the team “The team spirit on the day was fantastic with everyone having a different experience from terror to elation with the majority wanting to jump again immediately.”

The next parachute jump will take place at Langar Airfield in Notts, Sunday 20th May. If you are interested please contact the Fundraising Office for details or check out the website.

Yvonne gets some family support

Hospice to Lands End Challenge

Director Bill Kelly together with the Lands End Team of Tom, Liz & Diane celebrated the 20th Anniversary by walking a total distance of 355 miles in 20 days starting at the Hospice on July 20th. Bill said “It was an awesome experience. On the shortest day we walked 13 miles taking 6 hours and our longest walk was 23 miles which took us 10 hours. It was fantastic, the scenery was wonderful, the weather was superb and the few blisters, sore legs & tiredness were overshadowed by the generosity and kindness of everyone we met on the way. In total we have £5,000 pledged with a few more promises to be realised.”

20th Anniversary Update

Local businesses in Nuneaton Town entered into the spirit of the Sunflower Festival Week creating awareness of the Mary Ann Evans Hospice’s 20th Anniversary with a shop window competition and a sunflower trail.

The winning shop window was Abbeycraft/Artworld and was picked by a team of judges including Hospice Patron Kay Alexander, Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones & Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Cllr Neil Phillips. They were impressed with the variety and interpretation and also the time the staff had given to the project.

Alan Ottey, Town Centre Manager said “The Town has thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Mary Ann Evans Hospice Sunflower Festival Week, what a great way to unite the local community. We are all looking forward to repeating the event next year with an even bigger Sunflower Festival Week.”

Presenting a whopping £15,695 cheque at the Hospice Garden Party

The judging team in progress

SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL

LONDON MARATHON 2012Have you been rejected in the ballot? Do you want to

run the London Marathon 2012?

If so, you could join the Hospice Jaguar Golden Bond Team. You will need to raise a minimum of £1,200 but supporting a local respected charity is a great motivation to run the challenging 26.2 miles around the streets of London.A huge thank you to Jaguar Employees General Charities Fund for sponsoring our Golden Bond Team of 10 in 2011.

If you are interested please call: 024 7686 5450.

Cllr Neil Phillips & Mayoress Caroline Taylor are delighted to be supporting the Hospice

Please support me and the Mary Ann Evans Hospice at the following events:Oct 21 Avon Jazz Concert, URC Church NuneatonFeb 14 Valentine Tea Dance, Ambleside ClubMar 19 Charity Golf Day, Oakridge Golf Club, Nr AnsleyMar 23 Charity Night with Vince Hill & Friends, Civic Hall, BedworthApril 28 Council’s Got Talent, Civic Hall, Bedworth

Cllr Neil Phillips who became Mayor of Nuneaton & Bedworth in May 2011 said “When deciding to choose a charity to support there were a lot to select from but for me the choice was not difficult, it is a blunt fact that the perception of the public about a hospice is that it is a place where people go to die. But that is not what the Mary Ann Evans Hospice is about and the outlook is very different. For the Hospice, the emphasis is on the fact that the patients are living and it is about offering a high quality of care for them. My fiancée and Mayoress Caroline works as a hospice nurse in Yorkshire, so I am more than aware of the value of such organisations”He described the Mary Ann Evans Hospice as a charity that has been making a difference to the lives of people in the borough for the past two decades. No specific target has been set for the appeal but at the end of the day, we will be raising the profile of the hospice, and raising some much needed financial support in conjunction with the requirements of the patients. My mum died when I was 13 and I only wish that she had had the opportunity to receive hospice care. I encourage as many of you to support my appeal by organising an event or by attending any of the events which have already been planned”. Offers of help to civicofficer@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk.

Mayor & Mayoress of Nuneaton & Bedworth Cllr Neil Phillips and his fiancée Caroline Taylor

A message from David, a Hospice patient. I recently celebrated my 65th birthday and instead of presents, I decided to

ask for donations and we also held a raffle at my party. In total £550.00 was raised and I chose to donate this money to the Mary Ann Evans Hospice

as a gesture of my appreciation and thanks for the treatment I have received. I am at present being treated by Kay in the Lymphoedema department following recent surgery for mouth cancer and I am experiencing first hand what an essential service we have locally. Until cancer affects us personally, I do not think that we fully appreciate the work that organisations like the hospice carry out.

I know that my eyes have been opened to exactly how important it is that we support the hospice in any way that we can. It is not only

the physical treatment, but also the emotional problems that can follow cancer, and I am sure is the same as any life threatening illness. I have

received the best treatment that I could have asked for on both of these counts. We can tend to feel isolated with our emotional problems as we think we

are too manly to admit how we are feeling. The conversations I had made me realise that this is a normal reaction and helped me tremendously to come to terms with my situation. I know that when my treatment comes to an end I will be more than just improved physically, I will have more of an acceptance of just what has happened to me. David said: “May I say a massive thank you. I will be doing something in the future to try to raise further donations for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, and to try in some way to make the people of Nuneaton aware of the work that is undertaken. The Mary Ann Evans Hospice is not as I thought, a place to spend your last days, it is an organisation that gives life and support in a variety of ways. I am very pleased I have had my eyes opened, and hopefully my knowledge will be able to help others just like me.”

Kay receives David’s donations

“Thank you all so very much for caring for Dad and for us all as a family. you have been gentle, empath etic, funny and straightforward, whatever th e situation called for. Th e night staff were a godsend, getting a good night’s sleep took on a completely new importance.I have h eard oth ers say that those working for hospices are angels and thought perhaps th ey over exaggerated, but now we know this to be true. Thank you again for everything.”

The Hospice at Home Team...care in a way that is difficult to see, it is a service taking place in the privacy of a patients home. A family recently explained their gratitude in a letter.

Care at the Day Hospice...is very varied; each patient has individual and varying needs, from having a bath, a one to one chat with staff or getting involved in the activities room and some patients just like to be with other patients in a safe and supportive environment. Recently, in conjunction with the hospice’s Anniversary ‘Big Brew’ patients and volunteers celebrated in style with ‘Tea at the Hospice Ritz’. One patient commented “It was much better than being at the Ritz and as always it was such a lovely atmosphere”.

Andrea, Team Leader said“Over the last 7 months the Hospice at Home team have made 1775 day visits and 212 night visits, caring for 105 families. It’s such a special service and the letters we receive confirm just that.”

Rev Gill Hancock reflects on her role as Hospice ChaplainI have now been at the Hospice for 6 months, during which time I have been able to assess and review Chaplaincy & Spiritual Support. When a serious illness impacts on someone’s life it affects every area of their being; and not purely the physical. The hospice takes a ‘holistic approach’ in supporting people through the different stages of their illness and encourages them to find new ways of living with the challenges they may be facing.

My role is very clear; it is not to pressurize people into talking about religion, but come alongside each person who spends time at the hospice and to be a listening ear. When someone knows we are listening to them we allow them space to untangle their thoughts, concerns and relationships. Listening gives value to anyone who feels they have lost hope: it allows an entering into the other’s pain. People ask all kinds of questions like ‘Why me?’ and are often worried about how they, or others, will cope with their changing circumstances.

At the Hospice no two days are the same; some people want to look ahead and start a conversation about sorting out their affairs or planning their funeral, others want to join in one of the regular services.

For many patients they cannot get to their local church anymore, so support in whatever way at the Hospice is important to them. One of the joys for patients is having their wedding rings blessed or even renewing their wedding vows.

Lights of Love Christmas is a special time of year and for anyone who has lost a loved one it can be a difficult time. Every dedication will be symbolised with a light on our Christmas tree. We do hope you will be able to join us & remember someone special. Enclosed is a Lights of Love form, and everyone is invited to join in the service at the Hospice on Sunday December 4th promptly at 4pm.

Reception

DrivingFundraising

is vital & variedOur ‘Volunteer Army’ provided 32,656 hours of valuable support in 2010

To join the team please ring 024 7686 5433 for details

Volunteering

Support GroupsGardening

Day Hospice

Shops Hospice Director retires

Calendar 2012

Only£5.00

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Thank you to all businesses and organisations who have made the publication of his calendar possible. All proceeds will go to help fund patient care povided by the Mary Ann Evans Hospice

Telephone: 024 7686 5450/5439www.maryannevans.org.uk | email: maehenquiries@geh.nhs.uk

Mary Ann Evans Hospice, Eliot Way, Nuneaton CV10 7QL Charity No: 1014800

Preparing for Christmas

Cards & Calendars available from the Hospice & Hospice Shops

Special thanks to the following local businesses and organisations who have sponsored the Hospice Christmas cards and calendar your support is really appreciated.

Michael Kiernan Cars, Ropewalk Shopping Centre, MI Taxis, Nuneaton Town FC, The Masons of Nuneaton & Atherstone, Hawkins, San Giovanni, Cartridge World, Arbury Hall, N & B BC Town Centre Management, D A Brockwell, Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery, Burgis & Bullock, Bedworth Almshouses Residents & Bedworth Sick & Needy, Jenny Wren Gallery, Polesworth Garage, Nuneaton Round Table .

Greetings inside: With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Packs contain 10 cards for £3.50 Coleshill Church & Bedworth Almhouses at £4.00 each.

Where: Pingles Running Track (Nuneaton)

When: Sunday 11th DecemberRegistration: Registration £5.00 (16’s & over)

Registration 10:00am - Warm up 11:00am

Get sponsored & receive a Santa Suit.Call now for an entry form024 7686 5439/5450

Santa ’ s Mile 2011A sponsored run, walk, stroll, toddle, hop,

skip or jump for either 1 mile.

Mary Ann Evans Hospice

Prizes 1. £150 Sainsbury’s Vouchers 2. £100 Asda Vouchers 3. £50 Morrisons VouchersPlus many more….. Tickets cost 50p each. If you are unable to sell the raffle tickets, please do not worry, we understand. If you need more tickets please contact the Fundraising Office.

Nuneaton Support Group Xmas Raffle

Santa’s Mile 2011

Nuneaton Support Group Christmas Raffle

A sponsored 1 mile run, walk, stroll, toddle, hop, skip or jump. Get sponsored & receive a free Santa Suit.

Where: Pingles Running Track (Nuneaton)When: Sunday 11th DecemberRegistration: 10:00amWarm up: 11:00am

Registration Fee - £5.00 Under 16’s freeRing now for an entry form024 7686 5439/5450

Cash not Cards!

Christmas MarketSaturday 12th November1 - 4pm

St Thomas More SchoolGreenmoor RoadNuneaton

Lots of stalls & Santas too!!!

Instead of sending Christmas cards to colleagues at work why not support the Hospice’s Cash not Cards Appeal. For those organisations who pledge their support you will receive

a Cash not Cards envelope to collect the donations and a

poster for everyone to exchange their Christmas message.

A Strictly wonderful occasion

The finale of the Strictly Learn to Dance 2011 was a fabulous occasion and an excellent fundraiser for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, a fantastic £11,000 was raised. The 22 novice dancers took up the challenge of 12 weeks of lessons learning to Cha Cha Cha and the Social Foxtrot. Everyone who took part found it an exhilarating (and terrifying) experience. The couple who won the judges vote was our own Consultant Dr Julia Grant and her husband Allister, and the audience voted for Vanessa Cutts and Paul Kennedy.

DVD’s of the evening are available by courtesy of Ashley Hawkins from Lightyear Productions at £10 each from the Hospice.

Strictly Winners 2011 Vanessa Cutts & Paul Kennedy, Jacqueline Leake & Richard Talbot aka Tess & Bruce, Drs Julia & Allister Grant

If you would like to be considered for Strictly Learn to Dance 2012, please call to register your interest. Weekly, rehearsals start on Sunday 8th January and the finale is on Saturday March 31st. Places are limited so do not delay!

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New for 2012

For registration forms please ring 024 7686 5439

Sponsored 5km Dog Walk

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Sunday 4th MarchBosworth Battlefield Site

Registration 10am 10.30am start

Entry £5 per person

Dogs receive medal & treats!

Competitions - Spot Prizes - Doggy Tombola

in conjunction with Griffin Clicker Dogs

For information call: 024 7686 5439

email: maehenquiries@geh.nhs.uk | www.maryannevans.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1014800

Sponsored 5km Dog Walk

woofs&

Sunday 4th MarchBosworth Battlefield Site

Registration 10am 10.30am startEntry £5 per person

Dogs receive medal & treats!

Competitions - Spot Prizes - Doggy Tombola

in conjunction with Griffin Clicker Dogs

For information call: 024 7686 5439email: maehenquiries@geh.nhs.uk | www.maryannevans.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1014800

5K Fancy “Drag Race”Start at Nuneaton Town Football Club, through Nuneaton Town Centre and back...Registration Forms available from the HospiceApril 21st | 12:00 Noon

5K Fancy “Drag Race”Start at Nuneaton Town Football Club, through Nuneaton Town Centre and back...Registration Forms available from the Hospice

April 21st | 12:00 Noon

Don’t waste it donate it on...

Donations DayCould you organise a donations day at work for the Hospice?

On a designated day, your business/place of work could host a donations drive which could be advertised on notice boards, via email, team talks etc. Staff would be encouraged to bring into work one good quality item they no longer want or need, which will then be donated to the Hospice. These goods can then be sold through the charity shops to raise funds for Hospice care.

Why is Donations Day a good idea?

Everybody wins. The donated goods help to raise money, people are able to feel good while de-cluttering their lives, we gain both stock and the chance to take our message to a new audience. Re-usage is good for the environment too!

Hospice ShopsThe Mary Ann Evans Hospice has four retail shops and takes pride in selling good quality items at affordable prices to raise vital funds for patient care.

We were pleased to open a new shop in 2009 in Coleshill, the first charity shop for the town. The staff and volunteers at the shop have worked really hard to establish themselves and are now doing a fabulous job of securing donations and new supporters for the Hospice.

Our other 3 shops in Atherstone, Nuneaton & Bedworth have all recently been refurbished and all staff and volunteers involved in our four shops have worked hard to increase their sales too.

You can help by donating good quality:- • Clean clothing for all ages • Jewellery, ornaments and bric-a-brac • Books, CD’s and DVD’s • Toys and games • Household items and linens • Unwanted gifts

The shops could not remain open if it wasn’t for the dedication of all their volunteers too. Credit must go to all of them for the energy and time they give to the Mary Ann Evans Hospice.

Atherstone49 Long Street, CV9 1AD01827 715390

Coleshill5&6 Chamberlain Walk, B46 3BZ01657 465767

Bedworth2 King Street, CV12 8HY024 7649 4020

Nuneaton70a Queens Road, CV11 5JZ024 7635 4854

In conjunction with local solicitors approximately £5,000 was raised. The generous solicitors waived their fee in return for a donation to the Hospice. Research reveals that three out of four people never make a will but spending a little time and money on plans for the future is just common sense.

Even if you have already made a will, it is vital that it is kept up-to-date. If you do not make a will, and have no next of kin, everything you own could go to the state.

For many people, one of the most effective ways of supporting a charity is by leaving a legacy. Sometimes individuals may not have the resources available to make gifts during their lifetime; this means the legacy can be their greatest gift to support the Mary Ann Evans Hospice’s future.

The solicitors who are keen to support the Hospice again next year are Alsters Kelly, Cocks Lloyd, Garner Canning, LDJ, Townshends, Tustain Jones and Willsons.

Another way to keep in touch and find out what is going on at the hospice is to visit our Facebook page, please follow the link

http://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnEvansHospice91

and “Like” the Mary Ann Evans Hopsice page.

Sign a Gift Aid declaration

Did you know that if you have made a donation to the Mary Ann Evans Hospice in the last 4 years we can reclaim 25p for every £1 donated from HM Revenue and Customs as long as you are a UK taxpayer? This means that your £10 donation can be turned into £12.50.

If you haven’t signed a Gift Aid declaration yet, please sign the declaration on the yellow donation form enclosed with your newsletter.

Make Your Will Week 2011.

20 years on - Time for changeThe loose change boxes are back having raised significant funds over the years. We would like to thank everyone who has donated via a loose change box and hope you will continue to support in this way. They are simple to use and like to be fed every day. Because of postage costs it is prohibitive to include a new box for everyone on our database. If you would like one please indicate on the donation form.

There are many people who wish to support the Hospice but in the current economic climate are finding it difficult. Here are a few ways to help that will not cost you lots of money. Sharing your story about the Mary Ann Evans Hospice can really help people to understand more about what we do and raise awareness of our work. When they hear about how people’s lives have been touched by the care they’ve received, it can make a real impact. If you’d like to share your story with us, it would be lovely to hear from you. Have a Spring CleanWhy not have a clear out and donate any unwanted items to one of our Hospice shops. We would be delighted to see you, whether you have clothes, bric a brac or a treasured one-off item – please think of us!

Spread the WordRaising awareness in the local community about the Mary Ann Evans Hospice is really valuable and we’d love you to help us. You could display posters about forthcoming Mary Ann Evans Hospice events and campaigns or perhaps you are part of a local organisation or company that you think may be able to help us – if so let us know. Present AmnestyWe are always in need of good quality items to use as raffle and tombola prizes for events. So if you have any unwanted presents we’d be more than happy to give them a brand new home.

Collecting TinsDo you know a venue that could ‘house’ a collecting tin. We value all the pubs, shops, offices who do have a Hospice tin. Thank you for your support.

Moving Forward into 2012In 2012 we are taking the opportunity to update our logo and introduce the Mary Ann Evans Hospice “sunflower”, a vibrant new logo. We hope you will like and recognise it in the local community.

024 7686 5450