Following the retirement of Terry O'Leary, who chaired our Board of Trustees for the last eight years and expertly lead us to our new hospice home, we're thrilled to introduce you to our new Chair of Trustees, Philip Ingleby. In this short video Philip introduces himself and shares what he brings to St Catherine's.
Countdown to Dragon Boats!
It's less than two months to go until our fantastic Dragon Boat Festival returns to Tilgate Lake!
If you haven't entered your team yet then what are you waiting for?! Dust off your oars, rally the troops, and join us for a corporate team building event like no other.
You and your colleagues are in for a row-tally oar-some afternoon full of fun, community spirit, and a touch of healthy competition, as you take to the water for at least two exhilarating races. There will then be a head-to-head final where you could be crowned the champion for 2024!
Remember, your £800 entry fee covers the cost of the event, and then the challenge is on to match this, or raise even more, so our expert nurses can continue caring for local families facing death and loss.
Sign up now at www.stch.org.uk/event/dragon-boat-festival-2024/ or email corporate@stch.org.uk for more information.
Help us spread the word!
Are there people in your network who you'd like to go up against? Perhaps you've got colleagues, clients, or contractors who would make perfect competitors. As well as raising vital funds for your local hospice, our Dragon Boat Festival is a fantastic networking opportunity, and there will be plenty of time to connect with other teams whilst on dry land. Please do let your contacts know about this exciting event and put them in touch with corporate@stch.org.uk so we can tell them more.
“The hospice has helped me to live a better life”
Thanks to your fantastic fundraising, we can continue caring for local people living with life-limiting and terminal conditions – people like Marie.
45 year old Marie was diagnosed with plasma cell leukaemia and amyloidosis, a group of rare conditions where a protein called amyloid builds up in your body in summer 2022. Here she shares more.
“I was feeling really tired and rundown with achy joints, neck and shoulder pain and swelling in my legs, feet and tongue but as a teaching assistant in a school I thought, “I'll wait until the summer holidays to get a doctor's appointment.”
When I saw my doctor they arranged an appointment with a rheumatologist incase I had arthritis. It was the rheumatology consultant who said, “this isn't arthritis. This is something else. You need to go straight to hospital.”
I went to East Surrey Hospital and suddenly my life turned upside down very quickly
I was diagnosed and kept in hospital for four months. Scans showed the amyloidosis is in my heart, lungs and kidneys, and although doctors said I need a bone marrow transplant for the leukaemia, because of how the amyloidosis has affected my organs I can’t have one.
After eight rounds of chemo I’ve now thrown as much treatment at my illness as I can.
St Catherine’s have been brilliant
When I came out of hospital I wasn’t in a good place. All I could think about was my 15- year-old daughter and 18-year-old son, and the fact that I’m going to have to leave them without a Mum. Knowing I won’t be around for my children has been one of the hardest things about my illness.
The hospice has given me counselling which has helped me to feel more positive and to concentrate on the now, rather than worrying about what’s coming.
Ruth and Beth from St Catherine’s therapy team have also helped me
When I came home I couldn’t walk so was trapped in a hospital bed in my lounge and I felt like things weren’t ever going to get better. Ruth and Beth’s support has given me the motivation to think “no, this isn't going to be what my life's going to be like. I can make it better.”
With their help, I’ve managed to get rid of my hospital bed. I’m able to get upstairs, sleep in my own bed and use the loo again which has made a massive difference.
I can make dinner for my family again too
I can put on a casserole or make a lasagne so that when my husband and children come home dinner’s waiting for them. Before I got ill, I took cooking the family dinner for granted, but it’s felt like such a big thing to cook again after a year of not being able too.
St Catherine’s has helped me to live a better life
I want to be around for my children and husband for as long as I can. With St Catherine’s help I’m going to keep fighting and pushing myself rather than just sitting and giving up.”
Hospice in Bloom
After moving into our new hospice on Grace Holland Avenue in Pease Pottage during the winter, we've now had a glimpse of what summer is like at our new home for the very first time.
Our hospice is situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we overlook the picturesque countryside. Within our hospice grounds, our talented Maintenance team, dedicated Volunteer Gardeners, and generous corporate volunteers have been working hard for many months, planting various plants, flowers, and shrubs. This greenery is really starting to flourish now, and the gorgeous flowers are beginning to bloom, helping to add a splash of colour to our outdoor spaces.
Each of our patient rooms have their own private garden, and these are becoming well- established too with the plants growing taller and the flowers spreading. This makes them beautiful yet peaceful places for patients and visitors to connect with nature – whether they are enjoying quality time together or having a moment of quiet reflection.
We're hugely grateful to all the corporate volunteers who have generously given up their time, expertise, and resources to help make our outdoor spaces look and feel so special.
Dare we mention the C-word?
From one season to another! Now, we're not wanting to wish summer away, but can you believe that we're more than half way through the year?!
Our busy fundraising team are already starting to think about Christmas and there's plenty of opportunities for you and your team to get involved throughout the festive season. From spreading Christmas cheer at our gift wrapping service, to helping with our Christmas tree recycling service, there is something for everyone.
All we're asking for right now is that you register your interest by emailing corporate@stch.org.uk and we'll be in touch nearer the time with more information.
