Ashgate Hospicecare

Caring Ashgate Hospicecare colleagues swap scrubs for hiking boots to take on High Peak Trail challenge

Two Ashgate Hospicecare staff members who provide vital palliative care in the North Derbyshire community are getting their walking boots on for a charity hiking challenge – and they’re urging the public to join them.

Community Palliative Care Support Workers Dianah Whelpton and Fiona Hardy are taking on the charity’s brand-new High Peak Trail event this summer to help the charity fund care for the families they support.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, July 10th, will see the pair – along with Dianah’s husband Paul – hike 17 miles across the scenic Derbyshire countryside.

The trail, which also offers the option of a shorter eight-mile route, will see the group head along the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Dianah, who has been working for Ashgate for the past two years, wanted to do something to raise funds towards the care after the charity had been forced to close its shops and cancel fundraising events during the pandemic.

“I decided to take part in the High Peak Trail walk for Ashgate to try and raise some much-needed funds after our hospice was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“Our wonderful communities haven’t stopped raising money for us in all kinds of innovative ways and continue to make such a huge effort to support our services. So when I learned of this event, I thought that it would be a very good opportunity to join in with the efforts while exploring the wonderful Derbyshire countryside!

“It’s also a great opportunity to highlight the huge amount of work that the Community Nursing Teams do in caring for thousands of people in their own homes every year.

“I am inspired daily by the wonderful people that I am privileged to care for and I am raising funds to make sure that we can continue caring for years to come.”

The off-road linear walk is traffic-free and promises to be a fun day out with friends and family. There will be free parking at Cromford Meadows, and free transport will be provided to take participants to the start point of the walk so they can walk back to their vehicles at the finish line.

Fiona is urging people across North Derbyshire to join her, Dianah and Paul on the trail this July.

The 53-year-old, who started working at the hospice in 2002, added: “I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and walking is something I do on a regular basis, but I have to admit that 17 miles will be double the distance I usually go!

“It’s been a long time since I started at Ashgate and there’s been lots of changes to the hospice in its appearance and the number of staff working here.

“But the hospice values and compassionate care delivered by our community teams and Inpatient Unit staff has always been excellent.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the High Peak Trail in tribute to my amazing colleagues and the wonderful patients and families we care for. Come and join us – not only will you get to enjoy the stunning Derbyshire countryside, but you’ll be helping us fund care for the families who need our support most.”

There are a limited number of places for the event so people are being urged to sign up quickly. Entry costs £10 per person, which includes a t-shirt (if requested), medal, refreshments and more.

To sign up go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/high-peak-trail-walk/ or call Ashgate Hospicecare’s fundraising team on 01246 567 250.

To sponsor Dianah and Fiona’s team go to ashgatehospicecare.enthuse.com/pf/dianah-whelpton-2615a/post/586904

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare launches Forget-Me-Not Appeal

Ashgate Hospicecare has launched a new way for supporters to celebrate, mourn and remember their loved ones with its Forget-Me-Not Appeal.

As part of the appeal, which is sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, people can make a suggested donation of £25 for a custom made, beautifully crafted forget-me-not flower, to pay a lasting tribute to friends and family.

The striking purple flowers, each measuring 45cm in length, have been made by the Oswestry-based British Ironwork Centre.

The limited-edition flowers will form a display from 8th to 30th June, within the picturesque grounds of Chatsworth.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “The last year has been a difficult time for everyone. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of COVID is how it has kept people apart, particularly at times when people needed each other more than ever.

“It took away the opportunity for people to say their final goodbyes, to be by their bedside and to share in those sacred last moments. This is extremely difficult for those left behind, as they look for a way to process their experiences and navigate this new world of grief.

“That is why we are proud to be able to offer our community a meaningful way to remember their loved ones and to provide them with the time to reflect.

“A forget-me-not flower can be dedicated to anyone; they don’t need to have accessed the support and services of Ashgate Hospicecare.”

“The hospice allowed Julie to spend her final moments in peace.”

Steve Griffiths, 67, from Winster in the Peak District, will be dedicating a forget-me-not in memory of his wife, Julie, who experienced ‘exceptional’ care at Ashgate Hospicecare’s inpatient unit after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer.

Steve said: “The hospice allowed Julie to spend her final moments in peace. The last thing I’d want was for her to have an unpleasant death; she’d suffered enough already. Ashgate gave her a very calming and peaceful end to her life and I’m enormously grateful for this.

“That’s the marvellous thing about Ashgate – it takes the stress away so you can focus on creating those final memories together. The team are always there and make everything as easy as possible for you. Whatever we needed was there, whenever we needed it.

“In tribute to Julie, I’ve chosen to support Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal and dedicate a keepsake flower in memory of her. I know Julie would have loved to have walked through the stunning grounds at Chatsworth to see the meadow of flowers glistening in the sun.”

Visit the forget-me-not display at Chatsworth

Thousands of forget-me-nots will form a display at Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

The Duke of Devonshire and President of Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We are delighted to welcome the local community to Chatsworth to pause in a moment of reflection together.

“Undoubtedly, this has been an extremely challenging year, which makes this display ever more poignant, while raising much needed funds for our much-loved local hospice.

“Money raised from appeals such as this one, ensures the continuation of the exceptional care and services that Ashgate delivers to thousands of families across North Derbyshire.”

The suggested donation for a forget-me-not is £25 and money raised will be used to fund the hospice’s round-the-clock specialist end-of-life care.

To dedicate a flower, visit https://www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/forget-me-not/ or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Supporters will be able to collect their flower, or have them posted to them in July, once the public display is removed.

Ashgate Hospicecare and Chatsworth support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Special edition Gin launched by Derbyshire Distillery to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare

Derbyshire Distillery have teamed up with the Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council to launch a special edition pink gin to help raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

Derbyshire Distillery was established in early 2018, using only the finest local and international ingredients. Demand has continued to grow across Derbyshire and the Peak District and beyond.

This collaboration with the Chair of the Council will see a cherry flavoured gin and glitter, it is sure to be a big hit amongst gin lovers and will be available for sale via the Derbyshire Distillery website, by visiting their premises in Markham Vale or from Chesterfield Football Club.

All of the proceeds will go towards helping raise money to support Ashgate Hospicecare in the work they do to provide palliative care to patients and support they provide to many families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Richard Aspinall, sales manager at Derbyshire Distillery said: “We wanted to see how we could help raise money for a local charity and Martin approached us to ask if we could produce a gin in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

“We set to work by producing a nice, pink and glittery gin, thanks to the brilliant work of our head distiller, Oliver Meakin. I would also like to thank Paul Truscott, who designed the label for the bottles.

“We think it is a nice way to raise funds for Ashgate Hospicecare, whereby people can have a good time and enjoy a gin and tonic (responsibly of course!)”

Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Martin Thacker MBE, said, “It has been a fantastic experience working with Derbyshire Distillery to produce this incredible special edition gin. It is sure to be a big hit with gin lovers and as a special edition – make sure you get your hands on a bottle before they run out!”

“Of course, the main reason for producing this limited edition gin is to help support my charity this year in office – Ashgate Hospicecare. All profits from the sales of the gin will be donated to the charity. The work they do to help families in their tough and distressing times is incredible and I would like to do everything possible to help support them in continuing their fantastic work and care they provide”.

The gin comes in 50cl bottles at £25 and is available to purchase from: https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/ and Chesterfield Football Club.

Derbyshire Distillery, Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield FC support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Date announced for Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk

Ashgate Hospicecare has announced that its much-loved Sparkle Night Walk will return later this year – in a safe, socially distanced way that will retain the fun and atmosphere the event is known for.

The popular fundraiser, which sees family and friends come together to help fund the hospice’s vital care by walking 10km through the streets of Chesterfield, set to take place on 25th September.

Previously, the event, sponsored by Vertu Toyota, has taken place in July, but the charity has pushed back the date this year in light of the ongoing roadmap out of lockdown.

Ashgate hopes the new September date will allow the hospice to hold a socially distanced event while ensuring the safety of its supporters, volunteers and the local community.

Staggered start times from Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium will help ensure participants enjoy the fun and vibrant atmosphere of the event in a safe way. Walkers will be waved off from the start line every 15 minutes from 8pm.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open registrations for the return of our annual Sparkle Night Walk in September.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time. It’s been a long time since we have all been together and that is why this event will feel even more special.

“While we are hopeful that the event will take place, we will of course closely monitor the COVID situation over the coming months.

“It is our priority to keep our wonderful walkers safe whilst ensuring there is the very best chance of the event going ahead.

“Our fundraising team will be sure to keep everyone updated should there be any further changes to our plans.

“We hope to welcome you all back for the much-anticipated return of our Sparkle Night Walk in September!”

Like last year, a virtual option will also be offered, for those who would prefer to choose their own route and complete it separately.

Ashgate is encouraging their local community to sign-up to the Sparkle Night Walk and help raise much needed money to fund the specialist end-of-life care they provide.

To date, the charity is reporting losses of more than £3 million from its usual income streams during the pandemic, due to the cancellation of fundraising events and repeated closure of its shops. The hospice is grateful to its generous supporters who have rallied together to fundraise and support its recent crisis appeal campaigns in an effort to overcome the losses.

This year’s event has been kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota. Participants are encouraged to sign up before June 14th and get early bird entry for just £10.

To find out more about Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register, click here.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare welcomes two new Trustees

Ashgate Hospicecare have announced the appointment of two new Trustees who will help to shape the charity’s strategy, as they plan for the future needs of their local community and help meet the needs of patients for years to come.

Joining the Board of Trustees are Kirsty McMillan, Director of Integration and Direct Services for Derby City Council and Dermot Toberty, former Director of the largest HR Shared Service Centre in Europe.

In addition to her current role, Kirsty McMillan is also an active member of the local NHS and social care system, known as ‘Joined Up Care Derbyshire’. She previously worked as a Chief Officer within Local Government, as well as operationally within the housing association, supported housing and homelessness sectors.

Kirsty McMillan, Trustee at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Having supported my own mother to live her final months in a way that she wanted, even though this was not conventional and at times tested the local palliative care team, I saw first-hand that as far as she was able, she died her way and in control of even the smallest decisions right up until her last few days.

“This was incredibly powerful to see and reminded me that individuals can have amazing strength in character, even at the most testing times in their lives. I am a passionate advocate for the ethos and values of the hospice sector, and Ashgate embodies this and more!

“I hope to be able to raise the profile of the contribution that Ashgate and palliative care can make to people’s lives.”

Dermot Toberty trained as an accountant and qualified whilst living up in the North East, and then moved to Chesterfield with his wife and two daughters in 1988 to work for Royal Mail.

Following a wide variety of finance roles across the UK, he moved to HR in 2003 to set up and run the largest HR Shared Service Centre in Europe. He remained there until his retirement in 2017.

Dermot Toberty, Trustee at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “In 2019, a very close friend was diagnosed with a terminal illness and she began to receive her end-of-life care from Bolton Hospice.

“Seeing and hearing about the care she received in her final few months was truly wonderful. Knowing that she was being well cared for in a lovely environment made the whole experience of her passing a lot more bearable. Nothing was left to chance and when she needed something it was delivered in an instant, without any fuss or bother, with care and compassion.

“Later, when I heard about the funding issues at Ashgate, and coming from a financial background, I was keen to get involved.

“I am very proud to be part of the Ashgate Team.”

Commenting on the appointment of the new Trustees, Nicholas Jeffrey, Chair of the Board at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Kirsty and Dermot as new Trustees to Ashgate. They bring with them a wealth of expertise, as well as compassion and a shared vision for a society where everyone can die with dignity and comfort.

“I am really looking forward to working with them as we shape our future services, which includes plans for how we cope with rising demand and more complex patient needs as people live longer with more complicated conditions.”

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare’s retail staff praised for going “above and beyond” during height of pandemic

Furloughed Ashgate Hospicecare retail staff have been praised after swapping their usual roles to support their colleagues in the inpatient unit caring for end-of-life patients, during a crucial period of the pandemic.

Just last month, the charity opened a temporary second COVID dedicated wing at its inpatient unit at Old Brampton, taking bed capacity up to 21, after reporting unprecedented demand for its services and a sharp increase in COVID positive patients.

Staff from across the hospice have been redeployed to support those working on the frontline, including seven members of the retail team who were furloughed at the end of last year, after shops were forced to close in line with the Government’s lockdown restrictions.

The retail staff have taken on several roles including Ward Assistant and Ward Receptionist. Their responsibilities include ensuring PPE is available, delivering COVID test samples to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and welcoming families of patients to the ward.

Jane Jones, Head of Clinical Services at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re so grateful for the retail staff who have been helping out on our inpatient unit; they’ve made such a huge difference since they’ve been here.

“Their support with jobs like putting disposable items away and topping up PPE has meant our nurses and healthcare assistants can focus on spending their time caring for patients.

“They’re all so passionate about doing whatever they can to support the hospice so we can be there for the patients and families in our care. They have the spirit and dedication which embodies everything that being part of the Ashgate family is about.”

Among those who have put themselves forward to take on a new role is Paul Street, a furniture van driver who would usually be based at the Hasland Furniture Store. Paul is working as a Ward Assistant and says it’s been an eye-opening experience to see how the money his team helps to raise is used to directly support families.

“I was furloughed at the start of the lockdown when non-essential retail outlets had to close,” he said. “So, the opportunity to come and help on the inpatient unit at Ashgate was one I couldn’t turn down.

“I’ve certainly been out of my comfort zone; I haven’t really done anything like this before, but it hasn’t taken me long to settle in.

“I get huge satisfaction knowing the little bit we are doing is helping families of patients feel reassured that their loved ones are getting the best care possible. I think my role now is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had; I really am honoured to be part of the Ashgate family.”

Another retail worker who has been redeployed to the ward is Andrea Farmery, who would usually work as the Deputy Store Manager at the Hasland Furniture Store.

She said: “I’m very proud to work for Ashgate Hospicecare and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to help my colleagues at the hospice during the pandemic. It’s lovely to be able to do a job that helps people when they need it most.

“The transition has been a learning curve to say the least, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge so far and I’m pleased to be doing my bit to support my hospice colleagues during these difficult times.”

Both Andrea and Paul volunteered to help with the vaccine rollout at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield earlier this year too.

The redeployed retail staff helped during a crucial period of the pandemic and are set to return to their usual roles when the charity’s shops reopen on April 12th.

To fill their roles on the inpatient unit, Ashgate Hospicecare is appealing to anyone who might be interested in volunteering to register their interest.

Anyone who would like to join Ashgate Hospicecare as a Ward Volunteer can find out more by visiting www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/volunteer/

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare launch ‘Step into Spring’ initiative to raise vital funds

Ashgate Hospicecare is calling on people across North Derbyshire to set themselves a lockdown challenge by signing up for its newest fundraise-at-home event.

Supporters are being invited to take part in Step into Spring where they’ll go head-to-head virtually to complete as many steps as possible throughout March.

Whether it’s setting a target of 10,000 daily steps or accumulating 50km across the month, taking part in the fundraising challenge will help fund Ashgate Hospicecare’s vital care for patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

Participants can run, walk or even skip towards their target distance whilst going up against friends, family and colleagues in the online league table.

Among those signed up for the event already is Kate Redhead, who has set herself a target of running 7.5km everyday in memory of her mother-in-law Lynda Redhead, who was cared for by the hospice.

Kate, aged 32, from Chesterfield, wants to give back to Ashgate after the “wonderful comfort and care” Lynda received – particularly as the charity has lost vital funds since the pandemic outbreak.

She said: “I can’t wait to take part in Step into Spring next month! I think it’s a fun way to keep active during the lockdown whilst helping raise money to help fund Ashgate’s care.

“The challenge gives you control over how many steps you would like to do – I have set myself quite a high target but I’m hoping this will encourage my friends and family to sponsor me.

“I often have low self-esteem so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can achieve when I set my mind to something.

“Ashgate Hospicecare cared for my mother-in-law before I’d met my husband, so we never got to meet but knowing how much the loss of Lynda affected him has motivated me to support the hospice.

“I now care very deeply about the hospice because of the comfort, care and compassion they brought to my family during some very dark times.”

Everyone who registers for Step into Spring, which is £7 for over 13s and £5 for under 13s, will receive a special edition medal and a running vest.

Participants can choose to use mobile phone app Strava to track their activity, but it’s entirely up to them

With its shops temporarily closed and larger fundraising events cancelled or scaled back, the event is a great and active way to support the hospice at an important time.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare is delighted to be launching our new virtual Step into Spring event and registration is now open.

“We know how difficult the lockdown has been for so many people so wanted to organise an event that will give our supporters a spring in their step throughout March.

“It’s a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family whilst keeping active during the lockdown, plus you’ll be helping us raise vital funds so we can continue caring for terminally ill people and their loved ones.

“And don’t worry, there’s no pressure on how many steps you need to do, it’s up to you to set your own targets – whether you run 230km like Kate or walk 2,000 steps on your lunch break, your efforts will mean so much to us and the families we support.”

All activities must be done in accordance with the latest COVID-19 government guidance.

To find out more about the Step into Spring fundraising challenge and how you can take part go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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Care continues virtually at Ashgate Hospicecare thanks to £80,000 grant

Ashgate Hospicecare is continuing to provide vital care and support to patients who are unable to visit its Day Hospice after a National Lottery Fund grant of almost £80,000 helped pay for new virtual services.

Patients and their families who are referred to the service would usually visit the charity’s main hospice in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, on a regular basis, where they could access a range of services from specialist medical support, to complementary therapies.

But there has been restricted access to the service since the pandemic began to unfold last March, with many patients shielding due to the risk posed by COVID-19.

Thanks to a generous grant of £78,606 from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, Ashgate Hospicecare has been able to roll out its innovative new Virtual Day Hospice service for patients to attend via video calls in their own homes.

The grant, which has funded staff and equipment in order to roll out the scheme, was awarded to the North Derbyshire charity in September last year, and patients accessed the virtual service shortly after.

David Lawton, aged 73, from Hayfield, High Peak, had never accessed the hospice’s services before the lockdown started, but has enjoyed making friends at the weekly coffee and quiz meetings, while testing out his art abilities at the activity sessions.

He said: “It’s nice to have friendly people to speak with, and people who are on the same level as me with regards to their ailments. We can have a laugh and a joke, doing the art and taking part in the quiz.

“There’s lots of useful information you pick up on and everyone shares their experiences. It’s all helped and given me something to do which isn’t too strenuous at this moment in time. I’ve found it to be interesting and very entertaining, and it’s stopped me from going round the bend because I’ve had something to look forward to!

“I would recommend the services of Ashgate to anyone because having it has been a big help. You can find out so much useful information with the people and services that are made available to you – always being able to ring them up and ask them about anything. It really is a great thing and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved with it.”

From one-to-one support from healthcare professionals, to creative art sessions, and a weekly quiz, patients have been able to link up in virtual groups with friends from the hospice, limiting feelings of isolation and the potential impact on their mental health. The initiative aims to give patients the opportunity to access all of Ashgate’s Day Hospice services including group counselling support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, lymphoedema care, complementary therapy and more.

The project has initially been accessible to attendees of the Day Hospice service, but it will be developed into virtual support to patients across North Derbyshire with a life-limiting illness, and their families and carers.

Hayley Wardle, Director of Quality and Patient Care, said: “Unfortunately the pandemic has meant our community patients, who would usually come along to our Day Hospice, have been unable to access our usual Day Hospice services as we seek to protect them and our patients on our Inpatient Unit from the virus.

“Thanks to a generous grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to continue offering that care for people who were shielding at home, many of whom have been experiencing extreme feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation.

“While I’m sad that we’ve been unable to welcome patients to access Ashgate’s Day Hospice since the first lockdown last March, I’m glad that our wonderful clinical team have been at hand to offer vital care and support to the people who need it most during these difficult times.”

To read more about how Ashgate Hospicecare has supported people living with incurable illnesses with its Virtual Hospice during the pandemic go to: www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/patient-stories

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

David Lawton celebrates his golden wedding anniversary with his family

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Designer Contracts donates over £100,000 to Ashgate Hospicecare

Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has donated more than £100,000 to Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare.

The company ran an online Christmas prize draw to raise funds for the hospice which has been hit hard by the pandemic and then added a £100,000 donation to the £4,865 raised from the competition. It is the second time Designer Contracts has stepped in to help the hospice which provides care and support for families, patients and carers across North Derbyshire.

In 2019 the company gave £100,000 to help fund the hospice’s ‘Three Bedded Bay Appeal’ which was launched to raise money for renovations to its patient bays.

This year’s Christmas prize draw involved contributors making a donation of £3 to enter, with a chance of winning one of eight prizes, including a flat screen TV, Dyson hoover and iPads.

Designer Contracts md, Peter Kelsey, said: “Charities had a really rough ride in 2020 and we wanted to help in any way we could. The hospice has struggled to raise funds as many of its initiatives were cancelled due to the pandemic so our own company fundraising and donations were money well spent for us.

“Everyone over at Ashgate works tirelessly to ensure the hospice is a peaceful and comfortable place for patients and their families so we really hope that this donation will take a little bit of the worry and pressure off the team.”

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Thank you to Designer Contracts and to everyone who took part in their Christmas prize draw. We are thrilled and astounded by their continued generosity, particularly at a time when we are losing money due to the closure of our shops and the postponement of our fundraising events.

“Every pound donated will help to make a difference to the lives of families across North Derbyshire who are living with the impacts of a life-limiting illness. Each year we must raise over £7 million to keep delivering our crucial palliative and end-of-life care services.

“That is a huge amount of money to raise and it is only possible because of the support from generous organisations like Designer Contracts.”

Designer Contracts, which was recently named as a finalist in the 2020 Lloyds Bank Business Awards, operates across 15 UK regional facilities. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division.

Designer Contracts and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Staff from Ashgate Hospicecare join vaccine rollout

Retail staff who are furloughed due to Ashgate Hospicecare’s charity shops being closed in lockdown have stepped forward to support the NHS with the vaccine rollout in North Derbyshire.

The partnership comes after the charity had  called on its staff and volunteers to come forward to help protect the local community and save lives.

Staff who volunteer will be assisting at the vaccination centres, ensuring smooth arrival onsite of those coming for vaccination, efficient patient flow to the clinical assessment and overall onsite safety and security.

Some 76 Ashgate Hospicecare staff are currently on furlough, and the charity said that they had the ideal skills to help with the rollout efforts.

Barbara-Anne, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, confirmed that staff had begun volunteering at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield and that the charity had received huge interest from furloughed employees.

She said: “We are incredibly proud that staff from Ashgate Hospicecare are volunteering their time to be at the forefront of the fight against this dreadful virus. They have helped to ensure that the sites are safe and that as many people as possible are able to receive the jab.

“They are making a real difference to the national effort to get as many people vaccinated as possible. Not only are they supporting members of the local community, but they are there to support our own frontline workers to receive their vaccine.

“How wonderful that our team can come together, supporting each other and the wider community.”

Paul Street, 60, is a driver for Ashgate’s Furniture shop at Hasland and was one of the first to volunteer. Last week he began supporting the vaccinations at the Winding Wheel.

Paul said: “Putting myself forward as a volunteer was an easy decision because I wanted to give something back and help get the world back to normal. We are living through a global crisis and it will take the actions of a lot of people to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we need
that to happen sooner rather than later.

“It is incredibly rewarding volunteering at the vaccination centre, supporting people to overcome the fear of needles or the vaccine itself. The best part is seeing those same people come out relieved and happy, realising there wasn’t anything to be afraid of.

“At the end of the day, I’d rather be out there doing something to help rather than sat at home doing nothing, it’s a great feeling knowing that you are there to put people’s minds at rest as they walk in and direct them to where they need to go.

“It means a lot to me that I am helping make a difference in stopping this virus.”

Last week the charity announced that it was supporting its NHS colleagues by deploying all available nursing staff to its inpatient unit in order to relieve pressure at the nearby Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Hayley Wardle, Director of Patient Care at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “It’s really important that we do everything we can to support our colleagues during this time of national crisis. Our staff on the frontline are helping to keep people out of hospital, whether that is providing
care on the ward or in a patient’s own home.

“It is heartening to see so many staff from right across Ashgate Hospicecare coming together to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

To date, the pandemic has already cost the charity £2.4 million in lost revenue with the current lockdown expected to cost an additional £350,000 in lost sales. To support Ashgate Hospicecare’s fight against COVID-19, go to: https://www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/winter-crisis-appeal/

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Fabric hearts keep patients and families connected at Ashgate Hospicecare

Ashgate Hospicecare has introduced fabric hearts to help keep families connected during the Coronaviurs pandemic.

The hand sewn hearts are made in matching fabric, with one kept by the patient and the other given to the family member. The charity is hoping that this will provide comfort to those who are unable to visit the hospice and encourage feelings of togetherness during a time when so many are apart.

Arlene Honeyman, Head of Supportive Care at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “This has been a really difficult year for so many of us. This is especially true for our patients and their families who are hoping to create precious memories in the time they have left together.

“The hearts are a beautiful way to let someone know that your heart is missing theirs. Sometimes the only safe connection is by a video call, if both hearts are shown then this is a compassionate and powerful visual way to connect and remind the other person that you are sending them your love and that you remain connected.”

The hand sewn hearts were donated by Shelagh’s Sewing Circle, a volunteer group in the Dronfield area founded and led by Shelagh Cheetham, 63, who is a retired teacher. Her now 200-strong volunteer group has also made and donated more than 66,000 face masks to key workers and frontline staff in the local community, as well as across the UK since March of 2020.

With the demand for masks reducing, the group was determined to continue providing support in the local community and Shelagh knew exactly where they could start.

Shelagh said: “I’ve been a firm supporter of Ashgate since my father-in-law was cared for at the hospice 12-years ago. I am honoured to be able to give something back to such an amazing organisation and to know that I am helping people during the darkest times of their lives.”

“Needing the support of the hospice can be such a difficult time in a person’s life, as they learn to live with an uncertain future. It can be hard for the family to visit their loved ones and then go home each day without them. The hearts are something they can carry with them, even after their loved one has died and know that someone cares.

“This is something both me and my volunteers are very passionate about.”

The group is now working towards building a charity that helps combat loneliness and isolation in the local community through the medium of crafting and creativity.

The fabric hearts will also be available across the charity’s 14 shops to offer comfort and support to grieving relatives donating their loved one’s possessions.

Julia Hewerdine, Manager of the Donation Centre at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “In the present climate, it can be very difficult accepting a donation from a bereaved customer. It’s human nature to want to hug a person who is sometimes crying or showing raw emotion.

“You must try and console them with words and that doesn’t always feel enough. It can be heart-breaking to be stood in front of someone who is emotional and not be able to reach out to offer that support.

“The hearts will allow us to spread kindness and provide us with a new way to offer comfort in these difficult times. It is something that they can take away with them as a reminder that they are not alone.”

To find out how you can support Ashgate Hospicecare, go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

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