A new campaign has been launched by a hospice in a bid for more people to share their experiences of helping loved-ones receive end-of-life care and support

The #MyHospiceAndMe founded by St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, is encouraging as many people to break the stigmas, myths and stereotypes surrounding hospice care.

Their aim is to show what a difference compassionate care can make to people who are experiencing one of the most difficult stages of their lives.

To kick-start the campaign, two sisters, who were inspired to create washbags for patients relatives whilst staying in the Impatient Unit, share their story.

Named BruceBags, these were created by siblings Trish and Gill in memory of their father, Bruce.

Trish, from Shropshire, said: "St Clare is such a joyous place that we wanted to give something back. The nurses, doctors and volunteers gave us so much at such a difficult time in our life.

“It was only once we’d been there with Dad that I learnt what a great job hospices do. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everybody at St Clare.”

In July 2018, Bruce was very ill in hospital with Alzheimer’s Disease, his daughter Trish had just left after visiting him on his birthday.

She soon received a phone call telling saying that her father had been transferred to St Clare Hospice.

After being told their father had only hours to live, Trish contacted her sister Gill who came to be at her father’s bedside, they both stayed there for the next 48 hours.

Bruce died on July 11, two days after his birthday.

“If I hadn’t have been on my way home I wouldn’t have had my suitcase containing a toiletry bag and clean clothes – which my sister and I both used during our stay.

“It occurred to us that other people in our situation needed a few items to help them feel fresher and stronger. So we decided to make up some toiletry bags – some for men and some for women.

“Because of our experience, we thought maybe we could help someone else. And because Dad’s name was Bruce we wanted to name them after him, so we called them ‘Bruce Bags’.”

The wash bags contain basic toiletry needs for patients loved ones wanting to stay overnight, each containing a card explaining the sisters story.

“We left a card in the bags, asking people who used them to replace what they have used, if possible, so that they are there for the next person,” explained Trish. “We also provided a little card for people to write their loved ones name in, if they wished.”

“The people at the Hospice were wonderful; they brought us toast in the morning and an evening meal. They looked after us every bit as much as they looked after Dad,” Trish added. “They really made us feel that they were taking the load off us.”

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