Light a lantern to support our hospice
A day hospice for people with life-limiting conditions needs to raise £50,000 a year to become self-sufficient and expand its services.
Dove Cottage Day Hospice opens twice a week to provide respite care for people in Rutland.
It is currently subsidised by its sister centre in Stathern near Melton, but volunteers are determined to raise enough money to fund the current services and open for an extra day each week.
They are hosting a Lantern Walk next month to raise money and awareness of the centre and what it does.
Fundraising coordinator Joanne Beaver, of Wing, has supported the centre since it opened two years ago. Her husband died of cancer and towards the end of his life he was offered a place at Loros but they felt it was too far for him to travel to Leicester.
She said: “This is so needed for other families in Rutland. I love the whole ethos of Dove and it gives me enormous joy to be part of this community.
“The centre offers respite for carers and gives them the confidence to know that their loved ones are being well looked after by trained palliative nurses.”
The centre, located between Brooke and Ridlington, opens on Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering 10 places each day for people with life-limiting illnesses.
It is run by three paid members of staff and 40 volunteers who provide a range of activities including yoga, meditation, complementary therapy, crafts and guest speakers. It’s also a valuable opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation.
Jill Mead, of Langham,, has multiple sclerosis and attends the centre each week. She said: “It makes a huge difference because you don’t mind talking to other people about your condition. It’s an absolutely wonderful place - so warm and caring and comforting.”
The centre costs £50,000 a year to run and 94 per cent of the money comes from public donations. The team at Ridlington plan to become self-sufficient and are calling on the public to help reach that milestone.
The next chance to get involved is a three-mile Lantern Walk on Saturday October 13. It starts and ends at Oakham Castle with a pre-walk party at 4.30pm ahead of the walk at 6pm.
Marketing coordinator Georgina Steward said: “Everyone will be given an LED lantern to light on the way. It will be a lovely way to walk in memory of a loved one.”
The hospice will also open to the public on Tuesday October 9 and Thursday October 11 for a T@3 event. Anyone wanting to learn more about it can drop in at 3pm to meet the team.
There is also a golf day on Friday November 2 at Rutland Water Golf Club and a cookbook will be on sale soon.
The team are keen to attract new volunteers and fundraisers. To register for the walk or become a volunteer call 01572 722630 or visit www.dovecottage.org
Anyone who might benefit from hospice care is also urged to get in touch.
