Hard work but worth it!

Competition in Exeter for your charity pound is fierce.

Raising the £5 million we need each year keeps everyone at Hospiscare under pressure – sometimes I get a little steamed up and ask these questions – out loud in the office!

What if we couldn’t raise the money and Hospiscare closed its doors?

Then I ask what difference would it make to Exeter if other charities closed their doors? Eventually I calm down. I always say that the odd huff and puff does you good, it certainly keeps me focussed on my job.

I’m part of the fundraising team which, along with our amazing volunteers, work non-stop to get the money in, as soon as an event, appeal or campaign is over, we’re planning the next - it’s a constant pressure.

Fortunately we manage to meet our targets and our doors stay open. Recently we won a Pride of Exeter Charity of the Year award, recognising us as a charity at the very heart of the city and everyone here at Hospiscare was thrilled with this accolade.

Last year we cared for 632 terminally ill Exeter patients and their families, with 473 people visited in their own city homes by Hospiscare specialist nurses and 164 local people came here to our city hospice.

Right now, as you’re reading this article, we’re looking after 700 patients across Exeter, East and Mid Devon. They’re in an emotional, physical and psychological whirlpool and it’s our job to help them out which we do with great results.

I’ve just looked at our latest feedback survey and saw this quote from a patient. “The Hospiscare nurse Kathy who calls on me is excellent. When Kathy walks through the door I know everything will be OK, and I feel at peace. She makes life bearable.”

It’s comments like that which keeps us here at Hospiscare motivated and passionate knowing we must keep our doors open to continue giving care which is excellent.