Give a gift to St Ann’s Hospice this Christmas
St Ann's Hospice has officially launched it's Christmas Appeal for 2024
St Ann’s Hospice has officially launched it’s Christmas Appeal for 2024, as community support is vital to continue care over the festive period.
Christmas is normally a joyous occasion to spend time with family and friends but unfortunately for some, it can be a challenging time. To continue providing care and to spread some festive cheer at St Ann’s, the hospice is asking for support from the community.
Jodie McCracken is a Staff Nurse on the Inpatient Unit St Ann’s Hospice, Heald Green, providing direct patient care on the ward and says that Christmas is a very special time at the hospice.
“We all do everything we can to bring Christmas cheer to the ward. I didn’t work on Christmas Day last year, but my little boy who is five years old wanted to come into the hospice. He dressed up as Father Christmas and handed out chocolates to the patients,” Jodie said.
“Even when you’re not working at the hospice, you’re always involved somehow. I like to get creative and usually decorate all of the windows on the ward with Christmas illustrations in chalk pen to make it feel more festive. I started doing it during the pandemic when we weren’t allowed to have traditional decorations due to infection control.
My little boy absolutely loved coming in on Christmas Day, and my daughter who was one year old was dressed up as Mrs Christmas. There were some patients who couldn’t eat chocolate, so we brought chocolate mousses in too, and they were really appreciative that they were included too. My boy took his time to speak to everyone and he makes me so proud that he wanted to make a difference at Christmas. Jodie McCracken, Staff Nurse on the Inpatient Unit, St Ann’s Hospice
On Christmas Day staff at St Ann’s try to keep as upbeat as possible, wearing Christmas hats, headbands and handing out presents to patients.
“I think Christmas Day is the best day of the year to work, and all of our patients comment on how lovely we make the day,” Jodie said.
“Hospices don’t close over Christmas, we’re open 24/7 all year, and we’re still here doing what we can for our patients. For some of the patients who are staying on the wards on Christmas Day, it will be their last Christmas, so we always want to make it as special as possible.
“Bringing Christmas cheer to the hospice is so important, but we need support to make sure it will be a special day for our patients and their families. We can only deliver the excellent care we’re known for because of your donations.
“This Christmas, please give what you can to help St Ann’s. Supporting our hospice means so much to all of the staff so that we can do everything we can to make it an incredible Christmas for those in our care,” Jodie added.
St Ann’s Hospice needs to raise approximately £20,000 from the community to continue ongoing care. You can donate or learn more about the St Ann’s Hospice 2024 Christmas Appeal by clicking here.