The Butterfly – Bedford Daycare Magazine 2013

1This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & DiamondsYour Local Hospice, Supporting the People of BedfordIndependent Charity Reg 1001614

Are proud to sponsor

The Butterfly

complimentary copy please take one

TThhee BBuutttteerrffllyyThe Magazine of Bedford Daycare Hospice Issue One 2013

FINE JEWELLERY & DIAMONDS

10 Mill Street, Bedford. Tel: 351458

Bedford Daycare Magazine Issue 1:Queen Alexandra template 22/7/13 11:14



John Medhurst Ad FP 2 – BDC 2013:Layout 1 10/7/13 17:56 Page 1Bedford Daycare Magazine Issue 1:Queen Alexandra template 22/7/13 11:14

Contents

Welcome – Babs Astle ........................................4

Event Spotlight ..................................................5

Dates For Your Diary ..........................................6

Fundraising Information ......................................7

Volunteer: Lynda McDonald ................................8

Volunteer: Laura Conte........................................9

Volunteer: David Burnage ....................................9

Volunteer: Jennie Arnold ....................................10

The Hospice: Linda Byer ....................................11

Patient Story: Sarah Torbet ................................13

Patient Story: Sam Edhouse ..............................14

Patient Story: Louisa Vaccaro ............................14

Patient Story: Collette Appleby ..........................15

CCoonnttrriibbuuttoorrssWe would like to thank everyone who has contributed to thismagazine. Thank you in particular to our patients, families andsupporters who have given us permission for their stories, commentsand photographs to be reproduced in this magazine.

AA bbiigg tthhaannkk yyoouu ttoo oouurr aaddvveerrttiisseerrssBedford Daycare Hospice and Manner Media Solutions would like to thankthe many advertisers whose generous support has enabled us to publish thismagazine at no cost to the Hospice. When responding to an advertisement,please do say that you read it here.

PPuubblliisshheerrss:: MMaannnneerr MMeeddiiaa SSoolluuttiioonnss LLttdd wwwwww..mmaannnneerrmmss..ccoo..uukkGGrraapphhiicc DDeessiiggnn && PPrriinntt:: wwwwww..ppaannddaaccrreeaattiivveellttdd..ccoo..uukk

CCoonnttaacctt && aaddddrreessssBBeeddffoorrdd DDaayyccaarree HHoossppiiccee..33 LLiinnddeenn RRooaadd,, BBeeddffoorrdd,, MMKK4400 22DDDD..

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STOP PRESSBedford Daycare Hospice Volunteersannounced as winners of the QAVS.



John Medhurst Ad FP 2 – BDC 2013:Layout 1 10/7/13 17:56 Page 1

3This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & Diamonds

T: 01234 351458 E: [email protected] www.johnmedhurst.co.uk


WelcomeHello and a very warm welcome tothis the first edition of the BedfordDaycare Hospice magazine.Through our magazine we hope togive you an insight into what we atBedford Daycare Hospice do forour local community. Inside youwill find lots of interesting featuresand articles that really do tell thestory of Bedford Daycare Hospice.Our thanks go out to all of thepeople who have kindly allowed usto use their personal stories andpictures or who have contributed insome other way. Thank you also toour advertisers and sponsors. Ihope that you enjoy learning a littlemore about your local hospice. Forregular updates on fundraisingevents and other news please visitour website atwww.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk

So who are we?Our background and what we doThe idea for Bedford DaycareHospice came about over 23 yearsago when Donald Parsons, asurgeon for the local hospital, saton a District Committee discussingpalliative care needs inBedfordshire.

Frustrated with the lack of actionhe decided to take matters into his

own hands and approached a localbusiness man Clifton Ibbett tosolicit his help and assistance.Clifton was more than happy tohelp and agreed to donate half ofthe needed monies from the familycharitable trust in remembrance ofhis mother. Now to fundraise forthe other half! Gary Payne a localbusinessman introduced Donald tothe Macmillan FundraisingOrganisation of which he was a partand so the fundraising began and acommittee and fundraising teamwas formed. Through their hardwork and determination the fundsfor the hospice were secured, asuitable property was found andconverted and the hospice openedits doors in 1992 here at GladysIbbett House, 3 Linden Road,Bedford.

Celebrating our 21stAnniversary yearSo here we are some 21 years on,providing individualised holistic carefor patients with life limiting illness,from the time of diagnosis throughinvestigations and treatment toremission or palliative care. The

hospice is a safe haven, care andcompassion is at the heart of ourorganisation.

Caring for the futureAlthough we are in tougheconomic times, we are planningfor the future to ensure that wecontinue to make a difference tothose that need us for the next 21years, your support and that ofthe community is vital, now morethan ever.

Can you help guarantee the futureof Bedford Daycare Hospice for thepeople of Bedfordshire. To make adonation - cheques made payableto Bedford Daycare Hospice andsent to Bedford Daycare Hospice,Gladys Ibbett House, 3 LindenRoad, Bedford MK40 2DD.On line atwww.bedforddaycarehospice.co.ukand click on make a donation,thank you, together we can make adifference!

Babs AstleFacilities and Fundraising ManagerApril 2013

Welcome – Babs Astle

Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford.T: 01234 352015 E: [email protected] www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk

4


GymathonSharnbrook Gym held a 24 hourGymathon raising over £1,100.

Black & Purple BallOur annual ball enjoyed by over 300guests and raising over £10,000.00,this year’s event the Black & SilverBall takes place on 12 October.

9 June – Elegance in theAfternoonPark Inn Hotel, St Mary’s Street,Bedford.We invite you to join us forAfternoon Tea at 3 where OPUS 18choir willentertain you, sodig out yourhats andfascinators anddress toimpress.Tickets are £12pp bookable inadvance.

29 June Dineat MineHost a dinnerparty/BBQ/lunchanything that

takes your fancy and invite all yourfamily/friends and ask for donationsfor the hospice, a perfect excuse toindulge whilst raising money whichmakes a real difference to localfamilies affected by life limitingillnesses. Invitation packs availablefrom the hospice.

10 July Charity Clay Pigeon ShootStuck for a present idea? How abouta Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot? We areorganising a shoot on Wednesday 10July from 5pm. It is £65 ppincluding, bacon roll on arrival, 50shots. Gun hire, ear defenders,cartridges, clays, an instructor and abuffet to finish. No experiencenecessary.

25 August Walk a Mile in herShoes This gives the men the chance toteeter their way around a one-milecourse in high heels, an idealopportunity to get together withtheir mates, have a laugh and enjoya slightly different Sunday morning!So what are you waiting for, sign upnow and raise sponsorship moneyfor all our ladies suffering the effectsof cancer. This promises to be sucha lovely family event, make a day ofit and bring a picnic! Contact thehospice for your sponsorship pack.

Event Spotlight



Amorco (Transport) Limited is a family run businessthat has been providing a personal haulage and

warehousing service for over 30 years.

Amorco distributes goods all over the UK, using a range ofvehicles to suit the customers’ needs.

Our warehousing capacity allows us to operate storage facilitiesfor local, national and international businesses.

Stratton Way Elms Ind. Est.,Bedford, MK41 0NG

Office: 01234 271333Fax: 01234 343297

[email protected]

Amorco Ad EP:Layout 1 30/5/13 16:10 Page 1

Get involved with your localhospice; create your ownpersonal challenge!

Ben Nevis ClimbHospice Volunteers scale heights! Ateam of six of our wonderfulvolunteers were sponsored to climbBen Nevis and each and everyonesucceeded raising over £4,000.00 atruly remarkable achievement forboth the Hospice and themselves,well done!

Balloon ReleaseBalloon Race organised on ourbehalf by Caremark of Bedford.Balloon release by the Mayor DaveHodgson raising over £1200.00.

125ft JumpBabs our very own FundraisingManager braved the elements tojump from an old water towerraising over £2,000. (Pic opposite).


Exciting Dates For Your DiaryFundraising supports everything we do. Events remain an important source of income for Bedford Daycare Hospice.There are so many events that you can get involved with all year round so head to www.bedforddaycarehospice to findout how you can attend, sponsor or donate to any of our events.

ALL Tickets may be purchased from the Hospice unless otherwise stated.

Remember you can always donate your unloved nearly new clothes and bric-a-brac for our onsite ButterflyBoutique, why not have a donate a clothes day at work, everyone can get involved and make a difference!

18 May Coffee morning 50p entry. 10.30

29 May Greek buffet at the Greek Villager, Bromham Road, Bedford £12 per tickets 19.30payable in advance.

15 June Coffee morning 50p entry. 10.30

29 June Come Dine at Mine! Host a dinner party or bbq for friends and ask them to make a Up todonation in aid of the hospice. You!

10 July Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot, sporting targets, Riseley £65 per person fully inclusive no 17.00equipment or licence required, teams of 3.

20 July Coffee morning & ploughmans lunch £5 a ticket payable in advance. 10.30

9 Aug Psychic evening with Phillip Kinsella £10 per ticket payable in advance, at the Park 19.30Inn Hotel, St Marys Street, Bedford.

17 Aug Coffee morning 50p entry. 10.30

25 Aug Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, one for the men, sponsored one mile walk in Bedford Park, 11.00bring a picnic and the whole family for a fun day out. Details from the hospice.

11 Sept Indian buffet at Indian Sumer Restaurant, Tavistock Street, £12pp payable in advance.

14 Sept Coffee mormning 50p entry. 10.30

25 Sept Fashion show featuring nearly new clothes from our Butterfly Boutique. £5 per ticket. 19.30

12 Oct Black and Silver ball, £50 per ticket payable in advance. 19.00

19 Oct Coffee morning 50p entry. 10.30

23 Oct Halloween themed Sausage & Mash supper. £12 a ticket payable in advance. 19.30

14 Nov Light Up a Life evening, free event, open to all. 18.00

16 Nov Coffee morning 50p entry. 10.30

7 Dec Christmas coffee morning 50p entry with seasonal refreshments. 10.30

6Bedford Daycare Hospice. Your Local Hospice, Supporting the People of Bedford.

T: 01234 352015 E: [email protected] www.bedforddaycarehospice.co.uk


Fundraising Information

This magazine has been kindly sponsored by John Medhurst – Fine Jewellery & DiamondsT: 01234 351458 E: [email protected] www.johnmedhurst.co.uk

7

■ Book-keeping■ Financial accounts■ Annual accounts■ Statutory accounts including

XBRL conversions■ Management accounts■ Financial advice (given in a business

context not an investment context)■ Business modelling including cash flows■ Charity accounts and

independent examinations

■ Tax planning■ Payroll including• Employment taxes: PAYE and

National insurance• P11d requirements■ Corporation taxes■ VAT■ Capital taxes■ Personal taxes■ Self-assessment including

“Tax Shop” facilities

KMA Ad EP:Layout 1 23/5/13 19:12 Page 1

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Set in nearly ten acres and surrounded bypermanent pasture land on the gently rolling sidesof the Great Ouse valley overlooking the smallcountry town of Olney.

Olney Green Burial Ground is the naturalalternative to using a cemetery or churchyard.

• Set in beautiful countryside surroundings• Peaceful but not isolated• Complete freedom of choice with the

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Income Expenditure

Donations and 63,354 Direct Patient Care 95,705Fundraising Events

Shop Profits 8,331 Indirect Patient Care(Including heat, 18,705light and water)

NHS Grant 62,408 Fundraising 5,940

Rental Income 23,860 Administration and 69,076Support costs

Investments 1,540 Governance 1,380

Total 159,493 Total 190,806

Net Incoming / (31,313)(outgoing) Resources

15%

1%

40%5%

■ Donations and Fundraising Events■ Shop Profits■ NHS Grant■ Rental Income■ Investments

INCOME

39%36%

1%

50%

10%

3%

■ Direct Patient Care■ Indirect Patient Care (including heat, light and water)■ Fundraising■ Administration and Support costs■ Governance

EXPENDITURE

The above figures are extracted from the 2011/12 Annual Report and Accounts, a full copy is available on request.


Ifirst heard about the Hospice when Ibecame friends with the AssistantFundraiser, Keely Ann Jones. Her jobseemed so rewarding and fulfilling tome, and as I learnt more about whatthe Hospice does and the service itprovides to the community, I wantedto do something to help.

My father was poorly on and offthrough my teens with kidney failure,transplants and then cancer. Althoughhe didn’t have the opportunity to usea Hospice as wonderful as BedfordDaycare, the experience helped me torealise how important these placeswere, to not only the patients, but thefamilies as well – it is important forpatients to have somewhere tosocialise and meet others away fromhome, where they feel safe, and thefamilies feel safe to send them.

As I work during the week full time,my contribution to the Hospice ismostly at evening and weekend events– I have volunteered at the HospiceBall for 3 years now, and also at theProms in the Park,Halloween/Italian/Indian dinners andcoffee mornings. I have held raffles at

work, and I promote their events,encouraging friends to attend. I alsoinvite colleagues to bring in theirunwanted items to me at work, so Ican donate them on their behalf tothe Hospice shop.

I have also volunteered for the day tosee exactly what the Hospice do intheir working hours, and to bringhome what all of the fundraising isfor, and it further enhanced my desireto help. The teams do such awonderful job with the patients, and Itake my hat off to them. The patientsand staff are lovely, and so welcomingto new helpers.

One of my own personal ways tocontribute to the Hospice is to holdan ‘Accessories Swap Night’ at homewith my friends. Everyone brings theirunwanted items (clothes, jewellery,household items, shoes, and scarves,anything in good condition) to myhouse, we have drinks and nibblesand a good catch-up, and then swapitems around. Anything left at the endof the night is donated to theHospice. I have held 2 so far, had agreat time and have collected 10 binbags full of items for the shop, as wellas inspired others to do the same.So when my colleague at DHL waslooking for a charity to work with aspart of a Finance DevelopmentAcademy, I jumped at the chance tointroduce him and his team to Babs(the Fundraising Manager andFacilities Manager) to see if they couldhelp the Hospice. David Riley andteam managed to raise money andspend time to provide a computerisedfinance package and sponsor a

member of staff to complete afinance course at college, as well ascoming in to repaint the outside ofthe shop. This saved time for theAccountant, made Gift Aid moreaccurate and enabled the Hospice toproduce reports and analysis on thecosts and incomes on a regular basiswithout relying on others. Everypenny counts and this information isinvaluable for keeping track of spends,and analysing which events generatedifferent levels of income. They did areally great job and I was proud to bea part of it.

The Hospice to me means a safeplace for people to go when theyneed it. Every event is a socialoccasion, and everyone is welcome tojoin in. It is the opportunity to givesomething back to the community,and have fun doing it. You can have agreat time and contribute to a worthycause all in one go. There are lots ofways to help out – volunteer, attendevents, raise money independently,donate to the shop, anyone can getinvolved. I intend to continue with mysupport and encourage as manypeople as possible to join me. I am inawe of the other volunteers that Ihave met at the Hospice – they aretrue inspirational heroes.

Lynda McDonald – March 2013

Volunteers Gift of Time



There are many ways in which volunteers make a difference from In house Volunteers, Butterfly Boutique Helpers,Complementary Therapists, Fundraising and Event Helpers and Drivers through to Gardeners, Painters and Decorators.

The volunteers are from all walks of life, ages and gender. Some have been at the hospice since the verybeginning! There are approximately 80 current volunteers covering everything from complementary therapies togardening, listening to patients to assisting with fundraising events, driving to making cups of tea. They are thelifeblood of the organisation.

PROUD TO SUPPORTBedford Daycare Hospice

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My dear Nonna (grandmother)Angelina Mastrandrea was

fortunate enough to be offered aplace at Bedford Day care Hospicea few years ago.

At first she was reluctant to acceptas she was apprehensive of what toexpect. Angelina was not one forgoing out very much at all, she washappy to spend most of her timewith her family.

Ihad often talked about voluntarywork with my wife Ann but in theearly part of 1999 Ann wasdiagnosed with lung cancer and Inursed Ann through to hersubsequent death on January 15th2000.

Because of the love, help andmedical support I received during1999 up to and beyond the deathof my brave, wonderful wifeencouraged me to become avolunteer for the rest of my life. Ijoined Bedford Daycare Hospice,Gladys Ibbett House in February2000 and will continue for as long

as my health allows.

I have gained so much as a personin being associated with thehospice during the past ten years.I have made so many friends, bothpatients and staff and feel I havereceived much more than I havegiven, the patients really care foreach other and the love andbonding which occurs in thisatmosphere is so wonderful to be apart of.

Those of us volunteering know thereare going to be sad times, as do thepatients themselves, but there is

also laughter, love and continuingsupport between us all and I feelhonoured to part of the team.

David Burnage – March 2013

However, after a little gentlepersuasion from us she eventuallyagreed to give it a try, she foundher first visit quite challenging asreality set in and the realisationthat she really was quite poorlydawned. After attending for aboutthree weeks she came home andsaid she felt blessed and privilegedto be part of such a wonderfulcommunity and that spending timewith people who “understood”what she herself was goingthrough and the feeling was ofcomfort to her.

She attended the hospice for aconsiderable time before she sadlypassed away. We as a familywould like to thank BedfordDaycare Hospice for the supportand kindness shown to our motherand grandmother who we missdearly, she was a truly inspirational

woman as are all the staff at theHospice.

I am a Beauty Therapist andchoose to volunteer at the Pamperevenings at Bedford Day CareHospice as a way to say thank youto everyone who helped mywonderful Nonna. But also so thegreat work they do can carry on.The hospice is a place people areable to go so they can be cared forand supported by people whounderstand what they have to copewith on a daily basis.

I feel very lucky to be able to helpin the small way that I do. Thestaff at the hospice have touched alot of lives. My family and I are verygrateful they could help us throughour difficult time.

Laura Conte – March 2013






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T: 01234 351458

W: www.johnmedhurst.co.uk


Imagine a placewhere peoplealways feel safe

and wanted, wherepeople smile andlaugh, share thoughts,welcome each otherwith open hearts,experience an innerwarmth and whereage is no barrier,where you can be atease knowing thatprivacy stays private,where emotions areshared andunderstood withoutquestion orjudgement. A place

that feels more like a relaxedhome with a large family, wherewellbeing is important, whereexperiences are shared, realfriendships are formed, andlaughter is genuine. These, and afeeling of fulfilment andusefulness are just some of theendless reasons I’ve volunteeredwith my various dogs, firstlyDuffle then Amber and now Jaffa,for so many years at this specialplace, and I hope to continue formany more to come. I countmyself so lucky to be able to helpeach time I walk through the doorat Bedford Daycare Hospice.

Jennie Arnold – March 2013




Based in Marston Moretaine, Susan Lowe is a qualified solicitor with many years experience helping families to put their paperwork in order.

Susan is a member of Solicitors For the Elderly and she is appointed to the Court ofProtection panel of Deputies of Last Resort. Susan runs her own firm – Lowe and Co.

Putting your paperwork in order gives you peace of mind. You will know that if you doneed help, your family can get on with caring about you without the

hassle of unnecessary bureaucracy.

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The Hospice and ServicesFor some there is a stigmaattached to the word hospice anda perception that it is a sad placewith a focus on death and dying.However once a patient attendsfor an assessment visit or anoutreach clinic it becomes evidentthat Bedford Daycare Hospice is ahappy cheerful place in which careis delivered in a non-judgemental,non-discriminatory manner. The“whole person” is catered for,mind, body and spirit. Awayfrom the clinical atmosphere thepatient can just be themselves in asafe environment where the focusis on living.

Bedford Daycare Hospice providesdaycare for patients with life-threatening illnesses, five days aweek Monday to Friday from thepoint of diagnosis throughinvestigations and treatment toremission or palliative care.Respite care is also offered. The

service is open to patients overthe age of 18 registered with aNorth or Mid-Beds GP.

ReferralsReferrals are accepted frompatients themselves, carers orfamily members and health andsocial care professionals. Althoughan independent charity, BedfordDaycare Hospice is part of a widemulti-disciplinary team with closelinks to the Macmillan Nurses,District Nurses, Oncology Dietician,Palliative Care Physiotherapist,Speech and Language Therapists,Macmillan Welfare Rights AdviceService, Hospice at Home and SueRyder Care, St John’s Hospice,Moggerhanger. This list is notexhaustive.

Following referral, the patient isinvited to attend an assessmentvisit where individual needs areassessed using a holistic multi-disciplinary approach. The visitallows the patient and carer orfamily member the opportunity tobe shown around the hospice,meet staff, volunteers, fellowpatients and experience the calm,peaceful environment. There is anopportunity for the patient andfamily member or carer to askquestions thereby alleviatinganxiety. Following assessmentand planning of care the patientwill be allocated a day to attendon a weekly basis. Transport tothe Hospice is provided byvolunteer drivers on three of thefive working days of the week.

Our ServicesServices are free to anyone whoneeds our help and are many andvaried. Care and compassion is atthe heart of everything we do. Atevery visit patients are reviewedfor pain and symptom control and

general well being by a RegisteredNurse with referral as necessary tothe multi-disciplinary team.

A nutritious, well balanced threecourse meal is cooked by our ownchefs with individual dietary needscatered for.

Complementary TherapyThis is readily available andincludes aromatherapy massage,reflexology, Reiki and Indian Headmassage in accordance with localand national guidelines. Thesetherapies help to reduce anxiety,relieve stress and promoterelaxation in our patients. GPpermission is required beforetreatment and all our therapies areprovided by qualified, insured andCRB checked volunteers.

Tuesday Pop in DayWhere individualised holistic careis offered to any patient with acancer diagnosis. There is anopportunity for peer support andinformation sharing in a nonclinical environment with otherswho are at various stages of theircancer journey. Psychological careand counselling are provided in aconfidential setting and theMacmillan Welfare Rights Advisorattends on a monthly basis to givebenefits advice.

Long Term ConditionsEducation GroupIn conjunction with NHSBedfordshire a ten week educationprogramme for patients in thecomplex/palliative stage of chronicillness is offered. The focus is onwellbeing and empowering thepatient to self manage theircondition, recognise theirlimitations and adapt their lifestyleaccordingly. Incorporated withinthe programme are education

The Hospice




sessions from the physiotherapist,dietician and speech and languagetherapist. Chair based exercises,relaxation and complementarytherapy are also offered.

Carers Support GroupThis is a support group for thosecaring for loved ones with a lifethreatening illness and meets atthe hospice on alternate weeks. Itis a self-help group with theopportunity for individualcounselling where necessary.

Ways AheadThis is a private consultation andadvice service offered to thoseexperiencing hair loss operated onan appointment system or “pop in”basis. Information on coping withhair loss and hair re growthfollowing treatment for cancer.Advice is given on how to applyscarves and create bespokeheadwear for special occasions.Consultations occur in privacy andaccessories are available topurchase.

Out Reach ClinicsWe currently offer two clinics:- A visiting Lymphodema TherapyService run by Sue Ryder Care, StJohn’s is run on a weekly basis bythe Lymphodema Nurse and theBedfordshire Palliative CareRehabilitation Group offering a sixweek chair based exerciseprogramme run by the PalliativeCare Physiotherapist.

Linda Byer – Nurse ManagerApril 2013

The Hospice



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In September 2009, I wasdiagnosed with breast cancer. Itall happened very quickly and byChristmas I had had twolumpectomies and had plummetedinto a deep depression. All I had tolook forward to in the New Yearwas a program of chemo andradiotherapy. I struggled to come toterms with my diagnosis. I wasscared, I locked myself away, Irarely went out or even got out ofbed.

I didn’t really know much aboutcancer before. Even when thedoctors explained it to me it was abit like hearing white noise, it feltlike they were talking aboutsomeone else. I could not believe ithad happened to me.

During my first Chemotherapysession I was given a leaflet forBedford Daycare Hospice, GladysIbbett Daycare Hospice (GI). Myhusband encouraged me to go. Hewas concerned about my depressionand withdrawal from my family andfriends. GI run a “pop in day” forcancer patients every Tuesday. Iwasn’t keen on the idea. I wasconcerned it would make me moredepressed, sitting in a room withother cancer patients talking aboutcancer, I couldn’t think of anything

worse. I was stillin total denial. If Icouldn’t face itmyself how couldI share it withpeople I didn’tknow?

One cold Mondayafternoon, severalweeks later, wewere passing thehospice when hesuggested we popin for more

information. It’s a day I will neverforget; it was a real turning point inmy life. I rang the doorbell andimmediately dread came over me. Iturned to Peter and said, ‘what do Isay?’, the door opened and I justlooked at the lady and said ‘I don’tknow what to say’ and burst intotears. Linda (Linda Byer, NurseManager) brought us in out of thecold, got us some tea and wetalked about the cancer and whatthe hospice could do for me. Shesuggested I come the next day forthe pop in and see how I got on.What did I have to lose? There wasno pressure, I could stay as long asI liked, even have lunch if I feltcomfortable. If I didn’t like it I couldjust leave.

I was still sceptical, but I promised Iwould give it a try. So the next day Iarrived at GI and I never lookedback. The people were great, thevolunteers, staff and patients mademe feel very welcome. Yes, we didtalk about cancer, but it wasn’t allnegative, some was actually verypositive. In fact, I was learning aboutthe disease, not from a medicalperspective, but from people whowere experiencing it. That day I metpeople who were going throughchemotherapy, radiotherapy andeven people who had been cancer

free for several years. I realised thatcancer isn’t always a death sentenceand I started to believe I could havemy life back after cancer. I cameaway with a list of questions to askmy oncologist and surgeon, but alsoa sense of hope.

The hospice gave me a safe haven.I didn’t have to pretend not to bescared, I could ask questions andget realistic answers. I could sharemy fears without upsetting thepeople I love. I found support fromfellow cancer patients andprofessional councillors. Thissupport was both emotional,constructive and also therapeutic. Iwent to some of the therapysessions and found Reiki andmassage really helpful andsoothing. The value of feelingpampered at GI is one that I willnever forget.

Three years later I am cancer freeand up until recently have been tothe Tuesday pop in’s. I feel it’simportant to continue to go so newpatients can see that you can getthrough cancer. I only returnoccasionally to GI. I miss it, GIhelped me to understand my illnessbetter and to see life does notalways end when you are diagnosedwith cancer that there are manypeople who go on to live a veryhappy life after cancer. Whilsteveryone enjoys it when I pop in,the favourite part of my visit is thatI bring my beautiful little baby boy,Logan, who was born in December2012, 3 years from when I was firstdiagnosed with Breast Cancer. Myown health and that of Logan istestament to the help and supportof not only my family and friends,but the team at GI for whom I willforever be grateful.

Sarah Torbet – April 2013

My Cancer Journey, Sarah Torbet




Sam wrote this article before sadlypassing away. It is her families wishthat we still include this article inher memory.

Iattend the hospice every week.All my family and friends knowthat I am always busy on a Tuesday

going to Bedford Daycare Hospice,Gladys Ibbett House or GI as we alltend to refer to it. The hospiceprovides care for cancer and otherpatients both current andrecovering. I receive support fromfellow patients through good andbad times.

The staff and volunteers are allwonderful and give us theopportunity to share experiencesand meet new friends. Counselling,Complementary Therapies andBeauty Treatments are readilyavailable to all of us and do makesuch a difference to our wellbeing.They always have time for you andyou feel important and valued, theysee past the illness and see theperson you really are.

Phil (my husband) and I have alsogot involved with the fundraisingside of the hospice and had somegreat evenings, eating, dining andeven modelling at the fashionshows raising funds to keep thiswonderful place functioning foreveryone who needs theirservices.

I treasure the friends that I havemade here at the hospice and thesupport that I receive has madesuch a difference to both myself,my husband and my family andlong may it continue. You neverknow when you or a familymember may need the support thatis offered here at GI!

Sam Edhouse – March 2013

Sam Edhouse: 11 September 1965 – 30 March 2013

Louisa's Story

My dear mum Jennifer Vaccaroattended Bedford Daycare

Hospice (or GI as she happily referredto it) for several years on and off ona Wednesday since being diagnosedwith incurable cancer. She sadly losther long battle in March 2011.

My mother was diagnosed with 2different types of cancer over aperiod of 7 years but despite all thatshe was the most positive person Iever knew always so full of life! She

was given 3 years to live but survivedfor 7 and I'm sure GI helped keep hergoing as she really enjoyed goingevery week and would be upset ifshe wasn't well enough to attend.

Mum always spoke very highly of GIand all the staff, volunteers andpatients, she loved to sit in thebeautiful garden, have a littleshopping spree in their ButterflyBoutique and have a few pampertreatments from the therapists. I wasmy mum’s carer during this time andI know she always felt guilty aboutthis, so going to GI and being able totalk to the staff and volunteers abouther illness and have them look afterher for the day made her feel like shetook the burden off me a bit-notthat she was a burden of course, Iwould do it all again in a heartbeat tohave her back.

When mum passed away GI were

very supportive to me and many ofthe volunteers told me how greatlymissed Mum would be and how theplace would be much quieter withouther! She was a big character andliked to share her experiences withothers as she always wanted to helpthose who were suffering and giveadvice; she was a great listener too.So if you are a new patient who maybe a bit dubious about attending theHospice thinking that it may be a bitof doom and gloom, this reallycouldn’t be further from the truth GIis full of laughter and care andespecially when you get characterslike my dear mum there �

I would like to take this opportunityto thank all the brilliant staff and kindvolunteers at GI for all the supportthey gave my dear Mum and myselfover the years.

Louisa Vaccaro – April 2013




Hi my name is Colette. My life’sjourney took an unexpected

turn in September 2008 when Iwas diagnosed with Breast Cancer.This came as such a shockespecially at a time when I hadbeen supporting my sister throughsecondary Breast Cancer.

I dealt with the diagnosis as best aspossible and started the longjourney of treatment that layahead. My family and friends werea huge support. It was whilsthaving treatment in the localoncology ward that a lovely lady,who has since passed away, toldme about Bedford DaycareHospice. She talked about the opendoor “pop in” session on Tuesdaysfor all cancer sufferers. She usedwords to describe the day ascaring, supportive, relaxed, fun...pampered. I went along with anopen mind and ended up attendingevery Tuesday for many years. Thesupport was amazing. It wassomewhere I could go and cry orlaugh if I needed to. There wasalways a listening ear - whether itwas a trained councillor, nurse or

another sufferer. I made full use ofthe complementary treatments andoften had a massage or manicure. Iwas also introduced to Reiki forthe first time. Lunch time was aplace to sit together to chat andlaugh and learn so much from eachother about our illnesses. My timespent at the hospice was justinvaluable. I met so many amazingpeople, sadly some of whom havenow passed away.

A number of the people I have metat the hospice are well and inremission and have even returnedto work. However, having spokento fellow sufferers, many haveexpressed how they would benefitfrom a supportgroup.Therefore, I ampleased to saythat we are inthe process ofstarting up anew supportgroup calledThe Pink LotusWomen’sCancer SupportGroup.BedfordDaycareHospice haskindly agreedto allow us torun it fromtheir premises.Our openingevening is onThursday 25thApril and wehope to meeton the lastThursday ofevery monthafter that. Aswell assupportingeach other, we

hope to have presentations/demonstration from variouscharities and groups but mainly justa place to talk and have fun. Weare also hoping along the way toraise money for Bedford DaycareHospice and also other cancercharities.

I don’t think I would be where I amtoday without the love, supportand care I received form BedfordDaycare Hospice, I feel thatthrough the Pink Lotus SupportGroup, I have a wonderfulopportunity to give somethingback.

Collette Appleby – April 2013

My Life Journey’s Unexpected Turn



Here are some of the services we provide

in the local Bedfordshire area:

• Sports Therapy

• Complementary Therapy

• Yoga

All promoting health and wellbeing.

In addition to the therapeutic services, No.68 offers:

• Ladies Hairdressing

• Gents Barbering services

Our hairdressers are kept up to date ensuringthat your hair is your crowning glory.

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tthhee llaatteesstt sseerrvviicceess aanndd pprrooffeessssiioonnaall aaddvviiccee..

No.68 High Street,

Harrold, Beds, MK43 7DA.

T: 01234 721645


www.no68.co.uk

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Sterling Silver & Real Diamonds

A real diamond in every piece...



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The Butterfly – Bedford Daycare Magazine 2013

Documents

Transcript of The Butterfly – Bedford Daycare Magazine 2013