FOR more than 30 years Salisbury Hospice has been providing specialist medical nursing and emotional support for people who live with life limiting illnesses, to help improve and enhance their quality of life.

Incurable illnesses affect whole families and Salisbury Hospice also offer the same loving support, help and counselling to patients, their families, friends and carers.

Since the hospice opened, it has provided care for tens of thousands of people throughout our catchment area, which includes parts of Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire.

Each year the whole service costs £2.4 million to run and Salisbury Hospice Charity aim to raise £1.5 million of this.

To help reach this goal, Salisbury Hospice Charity is launching a Christmas initiative to encourage regular donations to the hospice.

Regular supporters, who make a commitment to donate to the charity on an ongoing basis, are invaluable and this enables the continuation of the wonderful work that the Hospice teams do to support patients, families and carers.

David, who recently became a regular supporter, said: “My father really wanted to die at home, and I know that the Hospice at Home services allowed us to meet his wishes, and my mother, sister and I will be forever grateful for this.

"Together we were all with him when he passed away.

"We will be forever grateful for everyone at Salisbury Hospice for their support during this time. Keep up the fantastic work for all in a similar position in the Salisbury area."

"As my own small way of saying thank you to everyone who supported us, I have set up a regular monthly donation by Direct Debit to the Hospice, which I hope to keep in place for as long as I can.”

David’s father was cared for by the Hospice at Home team, another vital part of the Hospice’s services introduced in 2016, and fully funded by the charity. It brings the skills, ethos and practical care associated with the hospice into the home environment, putting the patient and their loved ones at the centre of care.

This week's edition of the Journal will contain a leaflet explaining how to support The hospice's Christmas campaign.

For more information contact Katie Jackson on 01722 416353 or email katie.j@salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk