Every grain of sand

Read below our CEO Val Stangoe’s thoughts on today’s Dying Matters Theme ‘Diversity and Inclusion at end of life’.   Death comes to everyone. You read it here. No, you won’t be spared because of religion or race, there is no different option depending on income, sex or sexuality. You can’t halt progress and you can’t …

Grieving for a pet

My family role is a proud wife, mum to two teenagers and two Cairn terriers. Working for a hospice I understand life and these times are so precious. In October 2018 our family changed forever when our naughty and loving Cairn Maggie died. It has hurt so much. This character who was a huge part …

Advanced Care Planning

Read below our Legacy and individual giving Fundraiser Geoff Steele’s thoughts on today’s Dying Matters Theme ‘Funeral costs’.    The financial and emotional stress involved in planning a funeral can never be underestimated. Thinking and talking openly about the issues involved along with your personal preferences is essential in ensuring your wishes are met and …

Spring Into Easter Coffee Morning

Emily Doyle age 12 of Dowdales’s secondary school and Olivia Doyle age 9 of Burlington C of E primary school Held a ‘Spring into Easter’ Coffee Morning on the 13th April 2019 at their local Grizebeck Community Hall, in aid of St Mary’s Hospice.   Emily and Olivia planned how they wanted the poster, what …

What will you do for Dying Matters week?

Every year in May, ‘Dying Matters’ host an awareness week to tackle the taboo subjects of death, dying and bereavement. It helps highlight the importance of these parts of life and puts them firmly on the national agenda. This year the week runs from 13th to the 19th of May and the theme is ‘Are …

Low Furness School and their basket of treats

The Volunteer Department were truly moved when 3 Student Council members from Low Furness called into the hospice with 2 beautiful baskets of treats.  Heather, Daisy and Mia have been organising and motivating the pupils at the school to raise money over the last few months. They have done various things and chose to donate …