A hospice in Somerset has launched a new campaign to help protect its vital nursing care.
St Margaret’s Hospice is calling on the community to support its Sponsor a Nurse campaign, which aims to secure the future of its services for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.
The campaign invites people to make a regular monthly donation to help fund specialist palliative care delivered in patients’ homes, at the Sunflower Centre day hospices in Yeovil and Taunton, and at the in-patient unit in Taunton.
Ralph Langworthy-Smith, a community nurse at St Margaret’s Hospice, said: "We support people with all kinds of life-limiting illnesses.
"One of the nicest moments is when a patient is genuinely happy to see me – it reminds me that trust and human connection matter just as much as medical care."
The scheme offers different sponsorship levels, each helping to fund a specific aspect of care.
A donation of £8 per month could support a healthcare assistant in helping a patient start their day, while £12.50 per month over a year could fund two home visits from a community nurse.
An £18.50 monthly donation over a year could cover the cost of a nursing shift at the in-patient unit, ensuring dignity and emotional support for patients with complex needs.
Supporters will receive a car window sticker featuring the Sponsor a Nurse logo, personal updates from a local nurse, and two editions of the hospice’s Sunflower newsletter each year.
To sponsor a nurse and help secure the future of expert hospice care in Somerset, visit st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/sponsor-a-nurse.
Family members have spoken about the difference St Margaret’s Hospice has made to their lives.
Natasha, a relative of a patient, said: "I didn’t know much about hospices at all until I encountered one, but the whole time I felt loved and supported by everyone there.
"We were all looked after, and it made a difficult time a much more peaceful experience."
Kim Gaylard, committed giving manager at St Margaret’s Hospice, said: "Our nurses are at the heart of everything we do.
"By sponsoring a nurse, you’re not just making a donation – you’re ensuring that patients across Somerset receive the compassion, comfort and dignity they deserve, now and in the future."
The hospice supports thousands of people each year with a range of services, including a 24/7 advice line, outpatient care, and in-patient support.
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