Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice

We are delighted to share that we have opened a new Grief Kind Space in Spalding.

The space offers a safe, informal and supportive place for people to come together and share their experiences of grief.

It runs weekly on Tuesdays from 10.00am - midday at Tonic Health, 6 Broadgate House, Westlode Street, Spalding, PE11 2AF. There’s no need to book, just drop in.

We will also launch a fourth space in Holbeach which Tonic Health will host at their Holbeach Hub, Boston Road South, Holbeach, Spalding, PE12 7LR from midday until 2.00pm from Monday, 30th September.

Jo Ireland, from Tonic Health, said: “We are really looking forward to the Sue Ryder Grief spaces coming to the South Holland area. As a Community Connector working as part of the NHS Integrated Place Based Team, and hosted by Tonic Health, I regularly meet individuals struggling with bereavement. These new regular sessions will be a valuable community asset, enabling face-to-face support, as and when people need it.”

Our spaces are volunteer-led, and we always need more volunteers. To find out more about becoming a Grief Kind Space email [email protected]

We've got a limited-time early bird discount for Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough, which is taking place on Saturday, 5th October at 7.00pm ✨

Meander through the tranquil setting of Ferry Meadows, which will be beautifully lit as you enjoy your 5k or 10k nighttime walk.

It's a special way to remember a loved one while raising vital funds to help ensure no one faces death or grief alone.

Don't miss out, early bird offer closes on Wednesday, 31st July!

Grab your discount at: sue-ryder-starlight-hike-peterborough-2024.eventbrite.co.uk/?aff=OrganicFB

Kindly sponsored by Cultura Place

Did you want to find out more about the work we do and have an in-person chat? Our Community Fundraiser Zoë will be at The White Hart, Ufford with a pop-up desk on the first and third Tuesday of every month between 11.30am and 2.00pm.

Come in and talk to her about our charity, the work that we do, what fundraising and volunteering opportunities there are as well as finding out more about our local bereavement support, including our Grief Kind Spaces.

We want to thank The White Hart for hosting and helping us increase awareness of our vital work. Zoë had a great start to working with them, and a busy first day of conversations with local people in the community.

We're delighted that Peterborough Voices are back for their Sing for Life project this year! 🎶

Launching in September, Sing for Life will be looking for 40 or more local women to participate in a ten-week pop-up singing project, working towards a fantastic live performance at The Cresset in November to support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Last year, the project saw over 100 women take part and raise an incredible £13,934.78 for Sue Ryder which is more than the project has ever raised before!

No previous singing experience is needed, just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, get stuck in, and give it a go. You’ll learn to sing, meet new people, challenge yourself, perform live on stage and raise funds for a great cause.

Introduction sessions will take place on Thursday, 5th September (7-9pm), Friday, 6th September (7-9pm) and Saturday, 7th September (2-4pm) at The John Mansfield Campus, Dogsthorpe PE1 4HX where you can meet the team and some of the other singers who’ll be taking part.

For more information and to book your slot for the introduction sessions, visit peterboroughsings.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 01733 425194.

We're pleased to soon be launching two new Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces which will provide weekly drop-in sessions to support people who have been bereaved in St Ives and Huntingdon.

We're currently recruiting for volunteers in these areas to enable us to start sessions in the coming weeks. No experience is needed as full training and support will be provided.

Russell currently volunteers at the Grief Kind Space held in Girton. He said: “I have lost both my parents in the last four years and have suffered from PSTD and found through both experiences that the best way to cope is to talk and to have a space where you can do that.

“People can’t always speak to friends and family so having a group of volunteers and other people who might be going through the same as you is important. Some people who attend want to talk about their grief and others want to talk about anything and everything because after a loved one has died people can feel very lost."

Russell adds: “As well as being a Grief Kind volunteer, I foster hearing dogs for the deaf, so I work this role around that. I choose to volunteer weekly because I have the time, but we work on a rota basis so whatever hours you can spare will be welcomed.

“I would say to anyone interested to give it a go, it’s like anything in life you never know until you try. Everything I have done over the last few years has been because I want to give back to the community and just being there for people is a great feeling.”

To register your interest in becoming a Grief Kind volunteer visit sueryder.org/grief-support/about-bereavement-and-grief/grief-kind/grief-kind-spaces/volunteering

We're delighted to announce Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough is taking place on Saturday, 5th October at 7.00pm ✨

Walk 5k or 10k under the stars and celebrate the memory of a loved one this October.

Get together with family and friends under the stars to remember someone special, raise funds and help ensure no one faces death or grief alone. 💙

Sign up today at sue-ryder-starlight-hike-peterborough-2024.eventbrite.co.uk/?aff=OrganicFB

With thanks to our sponsor Cultura Place

Our Grief Kind Space in Bourne has moved location so that we can provide more informal peer-to-peer bereavement support to more people in the area.

The Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space in Bourne will now take place every Thursday between 10.00am and noon at Barchester’s The Cedars care home, Church Walk, South Street, Bourne, PE10 9UQ.

The Bourne Grief Kind Space first opened its doors in April 2023 at Hereward Group Practice and in that time the number of people using the service has more than doubled. We are grateful for the space that Hereward Group Practice has provided, and also for our new space at Barchester’s The Cedars.

Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Spaces are volunteer-led, with volunteers receiving training and guidance to help attendees connect and share their experiences of grief through peer-to-peer support.

Helen Didsbury is the lead volunteer at the Bourne space and has been with the group since it began. “I first started volunteering at the Bourne Grief Kind Space after my husband died. At the time of my loss, I struggled to cope so I feel that having the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space group is a really important service. I frequently hear from people how much they value being able to come every week and be with others who truly understand how devastating losing someone you love can be.”

Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Spaces are open to anyone who is over 18 and has experienced a bereavement. People don’t need to register and there’s no need to book.

Find out more and see our other locations at sueryder.org/grief-support/about-bereavement-and-grief/grief-kind/grief-kind-spaces/

Thank you to everyone involved in the Dragon Boat Festival last weekend – you have helped raise more than £35,000 for our vital care!

48 teams took to the water on Saturday, 22nd June for the 24th Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival run by NewWave Events and sponsored by Hotpoint, with ESP Magazine as media sponsor.

Winners on the water included 'Kan Do Heverything' from KDH Projects who scooped first place in the Champions race and the ‘Descendants of the Dragon’ – Chinese Community in Peterborough who won the Mixed Crew Champions.

Awards were also given out for the Best Dressed Crew, won by 'Phoenix Pirates' from Blue Phoenix, and for the team who drummed up the most money for Sue Ryder, which was awarded to 'The Cobra Crew' from Cobra Engineering who raised over £2,000 and won the special prize of a group Glo Golf experience. Among the crews was the hospice’s very own made up of our fantastic staff.

Aiden Ward, Logistics and Event Manager at NewWave Events, the organisers of the Dragon Boat Festival, said: "We are thrilled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm shown by the community for the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival. It's a testament to the spirit of Peterborough that we can come together to enjoy such a fantastic event while raising crucial funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. The energy on race day was incredible, and we’re proud to be part of something that makes a real difference in people’s lives."

If the Peterborough Dragon Boat Race has inspired you to raise money for Sue Ryder visit sueryder.org/events to find out how you can get involved in future events.

We're pleased to soon be launching a new Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces which will provide weekly drop-in sessions to support people who have been bereaved.

We're currently recruiting for volunteers in the Spalding area to enable us to start sessions in the coming weeks. No experience is needed as full training and support will be provided.

As a Grief Kind Spaces volunteer, you will help facilitate the sessions which will provide a welcoming and supportive place for people in your community who have been bereaved to share their experiences of grief, helping them feel less isolated.

To register your interest in becoming a Grief Kind volunteer, please email [email protected] or visit sueryder.org/how-we-can-help/bereavement-information/grief-kind/grief-kind-spaces/volunteers

Superstar supporter 7-year-old Isaac has taken on an epic 145-mile Lord of the Rings Virtual Conqueror Challenge to raise funds for our hospice, where his mum, Zoë, works as a Physiotherapist.

Isaac has been scooting, walking, biking, and jumping on the cross trainer since Wednesday, 1st May. A big Lord of the Rings fan, he hopes to cross the virtual finish line by the end of the school summer holidays. Using a special app, the miles Isaac clocks up take him on a virtual tour through Middle-earth, with the promise of a medal when he reaches the end.

Isaac said, “I wanted to help people. My mummy is a Physiotherapist at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and helps people with things like getting out of bed. I love cycling, so I have been enjoying that the most - once I went 12.5 miles per hour on my bike. I was cycling very fast.

"As I move around the app, it tells some of the Lord of the Rings story and they send you postcards when you reach certain points - I am nearly at Woody End in The Shire!”

Isaac hoped to raise £145 - £1 for every mile – but has already exceeded his target, and his fundraising total now stands at £235.

Isaac’s mum Zoë Hopkinson said: “It all started when Isaac’s stepbrother, Eddie, took on a charity cycle ride last year, and Isaac decided he wanted to do something too. I am really proud of Isaac. I see first-hand how the money people like Isaac raise supports people we care for, so I am delighted he has been able to help.”

Thank you Isaac, and good luck with the rest of your challenge - you've got this!

To donate to Isaac’s fundraiser visit justgiving.com/page/zoe-hopkinson-1713445099716

Emma is calling for local residents to join her in speaking up for dying and grieving people this General Election. We cared for Emma’s mum in her final days.

She says, “Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice was there for my mum and I do not think any words will fully encompass what the care provided meant to mum and to us as her family and how essential it was in being able to start our healing journey.

“I truly felt like a weight had been lifted and I was able to just be her daughter again, rather than her carer; someone who arrived each day to jab her in her stomach.

“Instead, I was able to sit with her, hold her hand and make precious memories. What greater gift is there to give to a family at the end of their loved one’s life?

“But these life-changing services don’t have enough funding from the government, and many people don’t know about the help hospices give and how to access it.

“With hospices on average only receiving a third of the funding they need from government, they rely on raising money through fundraising and voluntary donations to cover the rest."

Please join Emma by adding your signature to Sue Ryder’s letter telling the next Government they must make people who are dying and grieving a priority at https://act.newmode.net/action/sue-ryder/sue-ryders-letter-future-government?source=facebook

Add your name to Sue Ryder's Letter to Future Government Will you speak up for people who are dying or grieving? Add your name to Sue Ryder's Letter to Future Government and show your support.

This Father’s Day, we’re sending our support and love to all those who are missing someone special 💙 Whether that’s your dad, child, grandad, or someone else who was a father figure in your life.

We would love to hear about your favourite memory of that person in the comments below or share on our Celebrate a Life Wall at
sueryder.dedicationpage.org/celebrate-a-life

Our fantastic volunteers had a lovely gathering as part of Volunteers' Week last week.

They had an afternoon tea in the Great Hall, followed by a visit from Gino's Ice Cream van.

It was good to get our volunteers together for a well-earned treat to celebrate all they do for us 💙

We're glad this small gesture of appreciation could make a difference to our volunteers' day and we hope they enjoyed the treats!

This Volunteers' Week, meet hospice volunteer, Sue Matson who started as a fundraising volunteer for us fourteen years ago after we cared for her younger sister Alison.

Sue says, “My little sister was cared for at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in 2009. She was only 40 with a loving husband and two little boys. The hospice team was able to take the fear away from the boys, and as a family, we were given the time to make treasured memories.

“I would absolutely recommend becoming a volunteer, being a fundraising volunteer like me is so much fun. There are so many different roles from cheering people on at charity races to marshalling at flagship events like Sue Ryder Starlight Hike, as well as speaking to schools and groups about the fantastic work the charity does, and so much more!

“For me, there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t still think about Alison, but by giving my time at charity events, I know that I am doing my bit to ensure that other people can have the same kind of care from Sue Ryder as we had.”

Thank you, Sue, and to all our volunteers for all you do 💙

Find out more about volunteering with us at sueryder.org/volunteer

There's just 3 weeks to go until the 2024 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival!

📆 Saturday 22nd June
📍 Peterborough Rowing Lake (PE3 6LN)
👏 48 team sell-out

Teams from various local companies will take to the water to battle it out in 30-foot dragon boats all helping to raise valuable funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

There’s plenty do away from the water too with a caricaturist in situ, test yourself on the ultimate reaction game, Batak Pro, a range of side activities for all ages including small fairground rides and inflatables and not to forget the Glo Golf Peterborough crazy golf experience. And keep your eyes skywards at 4pm for a Submarine Spitfires fly over!

A huge thanks to NewWave Events, ESP Magazine and Hotpoint for their wonderful support.

Come and watch the races and enjoy a great day out with your family and friends.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the annual Stuart Allen Memorial on Saturday, 11th May. The Peterborough Predators Ice Hockey and Peterborough Warriors put on an incredible match, and thanks to the amazing turnout, they raised over £1,300 for Sue Ryder!

Stuart died 19 years ago, and the teams hold a match in his name each year. They choose a charity to support each time, and this time the teams decided to support our hospice after we cared for Stuart Allen’s grandmother in her final days.

Thank you to Gareth Wyn Jones, who organised a successful golf day at Perranporth Golf Club, where six mixed teams of 10 players from around Cornwall participated on what turned out to be a beautiful day. The event raised over £640 for our vital care. Gareth organised the match in memory of his sister Bethan, who we cared for in her final days.

A highlight of the day was a golfer dressed in Sue Ryder colours, making for a popular photo opportunity. Marie from our Sue Ryder Shop in Penzance, also attended the event, to share information about our work.

Gareth says, “It was a great joy recently to organise a Charity Golf Day on behalf of Sue Ryder at my club here in Cornwall, Perranporth Golf Club. The event was in memory of my beautiful sister Bethan who was so well looked after in her final days at the hospice. I wanted to give something back to the charity who gave so much to Bethan.

"60 golfers played, gave and stayed for the presentations and raffle, and by the end of the day, we'd raised over 650 pounds...and Perranporth won! For me, it was a great, if emotional and tiring day. Especially with playing too!”

Gareth has offers from clubs to host the day again next year, so keep your eyes peeled for more golfing opportunities!

If you’re inspired to fundraise for us, please email [email protected]

It's a big weekend for two of our incredible supporters! Join us in wishing them both a huge good luck!

Lewis Maskell is taking on the Edinburgh Marathon and Paul Robinson is taking on Ride London 100 today!

Thank you both for the dedication you’ve shown to training and helping to raise valuable funds to support the care and services Sue Ryder provides 💙

Good luck, both!

Our amazing hospice volunteer Barbara Rojek will be taking on a mammoth 286-mile charity bike ride in memory of her husband Chris.

Chris was cared for at our hospice in the final days of his life. Just months after Chris' death Barbara began volunteering in our gardens, which she has done for the last five years.

Barbara tells us, “Chris and I got together in 2002 and married in 2006. He was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to his brain, stomach, and spine while we were in France on a career break. When we returned to England there was lots of to-ing and fro-ing to the hospital. He managed to keep his sense of humour but it was a horrendous five-and-a-half weeks.

“Chris was only at the hospice for five days before he died in April 2019. The care and consideration from the hospice for both Chris and I was exceptional.

“There are others from my cycling group going which is great and 20 people cycling altogether. I didn’t want birthday presents so everyone is putting into my fundraising pot. We leave for Paris on 13th June, and I want to raise as much as I can for Sue Ryder. They helped Chris but they really helped me too.”

Good luck Barbara, and thank you for all you do 💙

To donate Barbara’s fundraising total visit justgiving.com/page/barbara-rojek-1710760541733

We want to say a big thank you and well done to local teacher, Rob who ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon with his wife in a time of 2hr 12min. Despite the wind, Rob enjoyed the challenge and raised over £300 for our hospice.

He says, "Several years ago, I witnessed first-hand the incredible impact of Sue Ryder's dedicated staff when a close friend's wife battled cancer. In those challenging moments, Sue Ryder became a beacon of support. Their doctors, nurses, and caregivers provided unparalleled care, ensuring that she could live her last days with dignity and comfort.

"Reflecting on this experience, I was compelled to dedicate my run to all those who have faced similar challenges. I express my gratitude to Sue Ryder for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one faces death or grief alone.

"When I laced up my running shoes for the London Landmarks Half-marathon, I was not just covering miles; I was running with a purpose."

If you’d like to take on a challenge, take a look at sueryder.org/events

Thank you to The Silver Spoon Company whose ‘Bake for Love’ event has raised over £1,000 for our vital care.

Employees came together to bake and sample an array of sweet delights ranging from homemade cakes, milkshakes, peanut butter infused treats, pipe-your-own cakes and even the opportunity to make DIY pizzas!

Thank you to everyone who baked, sampled and donated so generously to help us be there when it matters 💙

This International Nurses Day, meet nurse Sophie Brew. She shares the many reasons she loves her job at our hospice.

“It's been a bit of a whirlwind. I joined the hospice as a Registered Nurse five years ago and here I am today as a Ward Manager. Highlights for me include representing the charity at the Queen’s funeral, plus sitting on the BBC Breakfast sofa shining a light on the critical recruitment need for palliative care nurses. I never thought I would ever be doing anything like that – I am always being pushed out of my comfort zone.

“I have worked on so many pioneering projects too. I led the implementation of the palliative paramedic pilot which brought new and unique skills to our team. The team too is brilliant and has certainly been another huge highlight of my five years here.

“A hospice is so different from what people expect. It’s not a depressing place where people just come to die, we look at ways to improve things for the people we’re caring for to make sure they can live the best lives they possibly can.

“It’s an honour to be part of people’s palliative care journey. It’s full of happiness and smiles and making memories and they are the things that families never forget, and being there for our families is just as important as the care we provide to our patients too," she says.

We want to say a huge thank you to all our hard-working nurses for all you do every day 💙

For more information on nursing careers at Sue Ryder, visit sueryder.org/jobs/

*Last few remaining spaces*

⛳ Join us for a tee-rific day! The Rotary Club of Peterborough is hosting a Golf Day in aid of Sue Ryder
📆 Monday, 10th June.
📍 Elton Furze Golf Club.
🏌️ Teams of four, £60 per person (£240 per team).
💷 Entry price includes all prizes, coffee on arrival, a meal and an evening presentation.
🏷️ Hole or tee sponsorship is available to include your company logo from just £100.

To sign up, please get in touch with Colin Harrison on 01780 762052 or email [email protected]

We are delighted to announce His Majesty King Charles III is Sue Ryder's new Royal Patron, continuing the legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who became our patron in 1993.

The announcement of His Majesty’s patronage, shared on the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, comes as we launch a new vision and strategy to transform the experience of people who are dying or grieving.

Heidi Travis, Chief Executive Officer of Sue Ryder said, “Everyone at Sue Ryder is truly honoured that His Majesty King Charles III will be our charity’s Royal Patron.

“Having His Majesty as our Royal Patron means so much to us. Not only does it help put a spotlight on the vital work we do and the care we give, but it also helps celebrate the vital contribution our supporters, volunteers and staff all have in being there when it matters.

“Everyone at Sue Ryder is working hard to help build a society where everyone is supported through dying and grief. Having His Majesty’s support as our Royal Patron will really help elevate our efforts.”

It is a huge honour for Sue Ryder to have the continued support of His Majesty and we look forward to growing this very special relationship.

Read more at sueryder.org/blog/sue-ryder-welcomes-news-hm-king-charles-iii-royal-patron

Nancy Taylor, a yogi from Oundle has been hosting free weekly online charity yoga sessions for the past four years – inviting participants to donate to our hospice in return. To date, the classes have raised an incredible £7,288 – far surpassing Nancy’s original target of £1,000 💙

Nancy hosts her fundraising sessions each Monday. For anyone who can’t make it, she will record the class and upload it to YouTube, for which people can also donate.

In addition to the regular Monday classes, Nancy holds special one-off in-person yoga events at Christmastime, choosing a different cause each year, with Sue Ryder sometimes benefitting from these sessions too - contributing to the overall amount raised.

Nancy, who is a British Wheel of Yoga-qualified teacher, started practicing Yoga when she was 25 - and began teaching yoga around 12 years ago. Initially part-time in addition to her day job in fundraising, Nancy knows from experience how important it is for the community to get involved and support local causes.

Nancy said, “I lived near Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall in Peterborough before I moved to Oundle and would walk the pram around the gardens there. People I know have spoken to me about the fantastic care their loved ones have received there. It’s a charity close to people’s hearts and I wanted people to feel connected to the cause.

“I feel passionate about the whole hospice movement too, about dying well. Most of us have lost someone and at times you think things could have been better for them. Plus, part of our Yoga teachings and philosophy is to be connected and generous to others. This also drives me.”

To donate, visit Nancy’s JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nancy-taylor1

Thank you for your incredible support, Nancy!

Imagine carrying an engagement ring for 26.2 miles at the TCS London Marathon - that's what one of our Team Sue Ryder runners did! 💍

Paul Brewster turned 60 in June 2023 and kick-started his celebrations by raising money for Sue Ryder instead of receiving gifts. He has raised £6,700 for us in the last 12 months!

Paul said, "I chose the London Marathon to propose to Jo as I wanted to make it unforgettable in every way! It is such an iconic event and it was Jo’s first time experiencing it live.

"It’s all about sharing love and support and coming together, so there is no better place to propose. Good job Jo accepted! I decided that the engagement ring should go the whole course with me, so Jo will always have a part and remember London Marathon 2024 always.

"I could not be prouder to represent such a fantastic charity and be part of an amazing community."

Join us in congratulating Paul and Jo on this wonderful news 💙

A wonderful supporter recently organised a fashion show to raise money for our hospice. She worked with her colleague, Julie Windle and in co-operation with Cheyenne Smith, Interim Regional Head of Hospice Fundraising and Dan Ambler, Manager at the Eye Sue Ryder shop to make the show a success.

The clothes in the fashion show were donated by her friends and Corinne was overwhelmed by their generosity.

She said, "I was also looking for a wedding dress to include in the final catwalk theme – The Wedding Day 💍

"Hunting round the Eye shop, I found a brown box with lace sticking out. It was a wedding dress! I was allowed to take it home for further inspection.

"It was a delightful find, but in a sad state. It had been worn on the big day and probably hadn’t been taken out of the box since. The box also had in it the original McCalls paper pattern and the dressmaker had added the date it was made – 1979. There was also a short veil and some spare material."

The dress had stains, and the zip was stuck and rusted, but Corinne and her mum removed the stains and put a new zip in too.

"The dress came alive with our model Lauren, looking beautiful and walking down the catwalk to Mendelsohn’s Wedding March. Our other gorgeous models were wearing their wedding outfits and throwing confetti!

"Of course, the dress has another story, which we do not know, but I hope that if the original owner could see it now, it would bring a smile to her face."

Corinne and Julie raised an incredible £2,300, which has been donated together with a large stock of lovely clothes which were not sold on the night! 💙

Enter our free prize draw and be in with a chance to win a two-hour garden design consultation by Katherine Holland!

To celebrate our Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, we'll be giving away some fantastic gardening prizes including:

🌱 Our main prize of a two-hour garden design consultation by Katherine Holland
💐 Two runners-up prizes of a 12-month subscription for Arena Flowers
💙 20 lucky third-prize winners will each receive a £30 Patch plants voucher
🎫 And as a part of our special pre-show draw, bonus prizes include 2x full-day and 2x half-day tickets to attend the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

Entries for the pre-show draw close on Monday, 6th May 2024 and on Sunday, 9th June 2024 for the main prize draw.

Find out more and enter on our website at sueryder.org/grief-support/about-bereavement-and-grief/grief-kind/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-2024/competition

Entrants must be 18+, Ts & Cs apply. Thanks to Project Giving Back for their support.