FARNHAM'S Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice has expanded its ability to provide palliative care thanks to a successful re-launch of the Living Appeal. In April last year, four beds were closed at the hospice, but on Monday two were re-opened, increasing hospice beds to 16. These vital additions follow the re-launch of the Living Appeal in April where the hospice appealed to the local community to continue its generous support to ensure the beds are kept open and the rest of the Hospice services continue. Clodagh Sowton, director of nursing, commented: "We are thrilled that we have been able to re-open two of the four beds that we had to close last year for financial reasons. These two beds will enable us to support over 200 patients and their families each year." Mrs Sowton added: "These beds are absolutely vital to give our patients and their families a choice about where they receive hospice care - and they really complement the work of our community team who are out and about supporting patients at home for as long as is possible. "We hope that our local community and businesses will continue to support us to not only keep these beds open and our community services going, but also to allow us to open the final two beds and develop the rest of our services." Offering specialist palliative care to those facing the end of their lives and to those who love and care for them, the hospice serves a population of 600,000 people across West Surrey and North East Hampshire. Each day, the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice supports over 100 patients and carers in their own homes, in the community and at the hospice: in the in-patient unit, the day hospice, out-patients and through bereavement counselling. Sarah Brocklebank, chief executive, continued to explain the hospice's predicament, saying: "We receive just 16 per cent of our income from the NHS so are incredibly reliant on the local community for funding over £3.5 million each year - that's £10,000 each day." And Mrs Brocklebank was grateful to the Packhouse antiques and interiors specialists, who bolstered the coffers by more than £3,000 with the organisation of a balloon festival. "Owner Alison Hougham is a qualified hot-air balloon pilot. She organised a balloon festival in support of the hospice's Living Appeal, donating the money paid for flights, raising over £3,000," she explained. "We are so grateful to companies such as the Packhouse antiques and interiors specialists who choose innovative - and fun - ways to raise money for us. "It is thanks to the generosity of so many local individuals and companies that allows us to open these two beds today. I would like to encourage anyone who has not yet supported the Living Appeal to get involved and help raise the necessary funds that enable us to care for over 100 local people each day." To support the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice's Living Appeal, or to join the team of volunteers, contact 01252 729400 or visit http://www.livingappeal.org.uk">www.livingappeal.org.uk.
