A Burton woman whose cousin received end of life care from St Giles Hospice is asking people to play their Summer Raffle, following a win of £8,000.
Dympna Stewart’s cousin, Kath Eaves, was cared for by St Giles Hospice before her death from cancer in 2006. Reflecting on her cousin’s care, Dympna said: “When I first visited Kath at St Giles, I didn’t really know what to expect, the only thing you really think of when you hear the word ‘hospice’ is that people go there to die.
“As soon as I walked through the door, I was just so impressed by the care that Kath was receiving. The care team were so helpful and couldn’t do enough for both patients and families, ensuring they had everything they needed.
“The hospice had such a relaxed and calming atmosphere – one nurse was supporting a patient to go outside so they could feel the sun on their face and the fresh air through their hair – it was really lovely to see.”
Dympna said: “It was important to Kath to be able to die at home so that she could be surrounded by her loved ones. Being all together as a family in her final days is what she would have wanted.” With thanks to the team at St Giles, Kath was able to die at home.
Inspired by Kath’s experience at St Giles, Dympna started playing the St Giles raffle as a way to say thank you and support the charity.
Dympna said: “Amazingly, I won £8,000 in the Christmas Raffle at the end of last year! We’re looking forward to going on holiday and treating ourselves in memory of Kath.
“It is so important that people receive outstanding end of life care – we only have once chance to get that right. I encourage you to support St Giles Hospice – we never know what is round the corner and any of us may need hospice care one day.”
Chloe Hope, Head of Fundraising at St Giles, said: “Playing our summer raffle is a fun and easy way to support St Giles, with the chance to win some fabulous cash prizes which could really brighten up your summer! Whilst we receive some funding from the Government, we still rely heavily on donations and income generation from our local community. Tickets cost just £1 each, and every ticket sold helps St Giles to continue to be there for more local people like Dympna and Kath, today, for the next 40 years and beyond.”
To coincide with their 40th anniversary year, St Giles are offering 40 fantastic prizes for this year’s Summer Raffle, worth over £12,000, including two joint first prizes of £4,040. An extra draw will also be held for speedy raffle entries – those who purchase tickets by 9th May could win a £40 Marks & Spencer gift card.
Raffle tickets can be purchased until midnight on 30th June 2023 and the draw date is 18th July 2023.
For more information, or to purchase your raffle tickets, visit www.stgileshospice.com/raffle/ or call 01543 434020.