Staffordshire hospice spreads love and care this Valentine’s Day

A Staffordshire hospice has marked Valentine’s Day with a week of special activities designed to remind patients and staff they are loved and valued.

St Giles Hospice received heartfelt gifts from both a staff member and a volunteer, who crocheted a bundle of beautiful hearts to be given to patients on the Inpatient Unit.

Donna Lancaster, Deputy Ward Manager on the Inpatient Unit, has been crocheting hearts at home for around six months. She brought the idea to St Giles after her dad died and the hospital he was at did similar. Her children now have the hearts in their bedrooms at home.

Volunteer Sharon Smith, a member of a local community choir, also crocheted hearts because she wanted to make something that would have an impact on patients.

The crocheted hearts serve as beautiful memory making gifts for families, making them even more fitting for Valentine’s Day.

The Valentine’s week celebrations also included hand massages for both patients and staff, and a special service of reflection led by Rev. Paul Greenwell.

Leon Ratcliffe, Director of Clinical Services at St Giles Hospice, said: “It’s really important for us to mark these calendar dates in a small way. These gestures might seem simple, but they make such a difference to our patients and their families, reminding them they’re cared for and thought of at a difficult time.

“The crocheted hearts are a wonderful example of the kindness and creativity of both our staff and volunteers, and we’re so grateful for these thoughtful gifts.”

St Giles Hospice provides specialist palliative and end of life care, free of charge, for people living with terminal illnesses across Staffordshire, North Birmingham and surrounding areas.

With less than a quarter of its funds provided by the Government, the hospice relies heavily on donations and the generosity of the local community to continue its vital care.