We’re set to commemorate Hospice Care Week – 10th to 14th October 2022

,

Blythe House and Helen’s Trust is set to commemorate Hospice Care Week with a number of events.

The annual campaign – hosted by Hospice UK – is taking place from Monday 10th to Friday 14th October.

Blythe House and Helen’s Trust is set to host a number of free events next week – and everyone is welcome to get involved:

Tuesday 11th October

  • Footsteps with grief, 10.30am to 12.30pm – a gentle walk starting from the hospice on Eccles Fold to Chapel-en-le-Frith park, to give people the chance to connect with others who have been bereaved and meet members of the bereavement support team at Blythe House and High Peak CVS.
  • What do we tell the children? 4.45 – 6.30pm – an education session at Great Longstone C of E Primary School for primary school staff across the area to learn more about how to talk about death and dying to children.

Wednesday 12th October

  • Hospice open day, 10am to 3pm – all members of the public welcome at the Blythe House Community Hub on Eccles Fold, Chapel-en-le-Frith to enjoy free refreshments and complementary therapies whilst meeting members of the hospice team and learning more about services.

Louise Furmston, community engagement lead nurse at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust, said: ‘I’m very excited about our plans to commemorate Hospice Care Week. I think it’ll be a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the care and services that we provide to patients and families across the local area, and for members of our community to get together, share stories and support one another, while enjoying some goodies and refreshments!’

For more information, please:

/by

Christmas fundraising event is back and BIGGER than ever in BUXTON and DARLEY DALE

,

Jingle all the way – oh, what fun it is to run a Santa-themed 5k!

An annual Christmas run raising vital funds for local hospice care is returning this year in two locations – Buxton and Darley Dale.

The Jingle Bell Jog – a 5k festive race raising money for Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust – is set to take place at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton for the fourth year on Sunday 4th December.

Organisers are delighted to be bringing the run to the Derbyshire Dales for the first year ever – taking place at Whitworth Park in Darley Dale on Saturday 3rd December.

All the money raised from the events will go towards providing free of charge hospice care to local patients and their families who are affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement. The charities receive less than a quarter of their funding from the government so must raise crucial funds by hosting events like this one.

Throughout 2021/22, the Hospice at Home team, which provides care and support to people who wish to remain in the comfort of their own home at the end of their lives, gave over 13,900 hours of care in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales.

Laura Ann Bowers took part in last year’s Jingle Bell Jog as part of a 30-strong team in memory of Lynne Needham who accessed hospice services.

Buxton resident, Laura, explained: ‘I am a better person for knowing and loving Lynne. The atmosphere has been amazing – we had people finishing quite quickly, and some were at the back as well, so all abilities have taken part.’

Becca Gregory, fundraising and communications manager at the hospice, said: ‘We are so excited to be bringing the hugely popular Jingle Bell Jog back to Buxton this year – and launching the event in Darley Dale too. We’re looking forward to seeing our loyal, local supporters coming together for some festive fun, helping to raise vital funds for hospice care in the comfort of patient’s homes; something that is so very important in our rural communities.

‘Our sincere thanks to iBottles of Chinley for sponsoring the event, meaning that as much money as possible can be spent directly on patient care. We are so grateful for the support of local companies and organisations. If you can help the event in any way, either with a monetary gift or a gift in kind, please do get in touch.’

Early bird entry is open now until Monday 31st October! For just £10, you’ll receive a Santa suit, beard and belt to jingle all the way. Register now.

To find out more about corporate support opportunities for the Jingle Bell Jog, email: events@blythehouse.co.uk.

/by

Running up that hill! Hundreds of runners raise over £25,000 at annual Chatsworth 10k race – with tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

,

Over 700 runners have raised an estimated £25,000 for local hospice patient care during a running event at the stunning Chatsworth estate.

The annual event – hosted by Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, and proudly sponsored by Chesterfield and Sheffield-based BRM Solicitors – took place on Sunday 18th September 2022, with support from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Participants undertook a one-minute silence as a mark of respect to Her Majesty The Queen before the race got underway.

The mixed-terrain, 10k route saw participants running uphill for the first few miles, to a plateau around the beautiful scenery of the Chatsworth estate’s reservoirs. During the final stretch, runners enjoyed majestic views of the stately home.

Following the 10k, the Duchess of Devonshire was on hand to present prizes to race winners, and officially start a 3k race for families.

‘It was a really good run.’
Pam Ferguson from Derby said: ‘I took part today because I really like doing 10k runs; it’s good to have milestones to work towards to keep me going and to keep fit.’

Mandi Muggeson, who lives in Cressbrook, commented: ‘I took part partly to keep fit, as part of a training plan I am doing, but mainly to raise money for Blythe House and Helen’s Trust because I’ve lost family, and friends to life-limiting illnesses. They were different ages, not all older people; I’ve lost friends in their 40s and 50s to cancer. We had family members who had scares earlier in the year; they’re all well, fit and healthy, but it could’ve been very different, and there are lots of people out there whose outcomes are not as positive, so I wanted to do something to support these two charities.’

Oliver Coombs OBrien took part alongside his dad, Pat. Oliver, who lives in Edinburgh, explained: ‘It was a really good run today. I’m doing the London Marathon in two weeks’ time so I’ve been doing a lot of training but this was a difficult route as the first bit was really very steep. But it’s such a good route, there’s lots of really lovely views and as you turn the corner at the top, you get the amazing view of Chatsworth itself, which was really good.’

Couple, Lauren Owen and Alex Hurst, both from Leek in Staffordshire, ran together. Lauren said: ‘I only signed up last week; we were out for a meal in Buxton and we saw a poster for the event so I thought I’d register. I own a personal training studio so I asked some of my clients but I think it was a bit too last minute for them so I’ve ended up representing on my own! Alex decided last night to do it with me and signed up this morning. With minimal training, I completed the route 10 minutes’ fastest than I thought I would, so I am happy with that and I really enjoyed it!’

A huge thank you
Every runner who took part has helped to raise crucial funds for hospice services across the Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire and High Peak. Blythe House and Helen’s Trust receive less than a quarter of their funding from the government and must raise the remaining amount through events like this one, as well as local charity shops and donations.

Rachael Gee, fundraising and events coordinator at the hospice, who organises the event, said: ‘A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Chatsworth 10k in any way, including participants, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, family members and loved ones cheering everyone on – we are so very grateful for your support and it wouldn’t have been possible without you.

‘In the week leading up to the event, in the wake of the sad news about Her Majesty The Queen, we were considering whether it could go ahead. We are very grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire who kindly contributed their support and enthusiasm for the event to take place. It has always been an important fundraiser in the Helen’s Trust calendar and since the charity formed a partnership with Blythe House in 2020, the money raised at the Chatsworth 10k is more vital than ever to support even more hospice patients across North Derbyshire.

‘Sincere thanks go to our headline sponsors, BRM Solicitors of Chesterfield and Sheffield, as well as The Eye Place in Bakewell, TF Jackson in Buxton, Bloomers of Bakewell, Buxton Water, Ledgard Jepson and Up & Running, both in Sheffield, for providing sponsorship, or gifts in kind, meaning that as much money as possible was raised for local hospice patient care. We are so very grateful for your commitment and support.’

Next year’s event is set to take place on Sunday 17th September 2023. Early bird registration is now open – UKA affiliated runners can register for £17 whilst for non-UKA affiliated runners it is £19 before Friday 27th October, or £6 for the 3k fun run. Sign up online now.

Sincere thanks to our business sponsors for the event:

  • Headline sponsors, BRM Solicitors
  • The Eye Place for sponsoring the kilometre markers
  • TF Jackson, Buxton for donating a portakabin
  • Bloomers of Bakewell for donating 250 Bakewell puddings for first runners across the finish line
  • Buxton Water for donating bottled water
  • Ledgard Jepson for providing free design services for the event
  • Up & Running for donating runner numbers
/by

Chatsworth 10k – going ahead on Sunday 18th September

,

During the past few days, in the wake of the sad news about Her Majesty The Queen, we have been considering our Chatsworth 10k event, and have decided – with support from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire – that the event will go ahead as planned this Sunday, 18th September.

We are hopeful that hundreds of participants who are signed up to take part will join us as we hold a one-minute silence as a mark of respect before the 10k race gets underway.

The event has always been an important fundraiser in the Helen’s Trust calendar and since the charity formed a partnership with Blythe House Hospicecare in 2020, the money raised at the Chatsworth 10k is more vital than ever to support even more hospice patients across North Derbyshire.

If you would like to speak to a member of the team, please call 01298 875 089 or email: events@blythehouse.co.uk.

Find out more or register to take part.

/by

Meet the team – Clare Walker, clinical services manager

, ,

Clare Walker joined Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust as clinical services manager in July 2022, following in the footsteps of Shane O’Reilly, who moved to the hospice CEO role, following Janet Dunphy’s retirement.

Clare, from Yorkshire, explains more about her background and the things she has enjoyed most during her first few months at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.

‘I have been in the NHS for over 20 years, working in acute, primary and community care as well as working for NHS England and in local health commissioning. I started as a bereavement advisor at a local hospital. Following several years of training where I gained my postgraduate diploma in Primary Care Mental Health, at the University of York, alongside working as a counsellor/therapist, I moved to Suffolk to manage a countywide primary care mental health service.

‘I was unfortunately made redundant following a merger but managed to get a post with Macmillan Cancer Support where I continued my work developing holistic care and support; this time for patients who were in remission from cancer. Following a move back up to Yorkshire, I worked at the Clinical Commissioning Group in Derbyshire for seven years where I commissioned community and end of life services, and latterly I managed the transition of Glossop health commissioning from Greater Manchester into Derbyshire. Because of this role, I was aware of the excellent services and support that Blythe House and Helen’s Trust offered.

‘When I saw the job advert for clinical services manager at the hospice, I knew I had to apply. Having worked closely with Janet [Dunphy, previous CEO, now retired] and Shane [O’Reilly, CEO and former clinical services manager], in the past, I was very aware of, and inspired by, the ethos of Blythe House and Helen’s Trust. Staff spoke very highly of the Hospice and how much they enjoyed being part of it; the compassion shown by all the staff was very evident and the feedback from people using the various services spoke for itself. Who wouldn’t want to work for an organisation that clearly put patients and their families at the very heart of its services?

‘My role as clinical services manager is to provide leadership and senior operational management for all the clinical services that the hospice offers, as well as leading on the development of clinical services to meet our new five-year strategy. My focus is therefore on delivering high-quality care to people who use our services, and making sure that we recruit and retain the highest calibre of people to deliver this care.

‘Blythe House and Helen’s Trust delivers support across North Derbyshire which includes the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire, so I also work in partnership with other organisations as part of the Derbyshire-wide end of life strategy and the High Peak Place Alliance. This means that I can be part of a wider compassionate community, grow a workforce that is informed and skilled, and develop services that meet the needs of local people at the end of their life.

‘In my first few weeks here at the hospice, I have been meeting staff across all parts of the hospice. Teams don’t work in silos here, and it is evident how well the clinical, volunteering, fundraising and retail teams work together. However, there are always things we can do better so I have been talking to colleagues about what they do, how they do it and what they feel we can do to improve the care we provide. My colleagues have a wealth of knowledge and skills so I’m looking forward to tapping into this and working with them and those that use our services to develop our clinical workforce and service offers further.

‘Our new five-year clinical strategy is taking shape and I want to ensure that more people know about the work that Blythe House and Helen’s Trust does, and the people it supports. We don’t just support those who are right at the end of their life but also those who may have just been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness so I’m looking forward to supporting the clinical teams and our non-clinical colleagues in their endeavours to reach more people as early as possible.

‘In my personal life, I am married to Richard and we have two grown up children and a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, called Ted. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors for both exercise and relaxation. I belong to a woman’s group where we go walking, do boot camp, and I can occasionally be found running with them when I am injury free! I’m also a keen gardener and we’ve recently got interested in growing veggies and salads.’

Find out more about services at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust, how they could support you or a loved one.

/by

Chesterfield solicitors, BRM, on track to help raise thousands of pounds for local hospice as prestigious Chatsworth race returns

,

The Helen’s Trust Chatsworth 10k, proudly sponsored by BRM Solicitors, returns to the stunning Chatsworth estate on Sunday 18th September 2022.

The event was established in 2008 with the aim of raising funds to support Helen’s Trust. The circular, mixed terrain route takes in the grounds of the ‘most beautiful stately home in the world*’ and is a firm favourite with both professional and amateur runners.

As demand for Hospice at Home care increased across North Derbyshire, Helen’s Trust formed a partnership with Blythe House in 2020. Together the charities provide a the highest standard of care to more local patients, who wish to stay in their own home at the end of their life.

Every runner who takes part is helping to raise crucial funds for hospice services across the Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire and High Peak. The charities receive just 13% of their funding from the government and must raise the remaining amount through events like this one; local charity shops and donations.

Rachael Gee, fundraising and events coordinator, who organises the event, said: ‘The Chatsworth 10k is one of the biggest fundraising events in our calendar, and we are extremely excited to welcome hundreds of runners to Chatsworth later this year, to help raise another incredible amount of money to fund hospice care across our communities. Last year’s event raised a staggering £33,500, so we are looking forward to seeing if we can beat this target!

‘We’re so very grateful to everyone who supports the event in anyway, to ensure it is such a success and that as much money as possible is raised to directly support patient care – we could not do it without you.’

Rob Woodhead, Director at BRM Solicitors, commented: ‘We have worked with Helen’s Trust for several years, and we are delighted at the opportunity to be the sponsor of the 2022 Helen’s Trust Chatsworth 10k.

‘The Chatsworth 10k has become a sporting highlight in the local area, and we look forward to seeing runners tackle the challenging course and families enjoying the fun run.’

Register online for the Chatsworth 10k and 3k fun run – entry to the 10k race includes chip-timed results, water on the course, a snack on completion, and a medal.

Throughout July, BRM Solicitors is very kindly hosting a free will writing month in aid of Blythe House and Helen’s Trust. Find out more and book an appointment today.

* Source.

/by

New monthly hospice donation drop off point at Ashford in the Water

,

A new monthly drop off session is set to take place for Derbyshire Dales residents to support local hospice care.

Staff and volunteers from the hospice are set to host the first session at Ashford War Memorial Institute on Greaves Lane, in Ashford in the Water from 1 to 3pm on Wednesday 27th July.

Anyone is welcome to drop off items that they would like to give a second lease of life by donating them to the charity, for sale in hospice shops across the community including in Bakewell.

Items that people might like to donate include good quality clothing, shoes and accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, bed linen, curtains, tablecloths, bric-a-brac, pictures, homeware, small electrical items and jewellery.

Marie Brown, manager at the hospice’s Bakewell shop on Matlock Street, said: ‘The charity’s five local shops and online stores raised £525,000 to fund local hospice care and services throughout 2021/22.

‘We have incredible support from everyone across our local communities and we’re so very grateful – we couldn’t reach these incredible totals without you. We hope the new drop off point will be a convenient and central place in the Dales for supporters to travel to, to pass on donated items for us to sell to fund local care.’

During 2021, the charity’s hugely successful Hospice at Home service provided over 20,000 hours of care to local patients who wished to stay in the comfort of their own home at the end of their life, including in Bakewell, Baslow, Bradwell, Calver, Cressbrook, Curbar, Eyam, Grindleford, Little Longstone, Longnor, Matlock, Pilsley, Rowsley, Tansley, Two Dales, Winster and Youlgrave.

Future drop in sessions will take place between 1 and 3pm on the last Wednesday of every month at the same venue:

  • 31st August
  • 28th September
  • 26th October
  • 30th November

For more information, call 01629 259320 or visit our shops webpage.

/by

Thanking our volunteers who give hundreds of hours of their time every week – Volunteers’ Week 2022

,

This week, we’re thanking our incredible team of over 190 volunteers, who donate hundreds of hours of their time to support hospice care every week.

Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust is commemorating national Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), a celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.

The hospice provides care and support to families affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement across the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire.

Volunteers play a huge role in providing vital services at the hospice’s Community Hub in Chapel-en-le-Frith; in patient’s homes; at fundraising events; and in the charity’s shops in Bakewell, Buxton, Chapel, New Mills and Whaley Bridge.

Scott

June

June Igo has volunteered at the hospice’s New Mills shop since 2008, after retiring from her career in teaching. She said: ‘I think what is so special about volunteering during your retirement is that you get to try new skills and dabble in different job roles without the pressure you have in a paid job.’

Scott Beswick supports the hospice’s fundraising team by distributing collection pots to businesses in his hometown, Buxton. He said: ‘I have been a fundraiser for the hospice for several years, and approached the fundraising team to pursue other opportunities. I wanted to continue supporting Blythe House and this role was perfect for me as it fits around my work and home life. I enjoy visiting local businesses and seeing them and their customers support Blythe House.’

Sarah and her son

Sarah Rowland, from a small village near Bakewell, has been a solicitor for 25 years and became a trustee of Helen’s Trust in 2014. She said: ‘It is really rewarding to be part of a small, local charity because you can see the difference that the team makes to people in our community who need support at a difficult time.’

Julie Forrest, volunteer manager at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust, said: ‘We are grateful to our amazing volunteers every single day of the year, but it is so nice to have a week of celebrations dedicated to thanking them for their invaluable contribution to local hospice services. We are indebted to every individual volunteer, because the hospice quite simply would not exist without them, and we thank them sincerely for all of their support.’

If you could spare just three hours of your time per week to support local hospice care by volunteering, you can get in touch by:

 

/by

Buxton glows as fundraising walk raises over £6,000 for local hospice care

,

The streets of Buxton were glowing as over 100 people got together to raise over £6,000 for local hospice care.

The Glow Twilight Walk returned to the town on Saturday 14th May, following a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hospice supporters wore neon tutus, glow sticks and light up headbands to set the night alight on the 10k circular walk taking in the town centre, the market place, Harpur Hill and Burbage.

Buxton resident, Lisa, was taking part alongside her friends, who had nicknamed themselves the ‘Walkie Talkies.’ She said: ‘We are so excited to be here for a good Saturday night out, helping to raise money for a great local cause.’

Lucy’s dad, Gary, is currently receiving care and support from the hospice following his diagnosis of early on-set dementia.

Lucy, who is also from Buxton, explained: ‘Dad has amazing support including physio and complementary therapies, and one-to-one sessions where he can chat about his diagnosis, talk about his worries, and get advice. My mum and I have also benefited from services at the hospice. It’s a cause close to our hearts and we wanted to do something together as a family to support it.’

Rachael Gee, fundraising and events coordinator at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust, organised the event. She said: ‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Glow Twilight Walk in any way – including amazing volunteers, local businesses and of course, the participants. We hope you had a fantastic night – it was so good to all be together again, and we were able to raise an incredible amount of money to support hospice care across our local communities.’

The money raised will support people across the High Peak, Hope Valley, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire who are affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement.

Next year’s Glow Twilight Walk is confirmed to take place on Saturday 10th June. Super early bird registration is now open, where you can sign up for just £5.

Sign up before before Saturday 28th May 2022 to pay just £5.

/by

New CEO appointed as hospice bids fond farewell to Janet Dunphy

,

After a nursing career spanning more than 40 years, Janet Dunphy, Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust CEO, is retiring.

Janet has been at the helm here at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust since 2015, after dedicating her working life to nursing, with 34 of those years in palliative and end of life care.

In her seven years here at the hospice, Janet has overseen a number of prominent and exciting changes to local hospice services.

Janet directed the inception of our hugely successful Hospice at Home service, which has provided over 76,000 hours of care since it began in 2016. The service sees healthcare assistants provide day and night-time care across the local community to patients who wish to die in the comfort of their own home.

Complementing Hospice at Home is the award-winning Community Volunteer programme, which Janet spearheaded from the start, seeing volunteers support patients and their families with tasks including  shopping, running errands, gardening, dog walking, or simply ‘being there’ so a family member can rest.

In recent years, Janet has managed the revamp of hospice services to ensure as many local people as possible are able to access care and support when they need it; the renovation of our hospice building to make it more accessible to patients and visitors; and the thriving partnership with fellow end of life care charity, Helen’s Trust.

Janet said: ‘I want to say a huge and sincere thank you to everyone that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with here at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust. It is an honour and a privilege to look back on my time here, and to see everything that we have been able to achieve together. I am so very grateful to have ended my long and fulfilling career at a place where everyone cares so much, and is working towards the same, shared goal.

‘I want to acknowledge Tim Mourne, chairman of the board of trustees, and all the trustees who govern this ship. It is no easy task; it takes lots of time, wisdom, skill and compassion. Nothing would happen without them and we certainly would not be as safe as we are in these difficult times. It is a massive responsibility, and they work tirelessly.

‘To our volunteers, I want to say that whatever your role, without you we would not have achieved what we have during my tenure, indeed we wouldn’t even be here at all.  You were my reassurance throughout. You chose to build and maintain your local hospice, you know how much it is needed, and I know you will carry on making sure that it continues as the safe place in your community, for anyone diagnosed with, or affected by, life-limiting illness.’

Shane O’Reilly will become the hospice’s new CEO on Monday 2nd May. Shane joined the hospice in 2020 as clinical services manager, after spending more than 18 years as a senior NHS physiotherapist with special interests in motor neurone disease and respiratory conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Shane said: ‘I am delighted to be appointed to the chief executive role and I am looking forward to building upon the hospice’s commendable history, and its outstanding reputation both locally and nationally.

‘Within the last year, we have seen a huge rise in the demand for our services, and we are proud to have met and exceeded those challenges. In the future, I am looking forward to continuing this incredible work alongside dedicated staff and volunteers, delivering the care that we know is so very needed in our rural communities.

‘My sincere thanks to everyone who volunteers for the hospice or supports us in any way. We would not be here without you and I am personally so very grateful for your time, commitment and support.’

Janet concluded: ‘I leave Blythe House and Helen’s Trust in a very good place, clinically and financially and in very safe hands as Shane O’Reilly takes over. I’m proud to hand over to him, I know how much he cares and how talented he is. I have every confidence that Shane’s knowledge, passion, strength and commitment will take you into yet another exciting phase of success.’

We wish Janet all the very best for her retirement and thank her sincerely for her many years of devoted service to people affected by life-limiting illness.

/by