Pay for a day's care at hospice appeal

11:39pm Saturday 9th February 2008

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CHARITY champions are being urged to help Bolton Hospice fund the care of a patient for a day.

The hospice, which is almost entirely funded by donations, is launching an appeal which calls for the support of locals.

It costs an average of £360 a day for the treatment and services of each patient and the hospice must raise £2.2 million every year.

Staff are now appealing for people to donate or raise the cash to help pay for one day's care for a patient.

Gill Stott, who works as a staff nurse at Bolton Hospice, said: "The hospice is a unique service in terms of looking after the whole family. It isn't just about the patient, it is about everyone involved.

"Also it's very much a local cause for local people and you never know when you will need it."

Care at the hospice includes medication, physiotherapy, help with mobility and care at home if needed.

Inpatients have a wide range of food to choose from each day, fresh flowers are in all the rooms and complementary therapy is on offer. Day patients can take part in a variety of activities, including painting, arts and crafts and flower arranging.

Freda Ashton, aged 75, from Tonge Fold, has been a day patient at Bolton Hospice for the past 18 months, since she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The retired secretary underwent surgery and radiotherapy but the cancer returned in her stomach and a week ago she was admitted as an inpatient following treatment at the Royal Bolton Hospital. She is being cared for until she is strong enough to go home.

Mrs Ashton, a widow, said: "You can't explain the care here, it's absolutely brilliant. When I was brought in I felt like I was in a hotel.

"The staff are fantastic. They take care to do everything they can to make you comfortable. Even little things like bringing you a cushion. You don't have to ask, they just do it."

To donate cash to care for a patient, send cheques, made payable to Bolton Hospice, to Bolton Hospice, 459 Blackburn Road, Bolton, BL1 8PE, or visit www.boltonhospice.org.