It seems so long ago now but as previously communicated we raised £700 for the Palliative Care Unit at our music night and race night we held at the back end of last year and early this year. Obviously with lockdown and hospital being off limits for general visitors we couldn’t have the opportunity to present the cheque in person, so we had no choice but to post this off and hope that the funds were put to good use in these troubled times. Basically we said to the unit that they should use it to whatever use they though best at the time. Communication has been ongoing between ourselves and the unit but has been slow due to obvious reasons. We’ve had the following letters a little while now but as a lot of members are still shielding or haven’t been able to use the club yet we thought that the best thing would be to transcribe these for you. Be very proud of your fundraising efforts, they’re really making a difference as you can see below.

Dear Meersbrook Bowling Club

Thank you so much for the kind donation of £700 in honour of several of your members who were cared for on the unit. Your kindness is very much appreciated. I am sure the money will be fully utilised to ensure that current and future patients are able to be as comfortable. Please find enclosed a receipt to confirm that the donation has been paid into the Charitable Trust account for the unit.

Yours Sincerely

Rachel Bond – Ward Manager, Macmillan Palliative Care Unit

Dear All at Meersbrook Bowling Club

I can’t thank you enough for your fantastic gift of £700 to support patients in the Sheffield Palliative Care Unit. Your gift will make such a difference to patients and their families during a difficult time in their lives. You’ll help make somebody’s final days that little bit more comfortable, and bring joy to patients lives during what would otherwise be a really tough time. Gifts from generous people like you have already made a huge difference to patients lives. Just recently, gifts to the unit have provided the following:

Gifts have helped patients on the unit experience the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy and massage therapy, with the new hydro-therapy bath. The bath soothes discomfort, tension and stress, while helping to to significantly reduce and relieve pain.

Donations have also given patients access to complementary therapies, like aromatherapy massage and Reiki. Therapies like this help patients feel calm and relaxed, making their time in the Palliative Care Unit easier for them and their loved ones.

Our donors have transformed the Palliative Care Unit’s ‘quiet room’. The room is used by patients who want to get away from their bedside, and provides a space for them to spend quality time with their relatives and friends. Gifts have helped make the room much more comfortable for patients and their loved ones, providing a homely space where they can relax and enjoy precious time together.

These are just examples of some of the incredible things that your gift could make happen. I really can’t tell you how grateful we all are for your support, so thank you once again for caring so much about local patients.

With my very best wishes and thank you all so much for this great amount.

Kris Watson – Charity Services Officer, Sheffield Hospitals Charity.