Hospice nurses scale new heights to raise funds for companion bed

A dedicated team of our In-Patient Unit nurses are bravely taking on new terrains in order to raise vital funds for an essential piece of equipment that will enhance patient and their loved ones experiences when cared for within our state of the art In-Patient Unit. 

At St David's Hospice Care, our patients and their loved ones are at the centre of our care ensuring we provide compassionate, comprehensive support throughout their journey with us, helping to live and have the best quality of life possible when faced with a life-limiting, palliative illness.

Our In-patient Unit was built in 2017 and provides around the clock, expert care tailored to individual needs and wishes. The In-Patient Unit consists of 15 single bedrooms with en-suite facilities and own patio area. Through specialist knowledge and skills, staff aim to ease symptoms and address any concerns patients, and their families, may have when with us; with a care team including doctors, nurses, therapists, family support workers and spiritual care staff.

Fundraising for a companion bed:

Recently, St David's Hospice Care was fortunate enough to have been loaned a 'Companion Bed' (Cwtch Bed) on the ward. This remarkable bed allows family members to share a comforting space with their loved ones whilst with us.

The hospital bed expands to become big enough for two and enables loved ones to be close and lie next to one another, without barriers, when it matters most. This bed utilises all the vital care and technology required, keeping patient safety and comfort paramount whilst bringing loved ones together, and utilising the lasting power of touch to make special moments during such challenging times. 

"As caregivers, our nurses witnessed first-hand how this bed not only provided comfort but also enhanced the sense of safety for our patients"

The challenge:

Later this year, our nurses will be heading to the Principality Stadium, putting on their climbing gear and reaching new heights so that we can purchase and own a companion bed, enabling us to provide a cuddle and comfort for years to come.

On the day, they will take on 200 steps to the roof's canopy,  walking out onto a bespoke walkway around the west side of the roof, where they will then take a  sloped climb over the stadium ARCH (the backbone of the stadium), and then out across the SPIRE 35m high above the River Taff .

Once they've accomplished this exhilarating challenge, to get their feet safely onto the ground, from the viewing platform they will face a 30m drop abseil! 

A fantastic Easter Fundraiser is also being held in the Parkway Hotel on the 16th April with local Sea-shanty band Bois-Y-Bryn to raise funds, with live performances, stalls and an Easter bonnet parade for visitors to enjoy. More details can be found here - Community Events | Events | St. David's Hospice Care

How you can support:

Each moment of closeness matters  - please help us to make a lasting impact when loved ones need it most and support our Hospice Nurses. 

A bed costs, on average, £15,000 to provide and we need your support to reach this goal - help us to give the gift of a cuddle  and enable loved ones to continue making lasting memories, together.

• Donate to the cause via the JustGiving page. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a huge difference - helping us to get closer to our target.

Donate via the JustGiving page here

• Share out and raise awareness within the community. Please consider sharing the JustGiving link, or our posts to help spread the word.
• Your local business can Match Fund, donate, or provide a fundraising opportunity for fundraisers, raffle prizes or more.

Please contact Fundraising if you are interested in supporting: fundraising@stdavidshospicecare.org

Emma Saysell, Chief Executive said "We are so thankful to our incredibly committed Nurses, who continually strive for the very best for each and every patient we support - this is exemplified through taking on this outstanding challenge to continue developing our service. All at St David's Hospice are wishing the best of luck and extend our appreciation to every donor and supporter helping us to reach this goal"