2020 has been a tough year. For many of us, holidays have been cancelled, weddings re-scheduled, visiting friends and family put on hold. However, many of us WILL be able to start planning again and we WILL be able to enjoy life to the full again.

But what if you were told that holiday WON'T happen, you can NO LONGER have your dream wedding or that you may only be able to see your friends to say GOODBYE? How would YOU feel?

This is what our patients have to face. This is what your friends and family or your neighbours may have to face. One day, this could be what YOU might have to face.

With the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, all your dreams can be snatched away from you in a moment. There are no plans for the future anymore. What matters most is NOW.

This Christmas, as you settle down for presents, dinner and time spent with loved ones, please spare a thought for our patients. Your Christmas is likely to be very different this year. You may not be able to see all your family, but hopefully, you will next year.

Our patients may not be able to be at home or see any of their family. Their Christmas wish may simply be to spend precious time with their husband or wife, hold their children or cuddle their dog. This Christmas, our patients may just be wishing someone could help them figure out how to say goodbye. Imagine if this Christmas was YOUR last.

The Macmillan Unit is here to care for those with a life-limiting diagnosis and support their families through an incredibly difficult time. Our staff and volunteers provide the highest standard of care and this is so important to our patients when their world has been turned upside down. The following is from Tim whose parents were both cared for at the Macmillan Unit:

At the Macmillan Unit, we know the importance of focusing on what matters most when time is short. Our patients tell us about the things that matter the most; their families, friends, carers, hobbies and wishes and this enables our staff and volunteers to look after that person in a way that is very unique and individualised. Most of the time, what matters most is seeing their families, pets or perhaps sitting in the garden and listening to bird song but for a few there is a more particular wish that needs realising. In the past we have:

* Taken someone sailing in his last week of life

* Arranged for someone to see the Red Arrows for the last time

* Arranged for a patients young son to be the mascot for the Cherries Football Team

* Arranged and carried out many, many weddings

* Taken someone to see the sea one last time with his children

We have even worked closely with obstetricians and midwives to help safely bring a birthing date forward in order for the father to hold his child before he died.

This Christmas, can you help us make a last wish come true?

This Christmas, can you give our patients the chance to make some special memories? Memories that will live on in the hearts of their loved ones.

Christmas may cost you a little less this year with the restrictions around the pandemic limiting your ability to do Christmas in the same way. Can you spare some of that saving to help us?

Picture taken December 2019 (Pre-Covid)