Do you have a special wish this Christmas? Here at Butterwick Hospice Care we have been considering our wishes for the year ahead and reflecting on the wonderful and special memories of the year past.

The Little Stars that visit our Childrens Hospice have really shone in what has been another challenging year for everyone in our community. Thats why today I am asking for your kindness and generosity to help us care for these amazing youngsters. I am always humbled by how much joy the children bring to our organisation. Even in their darkest moments they still sparkle! Will you help us to create light in the darkness?

I have worked for Butterwick House Childrens Hospice for over 25 years and remember each and every child we have had in our care. Whilst I am looking out of the window at the stars shining brightly in the sky above; each light is a reminder of the Little Stars I have cared for, loved and often lost over the years. I believe that every life is a precious gift. Some lives are long and full of wonderful stories, and others are much shorter but every single one leaves a piece of magic and a sprinkle of stardust in this world.

My wish this Christmas is for Butterwick Hospice Care to be there to support you, your family, friends and your loved ones should you ever need us. We cannot do that without your support. Will you be a star this Christmas and help us to keep caring?

This Christmas, you can add some sparkle to a persons life by giving the gift of care. Your gift could provide bereavement care for a grieving family, specialist nursing care and education for very sick children or dignified care for adults coming to the end of their life.

No one should face grief alone, no one should die alone without love, and no one should have to feel helpless whilst watching their loved one slip away. Everyone in our community is a special gift. They deserve to be safe, cared for, and loved. That's why my colleagues and I work tirelessly across the region to bring this vision to life. A gift from you will allow us to be there, when no one else is, ensuring people, just like you, are not alone especially at Christmas.

We provide care around the clock, even at Christmas, for those who need us. A Christmas gift will help families in their darkest of times, offering them support but most importantly, hope.

£7 could ensure that very sick children can make lasting memories with their loved ones this Christmas

£22 could provide a nurse to care for a patient for an hour on Christmas Day

£35 could provide emotional support for someone facing their first Christmas alone after losing a loved one.

£50 could help someone to spend Christmas at home with their family

Helping is easy and there are so many ways you can choose to support us. Be it via a donation, dedicating a star on our Light up a Life tree, joining an event or by purchasing Christmas Cards; your help now, ensures we can keep caring.

The brightest stars are those that shine for the benefit of others and I humbly thank you for all of the support you have shown us in 2021. Without you, we couldnt be here to care. I wish you and your family all the very best for the festive season and know that together, we can make a difference to families, just like yours, across the North East this Christmas and beyond.

Thank you for being one star in our constellation. Together we can help others to shine.

Yours sincerely

Jen Plews

Childrens Health Care Assistant