We're entering our very own hospice nursing team into our Dragon Boat Festival again this year! We're already gearing up to go head-to-head with other corporate supporters, to raise vital funds so we can provide more local people with expert care when it's needed most.

But why's that so important? Put simply, because local people deserve nothing less than the very best end of life care, and for us, it's an honour to be there to give it.

We're proud to be there at a time when other people don't know what to say or do, to offer people guidance and support, and give them choice and control back, at one of the hardest times of their lives. And we don't just do this medically. We get to know people beyond their illness by learning about their lives, personalities, likes and dislikes - something that's always a privilege.

Really getting to know someone helps us give people the care that they individually want, and we do our best to help people achieve their wishes, whatever those may be. When one patient told us he's like to visit his local pub a final time, two of our staff took him, and when another lady was upset about missing a family wedding, we arranged for a reception to be held at the hospice so she could still share in the day. Seeing people's reactions when we're able to help them fulfil a wish never stops being special.

For the people we care for, we have one chance to get things right, but we wouldn't have this chance without your support. Your generosity helps make a difficult time a little easier, and everyday, we see first-hand the difference your support makes.

Through making a donation you're making sure that local people don't face death unsupported, in pain or alone - as nurses, it's a huge comfort to know that - Thank you!

And don't forget if you're free on 9 September to come along and cheer us on at the Dragon Boat Festival and enjoy a free, family day out.