St Catherine’s says a heartfelt thank you to local community

Heart to Heart News News and Blog

As St Catherine’s Hospice prepares to auction off the 26 stunning heart sculptures which have captured the hearts and minds of people in the local community over the last 10 weeks, a patient from the hospice wanted to share why the incredible support you’ve shown HeART to Heart has been so important.

Babs visits St Catherine’s Day Hospice every Thursday and has found a new love for art after taking part in the hospice’s art therapy classes.

She said,

“When I first heard the word hospice I was really nervous, because as far as I was aware St Catherine’s was where people came to die. But once I walked through the door here, it was great.

Before coming here I’d never put a brush to canvas but I’ve loved the art classes. They’re marvellous. I create something over two hours and take it home. And it’s been nice to create art for my children and give them something to keep. I’m very proud of everything Andree, the art therapist has taught me. I’d never have thought to do any art at home, but doing art at the hospice just lifts me up. If I’m ever having a bad day now, I look around my room at home at my art, and think I’ve done that, I’ve made that, and it makes my day.

As well as activities the nurses have talked to me about different aspects of my illness. They’ve helped me in so many ways and everyone here does far, far more than they need to. People go above and beyond. And it makes me feel joyful. There’s just so much love here.

St Catherine’s is such a good organisation but I know the hospice can’t care for everyone. The new hospice at Pease Pottage is going to be superior but there’s a long way to go yet to get the money needed. But to all the people who’ve supported St Catherine’s art trail, or and put their hearts into doing things to raise money, thank you. You deserve a round of applause. You’ve made such a difference to me.”

Funds raised from HeART to Heart will help to make sure that more local people like Babs can enjoy art therapy, as well as the many other therapies the hospice offers.

St Catherine’s provides terminally ill people and their family and friends with vital physical and emotional care. But currently, the local charity can only provide this care for one in three people who need it. With the support of people like you, St Catherine’s wants to make sure that in the future no one has to face death and loss alone.

And there’s one final chance for you to support St Catherine’s HeART to Heart trail and raise further funds at the HeART to Heart Farewell Exhibition. Taking place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October 2019, this is your last chance to see all 26 stunning hearts together in one location, at the Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick. Tickets are limited and are already selling fast, so make sure you book as soon as possible at: www.stch.org.uk/exhibition.

After this, people will get the chance to take one of the beautiful hearts home forever at an exclusive live auction on Wednesday 30 October 2019. To register your interest in attending the auction, please email: heart@stch.org.uk.

For more information about these events, please visit: www.stch.org.uk/hearts.