Severn Hospice has been caring for patients from Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales with terminal illnesses for 20 years and marks its anniversary on 12 July 2009.  From nursing in the home to round the clock in-patient services our team strives to provide the best possible care to every individual.  Because such illnesses have a significant effect on the home life of the patient and those who love them, we also provide support and counselling to family members and carers.

Each year we receive almost 1,500 new referrals in addition to providing ongoing care to those who are already Hospice patients.  We never lose sight of the fact that each patient has their own needs and offer a tailored service giving personalised support to each.

Comments from patients and families include ‘Severn Hospice provided us with every little thing we needed, including compassion’, ‘Severn Hospice is a fantastic cause! It is close to our hearts because a close member of our family passed away. Her last days were spent at the Hospice in Shrewsbury where we saw what a fantastic job the people did there not only for the patient but also for the family’ and ‘I never knew such a wonderful place existed’.

There is no charge for any Hospice service and we rely on public donations and fundraising for over two thirds of our income to ensure that the best possible care is available locally when it is needed most. 

The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival has become a central part of our summer calendar and is greatly anticipated both by aficionados of brass band music and by those who simply enjoy a great day out.  Each year the audience has the privilege of hearing wonderful music played by talented musicians who revel in the fun, non-competitive environment.  On Saturday night the grand Last Night of the Proms raises essential funds for the work of the Hospice while also providing the wonderful spectacle of musicians from different bands joining together for the finale.

Our anniversary year is an important landmark for Severn Hospice.  We have now cared for over 16,000 individuals while also supporting their families and other loved ones.  Operating from bases in Shrewsbury, Telford and Newtown we also provide nursing in patients’ own homes, making sure that the most appropriate care is available for each and every individual. 

We are proud of our continued association with the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival and would like to express our thanks not only to the bands but also to the Festival Committee and the Ironbridge and Severn Gorge Lions for their hard work and enthusiasm.  They have played an important part in fundraising for many years and we are delighted to continue to work with them to secure the future of Hospice care in the region.

The calendar of Severn Hospice fundraising events in this anniversary year also includes Midnight Walks on 20 June (Telford) and 11 July (Shrewsbury), Dragon Boat Racing on the River Severn on 28 June, The Great Big Bike Ride on 5 September and a sponsored walk in Shrewsbury on 13 September.  Information on all of these events and other ways to help such as holding a birthday tea party, supporting Severn Hospice Lottery, donating to your local Severn Hospice shop or organising a fundraiser of your own are available by contacting the Appeals Department on 01743 354 450 or 01952 221 351 or by emailing appeals@severnhospice.org.uk

Lucy Proctor

Community Fundraising Manager – Severn Hospice