Christmas at Cornwall Hospice Care: Tales of Compassion

byMegan Hampton|December 30, 2024

The festive season brings with it a sense of magic, warmth, and togetherness – a time when the spirit of giving and compassion shines brightly. During Christmas at Cornwall Hospice Care this spirit is shown through the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers who work together to create memorable experiences for all.

From surprise visits by carollers to sharing grapes to see in the New Year, these stories offer a glimpse into the compassionate care provided at our hospices. Through laughter, tears, and heartfelt connections, they show the true meaning of Christmas—cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories.

Healthcare Assistant Michelle Morse shared her story;

We had a lovely lady at St. Julias Hospice, who was here over the Christmas period. A choir came in to sing carols and this lady’s friends, said it wasn’t her thing. The patient then asked to be put in a wheelchair, to have her beaker filled with Baileys and ice and to be taken to reception.

Well, this patient danced, sang along with the carols and swigged down two beakers of Baileys. It was her way of saying this is my last Christmas, so I’m going to be merry and bright.

Staff Nurse Amy Scott (pictured below) and Healthcare Assistants Jenny Costello and Amanda Partridge (pictured above) shared their story;

We worked a night shift last New Year’s Eve, and between us as staff we arranged to all bring in some party food and ‘Nosecco’ (non-alcoholic prosecco!) to see in the New Year. Jenny, who in a previous life lived in Spain, also brought in some grapes as it is Spanish tradition to eat a grape for every chime at midnight for good luck in the coming year.

At the time we had a young patient in her twenties who had been in for a while. Just before midnight, we went into her room dressed in our festive attire with a plate of party food and a glass of Nosecco for her. We watched the New Year fireworks on TV with her, ate our 12 grapes and then all linked arms around her bed and sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’. We all had a good giggle, especially trying to eat 12 grapes in quick succession, and like to think that we made that night special for the patient. None of us knew it at the time, but it was actually her last New Year’s Eve.

Christmas at the hospices - Amy Scott 800 x 600

Clinical Lead Lisa Shephard shared her experience of her first Christmas working at Cornwall Hospice Care;

Christmas 2023 was my first Christmas as a member of the team at Cornwall Hospice Care. As Clinical Lead I was aware of the patients and families that were spending time with us. The professionalism and commitment to ‘making every moment matter’ was something that I remember and cherish.

The hospices were decorated in Christmas joy and looked beautiful. There was no pressure to participate in the festivities that were arranged for those patients, families, carers, staff and volunteers, but many did. With Carols being sung and bells being rung, the spirit of Christmas was clear to see. Forever memories were made last Christmas and not all sad ones.

The staff and volunteers at our hospices worked throughout the festive period. Hearing their memories and experiences brings ‘what we do, share and experience’ to the forefront of my thoughts. Being able to make a difference, support those patients and their loved ones in our care and work together to achieve this is so important to me and all the team.

You can send your Festive Wishes for Christmas at Cornwall Hospice Care

Share your heartfelt Festive Wishes and gratitude with our incredible hospice teams, who work tirelessly to support patients and their families through the festive season.

Your Festive Wishes dedication will not only spread joy but will also make a real difference. You can honour your loved ones by making a special festive dedication while supporting our hospice care. Find out more about our Festive Wishes campaign HERE.

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