Latest news with #NightingaleHouseHospice
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Hundreds take part in Nightingale's Midnight Walk
Llwyn Isaf, Wrexham was transformed into a sea of sparkle, colour and compassion on Saturday (June 7), as hundreds of supporters came together for Nightingale House Hospice's annual Midnight Walk, one of the charity's most loved and emotional fundraising events. Walkers turned out in bright clothing, flashing bunny ears, glowing flower necklaces and light-up tutus for the late-night event. Many were walking in memory of loved ones and to raise vital funds to help Nightingale House continue delivering free, expert care for people living with life-limiting and progressive illnesses. Participants could choose between a 5k or 10k route, both flat and fully accessible, winding through the streets of Wrexham. Before the official midnight countdown for the walk to begin, the crowd was treated to live music from local favourites Rhythm Train, followed by a high energy warm up led by Freedom Leisure. One of those taking part this year was Carole Jones, who walked alongside her daughter, Mollie, in memory of her mum, Jacqueline Jones. Mollie and Carole Jones (left) walked in memory of Jacqueline Jones (right). (Image: Nightingale House Hospice) Carole said: 'My mum came to the hospice with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones. 'The care she received was amazing, nothing was too much trouble. When she could barely eat, the kitchen staff even made special trips to Asda to get her favourite oxtail soup. 'Mum came back to the hospice towards the end of her life, she was never uncomfortable, and we were always welcomed with such kindness. 'The support I had from the Family Support Team afterwards really helped me. I love the atmosphere at the Midnight Walk and always get quite emotional.' As Nightingale House Hospice celebrates its 30th anniversary, the support of hundreds of event participants, through their sponsorship, helps ensure that patients and their families across Northeast Wales and the border areas continue to receive free care and support, at a time when running costs have risen to over £5 million a year. The event was made possible thanks to the support of over 50 incredible volunteers, who worked alongside staff to help with everything from event set-up and registration to marshalling the route and cheering on walkers throughout the night. MOST READ: Plans for 121 affordable homes near Flintshire town recommended for approval LOOK: "Delightful" home in "idyllic" setting goes on the market in Wrexham Concerns raised over future of Grade I listed bridge in Wrexham Elise Jackson, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said: 'Seeing so many people walking through Wrexham under the stars, united by love, hope and purpose, is truly moving. 'Every single person who took part, whether they walked, fundraised, volunteered or supported behind the scenes, has helped make a real difference. 'We're especially grateful to our amazing volunteers, who give up their time to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely. 'The Midnight Walk is always an emotional but uplifting night, and in celebration of the hospice's 30th anniversary, it felt even more special.' Local businesses including Hoya who sponsored the event, Papa John's, Hickory's Smokehouse, Kellogg's, Village Bakery, Moneypenny, and Hafren Dyfrdwy also played their part, generously donating food, refreshments, and glitter to help fuel the fun and keep walkers smiling every step of the way.
Leader Live
02-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Nightingale House Hospice's Midnight Walk this weekend
Nightingale House Hospice's Midnight Walk, on Saturday (June 7), offering supporters the chance to walk in memory, celebration or solidarity with loved ones, all while raising vital funds for hospice care. The Midnight Walk, sponsored by Hoya, is one of the most anticipated events in the Nightingale House events calendar. Starting and ending at Llwyn Isaf, Wrexham, walkers can choose either a 5k or 10k route through the town, with hundreds expected to take part dressed in neon and sparkle for an unforgettable night of fun, reflection, and community spirit. Among those taking part this year is Lindsey Dalmeny, who will walk in memory of her sister, Maria Edwards, affectionately known as "Minnie", who died at the age of 34 in May 2023 after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. Walking in memory of Maria 'Minnie' Edwards. Lindsey said: "I am walking in memory of my sister, Maria. "She was initially at Nightingale House for respite care, but when her health declined, she received palliative care there. "The love and care she received, and that we all received as a family, was beyond anything we could have hoped for. "My dad now volunteers with the fundraising team. You might have seen him around as 'Lenny the lottery ball'!" Read more: Wrexham man to hike mountain range - carrying fridge freezer! This year's walk holds special significance for Lindsey and her family, as it falls on Maria's birthday. Since 2023, Lindsey and her loved ones have raised about £10,000 for Nightingale House since 2023 through various fundraising and donations. Lindsey added: "We usually do the walk as a group, my mum, her siblings, Maria's friends, my best friend and her daughter. "My dad helps out on the signing-in desks. It's our way of remembering Minnie and doing something positive to give back to the hospice. Read more: Every moment matters - Wrexham hospice launch funding campaign "Fundraising is vital, and if our support can help even one more family the way we were helped, then it's all worth it." The Midnight Walk is open to participants aged 12 and over (anyone under the aged of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult), with a lively pre-walk warm-up and entertainment. Walkers are encouraged to register to secure their place and get their iconic Midnight Walk t-shirt, so they can raise as much sponsorship as they can. Every penny raised helps Nightingale House continue providing specialist care to patients and families across Northeast Wales and the border areas, completely free of charge. Read more: Optician Dawn set sights on half marathon charity fundraiser Elise Jackson, event, campaigns and community fundraising manager at Nightingale House, said: "The Midnight Walk is such a powerful event. It brings our community together in a way that's joyful, emotional and full of heart. "Stories like Lindsey's remind us why every step counts, not just for the people we've lost, but for the families still in need of our care." • Participants can register at: • To support Lindsey's fundraising, visit her JustGiving page:
Leader Live
13-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Wrexham hospice praises team on International Nurses Day
Nightingale House Hospice has praised its nursing team for the care they provide to patients and their families. The nurses at the hospice support people with progressive or life-limiting illnesses, helping them to 'live their fullest lives'. They deliver clinical care on the inpatient unit, manage symptoms in the wellbeing centre, and offer emotional support during difficult House Hospice health care assistants and Nurses with a patient celebrating International Nurses Day (Image: Nightingale House Hospice) Laura Singleton, ward manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said: "Being a hospice nurse is a privilege. "We're here to offer not just clinical care but a sense of peace and dignity. "It's about helping people feel supported and empowered, even in the most difficult circumstances." The nurses work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, doctors, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, complementary therapists, and social workers in the family support team and the spiritual care team. Laura Drummond, advanced nurse practitioner at the hospice, said: "Our role is to advocate for the needs and wishes of our patients and their families while managing complex symptoms and care plans. "Hospice nursing is about compassion, teamwork, and making a difference every single day." The nurses at Nightingale House also play a key role in the wellbeing centre, helping patients maintain their independence and improve their quality of life through tailored programmes and therapies. Carolyn James, wellbeing lead at Nightingale House, said: "Nurses are a crucial part of the wider care we offer at Nightingale House. Read more: Train operator to increase services on North Wales route North Wales hospitals have worst A+E waiting times in the country, figures show "Our holistic approach helps patients maintain independence and quality of life, and their emotional support is just as important as their clinical expertise." The hospice says its is on helping patients live well for as long as possible, despite a progressive or life-limiting illness. The nursing team embodies this philosophy daily, supporting patients and their loved ones with dignity, compassion and hope as they navigate their individual journeys'.
Leader Live
11-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Bellis Brothers: The story behind the farm shop success
The nation loves a good garden centre; whether its for a mooch around the homeware, selecting seasonal plants for the garden or stopping for a delicious lunch sourced from local produce. And Bellis Brothers is no exception when it comes to quality service and unique shopping. In fact, the family-business has been operating for over 160-years. Strawberries were transported by the tonne across the country (Image: Bellis Brothers Ltd) It all started in 1860 when Charles Bellis planted a strawberry in his back garden called a Black Prince; a dark and sweet berry. In the years that followed, he quickly became one of the largest producers in the country. Eighteen-years-later, the family bought the site which still operates in Holt today where they worked hard to transport tonnes of fruit to nearby towns. As transport links improved, the business grew. The shop was opened in 1973 (Image: Bellis Brothers Ltd) In 1973, it was Roger Bellis (fourth generation) who opened a small farm shop to sell the produce from the fields. Over the years, it has grown into the garden centre, restaurant, shop and pick your own experience people know and love today. At the Leader, we spoke to the current director, Elizabeth Bellis-Marks who gave us an insight into why people keep coming back. "We have worked hard over the years to keep diversifying", she explains. "There's always something going on, and we love seeing families return throughout the year. It keeps things busy, and that's just how we like it!" Strawberry field (Image: Bellis Brothers Ltd) The garden centre springs to life from March onwards, welcoming visitors with plants, gifts, and gardening essentials. Then, in June, the Pick Your Own season kicks off with strawberries and a variety of summer fruits and vegetables, a perfect family day out in the beautiful Welsh countryside. October brings the excitement of Pick Your Own Pumpkins, always a firm favourite and one of their busiest times of year. As the seasons change, they move into the Christmas period, selling trees, gifts and hosting a much-loved grotto and Breakfast with Santa which raise funds for Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham. Garden centre, Bellis Brothers (Image: Bellis Brothers Ltd) As for the success behind the business, Elizabeth says it all lies with the dedicated team who run it. "Our fantastic team is another reason customers keep coming back. "Many of our staff have been with us for years, and regular visitors really value the warm, familiar faces and the personal service they receive. Our team consistently goes above and beyond to make every visit special. "We're proud to still be a family-run business, now five generations strong. Our roots run deep, and that sense of tradition and care is at the heart of everything we do. "We were also one of the first farm shops in the country to evolve into a garden centre, something quite rare at the time. Nowadays, it often happens the other way around, with garden centres adding farm shops later on." However, no business is without its challenges. Bellis Brothers admits one of their ongoing struggles to overcome is the rise of the digital world and needing to adapt to such changing habits. "We believe in the value of a genuine, in-person customer experience something that simply can't be replicated on a screen." It's one of the reasons why the family are so proud of their 'Best Farm Shop in 2024' title which they received from the Garden Centre Association earlier this year. This is the second year running the site has been selected for the award, making it even more meaningful to staff and customers. MOST READ Customers are also eagerly awaiting an exact date for this year's berry picking. While it is yet to be confirmed, the team is aiming for mid-June. In more recent years, the business has moved over to table top strawberries from field grown to allow for greater control over the fruit and to reduce reliance upon the weather, which is becoming increasingly unpredictable in the UK. "The fruit is much easier to pick as you don't have to bend down", Elizabeth says. "It is child friendly and easier for people with mobility issues. It also extends our Pick Your Own season into the summer holidays!" So, whether you fancy a home-cooked brunch or you're keen to start your journey with gardening, why not visit and see for yourself.
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Tom Walker performs "incredible" gig for Wrexham hospice
More than 1,000 music fans gathered under the Big Top tent on Sunday, (May 4), for a very special evening of live music in support of Nightingale House Hospice. Headlined by the outstanding Tom Walker, the concert was a powerful celebration of music, community, and compassion. The event, held in collaboration with FOCUS Wales, featured incredible performances from local favourites Declan Swans and the inspiring voices of Choirs for Good, setting the stage for a night to remember. A highlight of the evening came when 18-year-old Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Gabriel Roberts held up a sign reading 'Can I sing with you Tom?' Moved by the moment, Tom Walker invited Gabriel on stage to perform his top-10 hit 'Leave a Light On', to the delight of the crowd. The concert was a true community effort, raising vital awareness and funds to support patients and families with progressive and life-limiting illnesses receiving specialist care from Nightingale House Hospice. Elise Jackson, Event, Campaigns & Community Fundraising Manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said: 'We're absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit shown on Sunday night. 'A huge thank you to Tom Walker for his incredible performance and heartfelt support of our hospice, and to our brilliant local talents Declan Swans and Choirs for Good, who helped create such a magical atmosphere. 'We're so grateful to FOCUS Wales for this amazing partnership. This event truly highlighted what we can achieve when we come together. The funds raised will help us continue providing vital care to those who need us most. 'Thank you to everyone who came, sang, danced, donated, and made the night unforgettable.' MOST READ: Neal Thompson, Co-Founder of FOCUS Wales, added: 'It was fantastic to see so many people come out to support Nightingale House Hospice and enjoy an incredible performance from Tom Walker. 'The atmosphere under the Big Top tent was magical, and it was heartening to see the community rally behind a cause that provides such vital care for people in Wrexham. 'We were honoured that FOCUS Wales could be part of this special event, shining a light on the power of music to bring people together.'
