Latest news with #StMargaret'sHospice
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teacher runs London Marathon in memory of Nanna
Ashleigh Waller, Head of Science at Pyrland School in Taunton ran her first ever marathon in London on Sunday in memory of here Nanna and in doing so raised £1735 for St Margarets Hospice. Ashleigh who is 30 years old attended Courtfield School in Wellington before gaining a degree in Chemistry at St Andrews University in Scotland said: 'When my Nanna was told she had a life-limiting illness it felt as if the world was ending. My beloved Nanna, who had raised me alongside my parents, would be leaving us and we could do nothing about it. Coming to terms with this was among the most challenging things I have ever had to do. Ashleigh Waller with her medal gained for taking part in the London Marathon (Image: Ashleigh Waller)'In the last few months of her life she was supported by St Margaret's Hospice, spending time in their hospice at Taunton where she received exceptional care. Visiting her regularly became something to look forward to and the hospice supported our family to begin to process the impending the wonderful staff at the hospice a challenging time would have been so much worse. 'St Margarets Hospice charity touches the lives of so many and for both patients and families brings hope and calm when both feel hard to come by.' Ashleigh went on: 'I love running and have always wanted to complete a marathon. Having the opportunity to run the London Marathon in my Nanna's honour, for a charity that made an awful time more bearable, was the motivation I needed to get out on those long training runs. Ashleigh Waller taking part in the London Marathon (Image: Ashleigh Waller) The Pyrland head of Science completed the marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yards in 6 hours, 4 minutes and 13 seconds was overwhelmed by the support of the vast crowds. 'There were so many people watching and willing you on that it just kept you going". I had never run beyond 18 miles before, so it was unknown from there but the crowds played their part and just kept me going. The whole experience was just the best day of my life and I have raised £1,735 for St Margaret's Hospice, which I am thrilled about.' Ashleigh's Mum Cathy said "I am so proud of Ashleigh and her Nanna would have been too and I think I was more anxious than Ashleigh was on the day" Grandad, John said "I am immensely proud of Ashleigh's achievements and she was her Nanna's best friend!'
BBC News
27-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
South West hospices to benefit from share of £25m funding boost
Hospices across the country are to benefit from £25m of government cash, which will be given to at least 10 hospices in the West of England, can be spent on improving buildings, facilities and IT systems but not on de Leeuw, from Dorothy House near Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, said he was "genuinely grateful" but that its staffing costs would amount to £957,000 this year and it was being given only £297,000 as part of the government said an additional £75m would be available from April. Hospices provide free end of life care for people diagnosed with a terminal illness, paid for through NHS funding and public donations. 'Immense financial pressures' Hospice care providers say the funding is welcome but nowhere near enough to cover rising costs and increasing demands on their services. Mr de Leeuw said: "We looked after 4,000 people last year and didn't charge for that, it's free... but [due to demand] we need to increase the amount of people we care for by 25% by 2048."He said that without long-term funding, the £25m boost would not have the impact the government hopes for. David Slack, from St Margaret's Hospice in Somerset, said: "We're delighted, but it costs us £15m a year to run our services in Yeovil, Taunton and in the community. "We will be spending it on things like new IT equipment, replacing hot water tanks, and upgrading some of the facilities." Clare Davis, from Longfield Community Hospice in Gloucestershire, said: "In light of the hospice sector being under immense financial pressures, any additional funds will be received gratefully. "Our challenge will be working with the restrictions around how the funding can be used." Hospices in Gloucestershire have received more than £2.5m including Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court getting £1.25m, and £50,000 for Longfield Community Hospice in hospices in Wiltshire will share £500,000, and in Somerset four hospices will share £849,000. Hospices in the West of England to benefit include:Dorothy House Longfield CommunityGreat OaksSue Ryder Leckhampton CourtJulia's HouseSt Margaret's Weston HospicecareProspect SwindonSt Peter's BristolChildren's Hospice SW
