Visitor Caroline Lynham joined members to hear Lea Crammond, ladies president of Hospice, speak about the work in the community done by this wonderful group of volunteers.

One of its annual fundraisers, synonymous with the group, is the Mother's Day luncheon, as is another fundraiser - either a garden walk, coach trip or similar special day. 

Separate from the Hospice Trust, the ladies are involved with raising funds to be used locally and meet monthly on the third Tuesday at the St. Andrews meeting room, at 10 am.

They welcome newcomers into the group to assist with this necessary community need.

A representative from the hospital reports on what the group calls the "Wish List" – items that are required to assist in making people live more comfortably in their own homes, where possible, and keeping the Hospice room at the hospital as up to date and comfortable as is possible for the patient and their loved ones who visit.

A leasing program has operated for the past five years, as often the purchase cost is too extreme, especially as things are being updated constantly. Medical equipment can become obsolete very quickly.

Items that are provided through the Hospice ladies may include lightweight wheelchairs, air mattresses, incontinence needs, roll over gel cushions, syringe driven pain relief and a portable oxygen concentrator to name but a few.

Mrs Crammond brought some of these items along to show members. 

This year marks the 30th year of this wonderful organisation started by very caring members of the community. Member Cheryle Bell thanked Mrs Crammond.