Family share poignant memories as Hull hospice launches Big Christmas Give appeal
Dove House Hospice in Hull has launched a new appeal to bring comfort and connection to families this Christmas. The east Hull-based hospice’s latest fundraising initiative is in partnership with The Big Give, a national match-funding challenge that means every donation made online between December 2 and 9 will be doubled – at no extra cost to the giver.
Every pound donated will help provide twice the care, twice the comfort, and countless more moments of peace and connection for families facing the hardest of times. One family have kindly shared their experiences of Dove House care at Christmas, in support of the Big Christmas Give.
Pat’s daughter, Sharon, spent her final days at the hospice. Sharon was vibrant, hardworking, endlessly creative, and just 54-years-old when her family received the devastating news that she had ovarian cancer and that nothing more could be done.
As her condition worsened and care at home became harder to manage, Sharon chose to come to Dove House. It was a decision her family describe as life-changing.
“From the moment Sharon arrived at Dove House, we knew she was in the right place,” said Pat. “The staff didn’t just care for her, they saw her; they took time to learn about her, her passions, what made her smile.
“She was incredibly talented with her hands, crafting beautiful things, and when they discovered this, the hospice’s patient activities co-ordinator brought her craft supplies and set up a little crafting space just for her. That small corner of creativity gave her purpose again.
“It reminded her of who she was beyond her illness and that meant the world to her, and to us. They didn’t just decorate; they transformed her room.
“Twinkling lights were strung around her bed, they brought her an extra table and lamp and even decorated the window so she could feel surrounded by festive cheer. We had our last Christmas together at Dove House, one final, beautiful chapter in our family story.
“It’s a memory I hold so close, especially now.” The festive period is a time for moments that truly matter.
For families who may be spending their last Christmas together, these moments take on even greater meaning. Donations to the Big Christmas Give appeal help ensure comfort, connection, and joy are possible when it is needed most.
Evie Carlton, individual giving fundraiser at Dove House Hospice, said: “This festive season, we’re excited to be taking part in the Big Give match-funding campaign, which has the power to be transformative in doubling the impact of your generosity. By donating between December 2 and 9, you can help create cherished moments of comfort, connection, and peace for families facing their most difficult goodbyes.”
How to take part in the Big Christmas Give
- Visit www.dovehouse.org.uk/biggive between December 2 and 9
- Click “Make a Donation to The Big Christmas Give”
- Follow the instructions on the Dove House Big Give portal to donate
For more information, contact the fundraising team by emailing fundraising@dovehouse.org.uk or by calling 01482 785795