NEXT week marks our tenth anniversary of the launch of the hospice project and I thank your newspaper for its support during that time.
Our original aim was to erect a small building but as the needs of the Forest were identified and assessed it became clear that Great Oaks should be about five times larger than originally planned.
This made the project seem daunting at times but there was never any real need to worry as the wonderful community spirit of the Forest backed the Steering Committee with enthusiasm and generosity which we could only have dreamed of. This enabled us to move into Great Oaks on schedule in September 2004.
From that day the service has grown, giving a wide range of care tailored to the individual needs of patients and their families. This year will see further developments in the service on offer.
Thank-you to everyone for your amazing and humbling support over the past ten years. You have made ythe dream come true. Our annual running costs stand at around £380,000 at the moment and Great Oaks will always need your support. Please continue to do wehatever you are able to ensure Dean Forest Hospice can give a totally free service of care to future generations. – Sheila Evans, Great Oaks Hospice.