THE annual World Hospice Day takes place this year on Saturday October 8. It is an event to celebrate and support hospices across the world: its theme is "many diseases, many lives, many voices".

We are fortunate indeed to live in such a kind and caring community that has created, built and sustained its own hospice, Great Oaks.

The voices of this community have been heard. Since its inception in 2002 Great Oaks has supported many hundreds of people living with a wide range of potentially life shortening conditions, be they the person with the condition or their family and friends. This seems an opportune time to say thank-you to you all for your resolute generosity and to tell you about an exhibition to be held at the hospice next year to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the service.

Steve and Tel came on that first morning, March 5, 2002, to be welcomed by a very enthusiastic team of nurses and volunteers. It was these gentleman, and those that followed, who steered how the service would grow.

They knew what it was like to have a serious illness and they had very clear ideas of what would help them cope.

Sadly, they are no longer here to tell the story for themselves. But we can do that for them. So, do you have memories of Great Oaks you would like to share? Do you have photos of people who used the hospice, or fund raising events you have been involved in? Has your firm sponsored some of the building work? Or did you and your colleagues have a team building day helping in the hospice garden? Do you run a stall on fete day, or play in the band?

Help us to show just how involved Foresters have been with their hospice – it is a story well worth telling and worth sharing with others, here and beyond.

You can get in touch with us on 01594 811910 or visit our website for more contact details.

– Jane Hamilton, Clinical Nurse Manager.