The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has unveiled the latest part of its efforts to create a calm and relaxing environment for patients receiving cancer treatment at the NGS Macmillan Unit and their families.

The unit has been open to patients for a little over a year, bringing together many of the Royal’s cancer outpatient services in one, state of the art building. The project was supported by a £2.5million fundraising campaign in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support that helped to turn what would have been an ordinary building into an extraordinary one that was created with the input of architects, staff at the Royal and patients who used the facility.

But Macmillan’s generosity didn’t end there. A legacy garden, called ‘The Garden of Reflection that was designed by Lara Behr, won a gold medal at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park and was gifted to the hospital by Macmillan in 2017. Lara worked very closely with Derbyshire Community Health Service Groundsman David Sanderson to recreate the garden as closely as possible outside the NGS Macmillan Unit for patients and visitors to escape the hospital setting and enjoy the hospital’s natural surroundings.

Roger Start is the Trust’s Lead Cancer Clinician and oversaw the building of the unit, he said:-

“It’s a wonderful gesture from Macmillan and highlights that our partnership didn’t end with the fundraising campaign. The fabulous NGS Macmillan Unit allows us to care for local cancer patients and their loved-ones, both physically and emotionally, in a purpose-built environment that is ready for the future. It was always an ambition of mine to develop outside resources so to be given this incredible garden was amazing. Gardens can be really beneficial to health and well-being, particularly for those with cancer, and this gives our patients, visitors and staff a place to enjoy the fresh air, peace and reflection away from the clinical environment. We are working hard to improve our open spaces and make them more accessible to both patients and staff.

“This garden is such a fitting tribute to everyone who raised money and helped us to make this building what it is which is an incredible facility within which our team can deliver the best possible care to our cancer patients in an environment that complements that care superbly. To see people sitting at the benches, reading, taking a break and contemplating, to me that’s success and I’d like to thank everyone involved with making that happen.”

Lara Behr designed the garden, she said:-

“It was a genuine honour to create this garden for Macmillan and I hope it brings some comfort and peace to people who need it whilst they’re at this hospital. I took my inspiration from a wishing well and that feeling of hope and excitement I felt as a child whenever I had the chance to throw a penny in and make a wish. I wanted to capture that, to celebrate the good things that come from having hope for the future.”

Sue Sanderson, Macmillan Partnership Manager, added:-

“Patient experience has always been at the forefront in the design of this building and this beautiful garden only enhances that further, providing another tranquil space for patients, family and carers to relax. What struck me upon seeing it first hand is how tranquil it is, you can still see the hospital but the wide open space it overlooks in the other direction is just stunning and, for me, it really enhances the unit.”

Vernon Sanderson is the Assistant County Organiser for NGS Derbyshire, he said:-

“We all know about the therapeutic effects of being outdoors so to see this beautiful having such a prominent position outside the NGS Macmillan Unit underlines precisely why we wanted to donate to the Macmillan fundraising campaign.”

The Garden of Reflection was designed by Lara Behr and highlights the work of the charity and the importance of legacy gifts. Timber poles of varying sizes represent the work of Macmillan that has been made possible by donations, both and large and small, particularly significant for the NGS Macmillan Unit and the contribution made by so many fundraisers across the local community and the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Thousands of walkers geared up over the weekend to take part in the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospicecare. The event, which is Chesterfield’s largest fundraising event, saw over 2,500 people walk 10km around Chesterfield on Saturday night, raising a phenomenal £200,000 for the local charity.

Jake Quickenden, winner of Dancing on Ice 2018 and this year’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk star, who performed live on the main stage and led the countdown to the 10km challenge, said:-

“It was an absolute privilege to perform at this year’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk. The atmosphere was incredible and it was amazing to see the sea of pink flashing bunny ears.

“I know from personal experience how local hospices can make a huge difference to those with a life-limiting illness and their families, and to raise over £200,000 for Ashgate is justs fantastic. Well done to every one of you involved, you all looked amazing and did so well.”

Janette Gilbert, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said:-

“What an amazing night! It’s the first time I’ve participated in this Sparkle Walk, and what a well organised event it was too.

The night was electric, and we enjoyed it every step of the way. We’re really looking forward to next year’s Sparkle Walk, and I’m sure it will be as phenomenal as it was on Saturday. Congratulations and well done to all who participated, you all deserved your medals.”

Colin Boynton, who lives in Buxton, said:-

“This was my first Sparkle Night Walk and I absolutely loved it. I’ve already signed up to next year’s! I decided to do the walk this year because my husband, Frank, received a cancer diagnosis last year and unfortunately he died very soon after that so we didn’t have time to benefit from Ashgate’s services. However, I was offered bereavement counselling by the Hospice which I found to be really helpful. The Hospice do a fantastic job of looking after the community and I think it’s amazing to see us all come together to support each other. The event was a lovely way to remember my husband, plus it’s great to know I’m helping more people to access the Hospice’s services.”

Dianne Whyman, from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, said:-

“We only lost our Mum on Thursday and so we are making the Sparkle Night Walk our anniversary night as it’s a great way for us to come together and celebrate her life. Well done to everyone involved.”

A number of local entertainment companies and local businesses all added to the event with an array of performances and giveaways. There was also a memory wall where many walkers shared their reasons for walking, as well as decorating their t-shirts with photos and memories of their loved ones who they were walking in memory of.

Stewart Oldham, from Chesterfield who volunteered at the event, said:-

“What an inspiring night! I loved volunteering at such an amazing event seeing so many people all walking to support Ashgate Hospicecare. I was touched by the many people sharing their stories of loved ones who were cared for by the Hospice and many others who know the value of the care provided at the Hospice and in the community. Well done to each and every one of you! Hope to see you all next year.”

The money raised from the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk will go towards providing vital care across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. The Hospice provides its services free of charge to patients with any life-limiting illness, and extended support to patients’ families.

Six months after Ashgate Hospicecare launched their #30for30 campaign, the Hospice is excited to announce that they have recruited over 50 new volunteers.

The Hospice relies heavily on volunteers, who make up nearly three quarters of their total workforce.

Matt Corbishley, Director of HR & Support Services, said:-

“Ashgate Hospicecare simply couldn’t run without volunteers. They are absolutely vital. We have volunteers across all areas of the Hospice, including in our shops, at events, serving patients in our Day Hospice and on the ward, supporting our admin teams, out in the community fundraising and speaking about the Hospice and in many more roles.

“We’re so pleased that more and more people are showing an interest in volunteering for the Hospice and we’re grateful for each and every person who kindly donates their time here. As well as our volunteers playing a vital role in the day to day running of the Hospice and in raising the funds needed to keep the Hospice going, we also like our volunteers to develop their skills throughout their time here. We welcome all applications, so if you are interested and have a few hours a week to spare, please get in touch!”

The campaign, which was launched in the 30th year of the Chesterfield based hospice delivering patient care to those with a life-limiting illness across North Derbyshire, aims to encourage people who may not have thought about volunteering with the Hospice before to donate 30 hours of their time in 2018.

Denise Walters, from Tapton in Chesterfield, started volunteering at Ashgate Hospicecare after hearing about the campaign on her local radio station. She said:-

“My mum was in the Hospice before she died and it’s just such a wonderful place. My whole family have done what they can to support the Hospice since then. My sister and I both asked for donations to the Hospice for our 50^th birthdays, my son shaved all his hair off for Ashgate and raised over £800, and my dad joined the Ashgate Lottery. We all wanted to do our bit. I also took part in the Sparkle Night Walk and that led me to want to do more for the Hospice. Volunteering seemed like the next natural step.

“I heard about 30for30, donating 30 hours of your time for Ashgate’s 30^th anniversary, from an advert on the radio. A lady was saying – “Often people say, I don’t know how you can volunteer at the Hospice, but you can do it” – It just made me think that I could do it. I’m just at home most nights, so why not do something really useful with my time?

“This is the first time I’ve volunteered for a charity. I come in and help on the ward once a week in the evening from five until half past six. I serve teas and coffees to the patients and help serve their evening meals. I’m there for an hour and a half but the time goes really quickly!

“I’ve only been volunteering here for about six weeks or so, so I’m still finding my feet, but it’s lovely. They let me loose on the tea trolley on my own for the first time last week, which was a little daunting because you don’t know how the patients will be feeling when you go and see them, but all the other volunteers and the staff are very helpful. Any problems that I have, I just ask the nearest person what to do and they sort me out. If you’re unsure about what to do, there’s always somebody to help.

“I enjoy the interaction with everyone. Just knowing that you’re doing something to keep the Hospice running is really nice. Once I’m more confident with what I’m doing, I’d like to dedicate more time to the Hospice. It’s a really nice atmosphere to be in.

“I’ve done nine hours of volunteering so far, so I’ll definitely finish my 30 hours by the end of the year and I’ll probably continue volunteering once I’ve completed those hours. Once you’re in, you’re in!”

Grateful staff are asking Chesterfield residents to put their knitting needles down after a target to create 25,000 knitted poppies for a poppy cascade was reached.

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with a range of community organisations to run a series of events to mark the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War One in November.

As part of the plans a poppy cascade is to be created at Chesterfield Town Hall, with more than 25,000 knitted or crocheted poppies cascading down the side of the building from the balcony.

In March the council asked residents to knit or crochet poppies to form the cascade.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This idea really seems to have captured the imagination and interest of Chesterfield residents and we have been overwhelmed with how many people have knitted or crocheted poppies for the cascade.

“When we set off we thought it would take eight months to reach the 25,000 poppy total but we have now got to 28,300 which is an amazing achievement.

“I cannot thank everyone who has made poppies enough. We really appreciate it and I am sure they are going to make a fitting tribute to the memory of those who fought during the war when the cascade is created.

“So now we would ask anyone who has already made poppies to bring them to the collection points but for everyone to stop knitting as we will not need any more once they have been collected in.”

All poppies donated will be used to form cascades for the Town Hall and other public buildings around the town centre, which will be put in place from the week of Armistice Day through to mid-November.

Completed poppies can be brought to:

• Chesterfield Town Hall in Rose Hill
• Fred’s Haberdashery at the Market Hall.
• The Wool Cabin at the Market Hall
• Crafter’s Companion at Dobbies, Balborough

Ashgate Hospicecare are thrilled to announce that Chesterfield Football Club have chosen them to be their charity partner for the year.

The Hospice, who are celebrating their 30^th anniversary this year, have been supported by the football club through various initiatives including player visits, match collections and as an event venue hosting Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event – Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We feel privileged to have been chosen by Chesterfield FC as their Charity of the Year. We’re so grateful for all their support so far and can’t wait for more of our patients to meet the players when they come to visit. It means so much to people and brings a smile to even our most poorly patients.

“Having the support of Chesterfield FC will not only help to raise awareness of the Hospice and what we do, but it will also help to raise vital funds to support patients at home and in the Hospice to live as well as they can with a life-limiting illness and to support their families through these difficult times.”

Martin Allen, the newly appointed Chesterfield FC manager, said:-

“It was very sad and difficult losing both my parents when I was quite young and I have spent a lot of time in a hospice as a result of that. The way they were looked after and supported, and the care and love they received from all the staff at that hospice was just incredible.

“What a fantastic thing to be lucky enough this year to work alongside everybody at Ashgate Hospicecare and to help the patients and their families. I can’t wait to visit and meet the patients. It’s going to be a great year for Chesterfield Football Club, and it’s going to be a great year supporting everybody at the Hospice.”

Ashgate Hospicecare provides specialist care to adults with a life-limiting illness in their homes, in community settings across North Derbyshire and within the Hospice itself. Patients and families are at the heart of everything they do. Their vision is to make hospice care available to all who need it, in the environment most appropriate for their individual needs and wishes, playing a key strategic role in the Derbyshire health community and we work closely with local partners to help make this happen.