Read all the latest news from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and how you can get involved with our exciting challenge events this summer.

They include our beachside fire walk!

In this month’s round-up we also reveal our latest Trustee, Revd Jane Burgess; meet staff member Abby Davies, our Marketing and Communications Manager, and volunteer shop assistant Margaret Knaggs.

We hope you enjoy our monthly round-up of all the latest news from your local charity hospice.

Your support would mean so much to local families, so please head over to the Lewis-Manning website to find out more about the free of charge vital services that we offer.

Just click here.

We love to keep you involved in what our community is up to.

Revd Jane Burgess joins the Board of Trustees

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is committed to increasing diversity among its Board Members, staff, patients and volunteers, and to developing volunteer skills to meet the needs of patients, their families and carers with care, compassion and kindness.

As part of our strategic plan to deliver even more local hospice care, where people really need it, closer to home, Lewis-Manning required a Trustee with knowledge and experience of pastoral care and spiritual wellbeing.

Our new Trustee, the Revd Jane Burgess, pictured left with CEO Clare Gallie, will be supporting the People Team including patients, carers, staff and volunteers to help develop the strategy and organisation with care at the heart of its values.

Jane said: “I am really quite excited about the role, having been introduced to the charity by former Trustee the late Canon Jane LLoyd.

“Before being ordained I was a palliative care nurse from 1998 to 2004 at Dorothy House Hospice in Wiltshire.

“This was such a rewarding and fulfilling role.

“I truly believe in and respect the work that the hospice is doing.

“I am looking forward to playing a part in the charity’s journey and meeting and working alongside all of the wonderful volunteers and staff.”

Clare said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jane on to our Board of Trustees.

“Jane comes highly recommended to us by the late Canon Jane LLoyd, who was a hugely integral part of Lewis-Manning and I know Jane will make a very important contribution to our Trustee team just like Canon Jane LLoyd did.

“We are all looking forward to working with her in her new voluntary role”

• Scholarship launched for Bournemouth University Adult Nursing students: Adult nursing students at Bournemouth University, with an interest in end of life care, will receive funding and support from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, thanks to a new scholarship. Read more here.
• Jacqueline Swift joins as Patron: Our new Patron has a wealth and depth of knowledge and expertise in the Dorset healthcare sector, having previously worked as Vice Chair of the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, as well as holding a number of senior executive roles in the private sector. Find out more here.
• ‘Loving Your Garden’ launched as we partner with Dorset horticulturist David Hurrion: Our brand new campaign runs for four months until the end of August. Details can be found here.
• Launch of bravery testing challenges: Three new challenges take place in 2021 and we’re appealing to businesses, individuals and groups to join in. Challenges include a ‘Fire Walk’, ‘Jurassic Coast Trek’ and ‘Wing Walking’. See more information here.

We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their continued support and help.

Each month we turn the spotlight on one of these incredible people who are an integral part of the organisation.

Here, we meet Margaret Knaggs, pictured.

Role & task: Retail Shop Assistant

I love talking to the customers when I’m working on the till as I am a very chatty and friendly person.

When I start my shift at 10am I start by dusting and polishing the bric-a-brac on the shop floor.

When and why did you start volunteering?

I started volunteering with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care in October 2020.

I live on my own and it is a great way to meet new friends and socialise.

What’s the best bit of the role?

I really enjoy helping out and having some company.

I especially like volunteering with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care as I think it’s a marvellous charity.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of volunteering?

Do it!

It can only benefit you, especially if you are on your own.

• If you or anyone you know would be interested in sparing some precious time to become a volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with our Volunteer Manager today by emailing Nicola.Garsden@lewis-manning.org.uk or calling 01202 708470.

If you’ve got fire in your soul for fundraising, join us as we walk barefoot over a bed of red-hot embers.

No tricks, no special effects. Just you and the fire!

In the heat of the moment, all of your survival instincts will tell you to remain still. But with training from our experts and an enthusiastic crowd around you, you WILL rise to the challenge.

We would love to have you involved!

To sign up, please click here.

We’re proud of our dedicated and committed team, especially seeing how everyone has dealt with the challenges and adversities that Covid-19 has presented to the charity.

This month we wanted to find out more about Abby Davies, Marketing and Communications Manager.

What’s the best thing about your job?

There are too many reasons to put in a few sentences to explain what the best thing about my job is.

Working at Lewis-Manning has taught me so much, from leadership skills to organisational culture being key, to why listening is one of the most important things you can do as a human.

It is a privilege to work at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. Knowing the work we are all collaboratively doing means so many patients and families get the vital care they need and deserve is something I am extremely proud to be part of.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

“Never believe you know everything, always be open to learn and develop yourself.”

My Dad always has told me, “Be bold. Take risks.” Both of these statements have stuck with me throughout my career.

Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t know

I am completely besotted with pugs. If you have not spent time with a pug before I urge you to do so. They are the funniest and most lovable creatures with the upmost confidence.

Describe yourself in three words

Enthusiastic, happy, creative

If you were going to rule the world for the day, what law would you introduce?

That every dog in the world lived in a happy home and was well looked after.

Your best place for a holiday is?

Barbados. The food was incredible… as was the rum punch! But my favourite thing was the snorkelling. It was like swimming in a tropical paradise with the most vibrant multi-coloured fish and turtles. Absolutely amazing.

Our aim is to help as many local people as possible, who are dealing with a life limiting illness, to live their precious lives well.

There is no charge to attend Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

If you wish to make a donation to support our extraordinary hospice care, please visit lewis-manning.org.uk/donate-online.

If you would like to know more about our vital services, or discuss anything in greater detail, then please contact a member of our team on 01202 708470 or email enquiries@lewis-manning.org.uk