‘Del Boy’ lends his support to ‘Florrie’s’ hospice makeover

SIR David Jason OBE, best known for his role as Del Boy in the popular sit-com, Only Fools and Horses, has lent his support to the Florence Nightingale Day Hospice ‘makeover’ appeal in its Silver Jubilee year.

David Jason OBE

As part of the Florence Nightingale Hospice 25th Anniversary year, Sir David Jason OBE is making a special appeal to the local community to help raise over £20,000 – vital funds needed to help refurbish its Day Hospice service.

Sir David, who has penned a personal appeal letter to officially launch the campaign on Monday, November, 25, is encouraging supporters of the Hospice to ‘dig deep’ and help fund the Day Hospice ‘makeover’, which will include new furniture, tables, chairs, cushions, fittings, curtains, flooring and general maintenance. Currently, the Day Hospice, which is open from Monday-Friday, 10 am -3 pm, sees around 40-60 patients from across Aylesbury Vale and surrounding areas (including Thame) each week.

In his appeal letter Sir David said: “Florence Nightingale Hospice is a very special place – I think we all know someone who has been touched by the first-class care provided by the wonderful team of staff and volunteers here. With this in mind, I would like to encourage you to spare a few pennies to help raise funds to refurbish Day Hospice and further enhance the lives of patients and their families.”

“Our Day Hospice provides a vital service in which physical, emotional and spiritual symptoms are addressed in a warm, friendly, fun environment by the Day Hospice team,” said Senior Day Hospice nurse, Jenny Spencer-Jones. “A makeover will give the patients a brighter, fresher and more comfortable environment; enhancing and adding to the lovely ambience of the Day Hospice, a home from home, where patients can relax and be comfortable and most of all enjoy coming to.”

If you would like to help support the Day Hospice appeal please visit www.fnhospice.org.uk and click on the ‘Donate’ button or visit the dedicated fundraising page at www.make-a-donation.org. Donations can also be sent in the post addressed to Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Unit 4 Aylesbury Business Centre, Chamberlain Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8DY or, simply pop your donation in to the Florence Nightingale Hospice marked ‘Day Hospice Appeal’.

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) fully funds the Day Hospice service at a cost of over £100,000 each year. Each patient appointment costs £135 per visit. FNHC relies heavily on its volunteer drivers, to bring patients to and from Day Hospice, which runs every week. In fact 29 drivers drove 27,582 miles last year to bring patients to the Hospice: “Having volunteer drivers, means that patients can attend the Day Hospice for the specialist support they need,” added Judy Plater, Volunteer Services Assistant.

www.fnhospice.org.uk     Facebook:  Twitter: @fnhospice #florencenightingalehospice