Ashgate Hospicecare

Over 140 miles in 17 hours: one man is taking on the ultimate triathlon for Ashgate Hospicecare! 😮
Andy Leslie, 33, who lives in Nottingham with his family, will be taking on a colossal triathlon, known as the Ironman Challenge, in Bolton on 14th July this year in memory of his mum, Nicky Leslie, who was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare.
The challenge will consist of a 2.4 mile swim across a lake, a 112 mile bike ride, a 26.2 mile run, all of which must be completed in under... 17 hours to be crowned an ‘Ironman’.
Nicky, who had recently retired to Bonsall in Derbyshire with her husband, was diagnosed with sarcoma in March 2018. She died at Ashgate Hospicecare just five months later, at the age of 59.
Andy said, “It all happened so quickly from mum’s diagnosis to her death and it’s been really hard for our family, so I really want to do something positive. I’ve always wanted to take on the ultimate triathlon: the Ironman Challenge and this seems like the perfect time to do it in my mum’s memory and to raise money for more patients who need at Ashgate Hospicecare.
I've never experienced a hospice before and so I never really appreciated just how important they are. Ashgate Hospicecare completely changed the end of my mum’s life for the better; filling it with happiness and joy. The staff made her feel comfortable and they would do things like cook her extra meals depending on what she fancied eating and give her gin and tonic flavors around her mouth when she couldn’t eat much, which put a smile on her face. I’ll never be able to show my gratitude for all the staff and volunteers who cared for her, but hopefully, by doing this challenge and raising my target of £3,000, it’ll go some way to showing how important the Ashgate Hospicecare is to local people.”
Andy was able to tell his mum that he was taking on the Ironman Challenge for her before she died. She told Andy he was crazy for attempting it, which has spurred Andy on even more!
It’s absolutely fantastic when people take on challenges to raise money for the hospice and, often, the crazier the challenge is, the better! We’re so pleased that Andy is doing the Ironman Challenge for Ashgate Hospicecare as all the money raised will go towards caring for more patients and their families when faced with a life-limiting illness, not just on the ward, but at home too. We wish him all the best of luck through his training and for the big day!
To show your support for Andy and to raise money for more patients and families who need vital hospice care, please visit Andy’s JustGiving page at 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/fundra…/andy leslie-ironmanjourney.
See More

💜💙💚💛🧡❤️

Would you like to watch Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) under the night sky on our Hospice meadow? 🎥🍿
Join us for a night at the movies with your family and friends to see the story of the legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985)!
Entry is now open, so please follow the link to book your tickets for a suggested minimum donation of £10 per ticket 👉 https://www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/eve n…/open-air-cinema/
... For more information or to book your tickets over the phone, please call our Fundraising Team on 01246 567250.
📍 Ashgate Hospicecare Meadow 📆 Saturday 10th August ⏰ From 7.30pm ⭐️ Suggested minimum donation of £10
This event is kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota Chesterfield. Because of their support, all donations received from tickets sales will go directly to the Hospice.
Please note: We do not own the rights to the image below.
See More

Today marks the beginning of Loneliness Awareness Week 💜
Colin, whose husband Frank died in 2017, has kindly shared his experiences of bereavement and loneliness. Read his story below 👇
“In September 2017, my husband, Frank, who I’d been with for 30 years died. I was in such a bad way after Frank died. I had all the difficulty of sorting everything out after Frank’s death and all you need at that time is support from friends, but often people don’t know how to talk to you whe...n something like that happens. In fact, a lot of my friends simply stopped talking to me altogether.
So, it was a very lonely time for me. I felt totally on my own because I have no family now as such, and I really struggled in those first few months. Then, around Christmas time last year, I got a phone call from Ashgate Hospicecare offering me bereavement counselling. I took them up on the offer as I knew I needed the support. I found that the drama therapy really helped me. I’ve come out of it a much stronger person, probably even more than I was before Frank died. Even after the first week, I felt a change. It’s really helped me to cope with things and move forward. I feel ready for life now.
If the Hospice hadn’t been able to give me support after Frank died, I don’t think I’d be here. I was in such a desperate state. I couldn’t handle things and I was finding it difficult coping with living. I was so lost and alone. I spent many nights curled up on the settee sobbing my heart out for hours on end, not knowing what to do or how to deal with things. I tried phoning friends, but they weren’t answering the phone or didn’t have time to talk. It gets to the point where you can’t call people anymore and the telephone becomes the heaviest object in the world. You need people to be phoning you and asking how you are. Or you need people to call round and ask if you need a bit of help, but many people just shy away from it.
There needs to be more done to raise awareness of bereavement. Until we learn to learn how to deal with bereavement as a society, people will continue to feel very alone. That’s why I’m no longer afraid to talk about my experiences. I want people to know how important it is to support each other when they lose someone so close to them.”
This week, we encourage you to reach out to someone who is going through a difficult time. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea with an old friend or offering a listening ear, every friendly gesture makes a difference.
See More

On Father's Day, our thoughts go out to those who will be remembering their dad 💜
Lucy Piekarski was only 15 when her father, Tony Piekarski, known to friends and family as Tony Pie, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Lucy reflects on the treatment her dad received from Ashgate Hospicecare, both at home and in the Inpatient Unit.
“I remember coming home one day in November, aged 15, to my Pap sat on the sofa. He wanted to talk. I knew he had been for some scans, but I never ...believed there would be anything wrong with him.
When I heard the words “stage 3 prostate cancer”, everything turned to slow motion. I never thought that what had happened to my Mum, who was my age when she had to experience her mother going through cancer, would happen to me. I kept pretending all the while that my dad would be fine.
From that day onwards, we all did what we could to make every day count and make sure that my Dad’s promises were fulfilled. He suffered with his illness for five years in all. Throughout that time, we gave up more and more of our commitments so that we could care for him. My education was always a priority with dad, so being at school during this time was very difficult for both of us.
We had always received regular visits from the Hospice at Home Team, but my brave-faced Papi had always refused any extra visits. It wasn't until he told us that we needed to start making decisions, that we realised he was in need of 24/7 care and pain symptom management and needed to go into the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice. It was a relief for our whole family when he came in. During my Dad's time here, The Ashgate Angels, as we liked to call them, were there to answer to his every need. They knew what to do better than us and they weren’t scared like us. They made what was an alien situation to us feel very normal.
Our family were able to rebuild many of the bonds that were strained over the years by the stresses of care-giving. When he came into the Inpatient Unit, we were able to spend valuable time together as a family. I was able to be a daughter again and my dad was able to be a dad. Before this, we had tended only to reminisce about the good old times together, however Ashgate Hospicecare allowed us to make the last days count and to still create memories. My dad was able to leave this world in the way he wished; pain-free and in peace with my mum, his best friend, by his bedside. I still have a broken heart, but I enjoy visiting the Hospice's beautiful gardens to speak with him, because I truly believe he is visiting me there too.”
See More

Have you dedicated a Rainbow Ribbon to your loved one? 💜🌈
Each length of brightly coloured ribbon on our display outside the hospice means something special to someone.
In return for a donation to the hospice, you'll receive a length of brightly coloured ribbon for you to write your own special personal message for someone who has brought colour to your life.
... Lynn, who's mum was cared for by the hospice, said, "Ashgate Hospicecare supported us through our darkest hours. However, one in four families who need care at home still can’t get it. I can’t begin to imagine how hard it is for these patients and families to cope and that’s why I hope you’ll join me in making a donation for a Rainbow Ribbon now. When I receive my Rainbow Ribbon, I’ll wear it with pride to remember my wonderful mum and all the colour she brought to my life. I hope you’ll do the same for your loved one."
Will you dedicate a Rainbow Ribbon to someone special and bring hospice care to families when it matters the most? Dedicate a ribbon here 👉 http://rainbowribbons.org.uk/ or call us on 01246 567250.
See More

A Day in the Life of Annette, Ashgate Hospicecare Nurse
9:00– I arrive at the Hospice and look at the online diary to see which patients I’m going to visit today. I look at their clinical records on the computer to check if anything has changed since I last saw them.
9:30 – All patient referrals are triaged and assessed to decide how quickly we need to see them. We have a team meeting to discuss patients whose conditions have become unstable and who may need an urgent visit.
...Continue Reading

Would you like to watch Mary Poppins Returns (U) under the night sky on our Hospice meadow? 🍿
Join us for a night at the movies with your friends and kids to see the story of the magical nanny returning to help the Banks siblings and Michael’s children through a difficult time in their lives.
Entry is now open, so please follow the link to book your tickets for a suggested minimum donation of £10 👉 https://www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/… /open-air-cinema-fr…/
... For more information or to book your tickets over the phone, please call our Fundraising Team on 01246 567250.
📍 Ashgate Hospicecare Meadow 📆 Friday 9th August ⏰ From 7.30pm ⭐️ Suggested minimum donation of £10
This event is kindly sponsored by Vertu Toyota Chesterfield. Because of their support, all donations received from tickets sales will go directly to the Hospice.
Please note: We do not own the rights to the image below.
See More

Have you got a Father’s Day present yet? 🎁
Claude Black Barrel Aged Porter is a ‘not for profit’ beer brewed specifically to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare. It’s been produced by Brampton Brewery using a recipe developed over three years ago.
The beer has been barrel aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels for six months and packs a punch! Full of depth, it boasts creamy smooth flavours of chocolate and coffee with subtle bourbon notes evident in the aftertaste. Late hopped ...with locally grown green hops, it’s a beer that keeps on giving! 🍻
This limited edition small batch beer has now been released and is available in 500ml bottles from Real Ale Corner on Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.
All proceeds will go to Ashgate Hospicecare to provide the support and care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families in North Derbyshire. Make sure you get some before it’s all gone!
See More

🚨🌟There are just 50 PLACES left for this year's Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk 2019! 🌟🚨
This year promises to be our biggest ever year with record participants and amazing fundraiser prizes!
Places are strictly limited so if you haven't signed up yet make sure you don't miss out on Chesterfield's biggest fundraising event.
... Tickets here ➡️ https://sparklenightwalk.org.uk/
See More

It's #CarersWeek! At Ashgate Hospicecare, we pride ourselves on caring for our patients and their loved ones with compassion at the most difficult time in their lives 💜
When Alan’s mum was diagnosed as terminally ill, Ashgate Hospicecare helped to support him during the hardest time when he became her main carer.
“When my mother, Vera, was diagnosed as terminally ill at age eighty-five, I was planning on spending the summer with her, but unfortunately she passed away in sprin...
Continue Reading

We’re hiring a Shop Manager at our Bolsover shop! 😀
If you have passion for fashion, a flair for displaying pre-loved donations imaginatively and can create a customer experience that connects our loyal customers to our brand and charity, we would love to hear from you!
For more information or to apply for the role, please visit 👉 https://www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/… /shop-manager-bolso…/
... Closing date: 17th June 2019
#OpportunityTuesday
See More

Thanks to those at the hospice who got involved in Volunteers' Week last week! 💫
We've had some lovely comments from staff that we wanted to share with you. 💜
Why are our volunteers so special to us❓
... 👫 Because they give up their time, energy and selves to help others. We have to be there for everyone.
🕧 Because they are so reliable.
👏 Couldn't do out job without them!
😁 They are reliable, happy, smiling people!
😃 They help me do my job properly and put a smile on our patients' faces.
🤗 We wouldn't be able to continue to do what we do without them.
🎉They are AMAZING!
👸 They are so hardworking and committed to making Ashgate Hospicecare the best it can be.
🤴 Because they help week after week. Amazing people.
💆 They are so valuable to the amazing care we provide.
🤩 THEY ARE FAB!
😊 They make our job easier and always have a smile on their faces.
...and that's just a fraction of the reasons why our volunteers mean so much to us at Ashgate Hospicecare. Volunteers are part of the Ashgate Family and the hospice simply couldn't run without you.
THANK YOU! 🌟
See More

Last year, Ashgate Hospicecare was chosen as Dronfield Sainsbury's chosen charity and from June 2018 to June 2019, staff and customers raised an astounding £7,136.62! 😮✨
To celebrate Sainsbury's 150th birthday, staff have at the store have also chosen to volunteer for the hospice, helping at our fundraising events over the summer!
Thank you so much to all staff and customers at Dronfield Sainsbury’s for your kind support 💜
... The hospice is only able to provide excellent care to our patients and their families because of the generosity of our community, including local businesses, like Sainsburys. Thank you! 😀
See More

“We always said that the nurses and support workers from the Hospice are not really carers, they’re more like friends.”
In August 2018, Liv Eades, from Barlborough, raised an absolutely incredible £895 doing a skydive for Ashgate Hospicecare in memory of her Mommar.
"I did a skydive this year for my Mommar. She had a rare Parkinson’s type disease known as Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), which is a really awful degenerative disease. It meant that, by the end, Mommar couldn’t ea...
Continue Reading

Our Rainbow Ribbons display outside the Hospice is looking beautiful! Each length of brightly coloured ribbon means something special to someone 💜🌈
In return for a donation to the hospice, you'll receive a length of brightly coloured ribbon for you to write your own special personal message for someone who has brought colour to your life.
Lynn, who's mum was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare, said, "Finding out my mum, Shirley, had pancreatic cancer was completely devastating ...but we were determined to make the most of our time left together. Although the eight weeks from her diagnosis to when she died were heartbreaking, they were also full of love and happy moments which I will always cherish. And I will never forget the kindness, care and compassion everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare showed to my amazing mum in her final weeks.
Ashgate Hospicecare supported us through our darkest hours. However, one in four families who need care at home still can’t get it. I can’t begin to imagine how hard it is for these patients and families to cope and that’s why I hope you’ll join me in making a donation for a Rainbow Ribbon now. When I receive my Rainbow Ribbon, I’ll wear it with pride to remember my wonderful mum and all the colour she brought to my life. I hope you’ll do the same for your loved one."
Will you dedicate a Rainbow Ribbon to someone special and bring hospice care to families when it matters the most? Dedicate a ribbon here 👉 http://rainbowribbons.org.uk/ or call us on 01246 567250.
See More

Ever since Ashgate Hospicecare opened over 30 years ago, volunteers have been integral to our operation. We simply couldn’t run the hospice without them. We have volunteers in almost every team: supporting our clinical staff on the ward and in the Day Hospice, helping out in the retail shops, doing administration, bucket collecting, marshalling at events and in many other roles too 😀
We know that volunteers who dedicate their time to the hospice don’t do it for the praise, bu...t we like to let them know how their support helps more patients and families to receive care 💜
Our volunteers are truly special people and part of the Ashgate Hospicecare family, helping us to deliver specialist care when it matters the most, whether directly or indirectly through their roles.
On the last day of #VolunteersWeek, our Leadership Team and Voluntary Services Team would like to express their sincere thanks... Watch our video! 🎥
To find out more about volunteering at Ashgate Hospicecare, contact the Volunteering Team on 01246 568801 or email volunteering@ashgatehospicecare.org. uk.
Volunteers' Week
See More

Important announcement❗️
We are sorry to announce that we've made the difficult decision to postpone our Classic Car Show at Hardwick Hall tomorrow. The safety and enjoyment of everyone who attends our events is paramount and, with heavy rain forecast overnight as well high winds tomorrow, we cannot guarantee this with the confidence required to go ahead.
We will work with our partners at Hardwick Hall to find a replacement date which we'll announce soon. We're very sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause.