A generous local family have paid for a day of hospice care today in memory of David Hayman, who died at our hospice in August last year. Their gift will cover all of the services we offer including our inpatient care, our Wellbeing services and our community nursing visits. The family have chosen today as a fitting tribute to David, handing over their cheque on his birthday. It was our privilege to be there for David and we’re touched to receive such a large and thoughtful gift from his family on this special day.
David’s daughter, Anita, says, ‘Dad passed away in August last year and he was in the hospice for his last few days. He overlooked the beautiful South Downs and he was made to feel safe and felt loved by the amazing professional staff – he called the nurses his angels.
‘It seems a funny thing to say, but he died well, all thanks to these remarkable people. I’m sure most people can relate to our family’s story and have been touched by the hospice in some way – which we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.
‘A couple of months ago we sat round the table thrashing out fundraising ideas. We had found out that you can donate to ‘Pay for a day’ for the running of St Peter & St James Hospice. Dad and his friend used to organise fun musical evenings during Burgess Hill Festival Week back in the mid-90s so it seemed fitting to host another in Dad’s memory.’
With their inspiration found, the Hayman family threw themselves into organising the sell-out event, which was hosted at Burgess Hill Girls’ School. A variety of local talent took to the stage and wowed the audience, who spent the majority of the show on their feet! The incredible night of entertainment raised over £5000 and received brilliant feedback.
Anita and her family are thrilled with the outcome. ‘We had previously raised £2,200 from other various fundraising activities, so we have exceeded our target of £7200 which is totally amazing. Our dad would have been so pleased that we have been able to show our appreciation to the hospice and are doing it today – Friday 13th is definitely a lucky day for us!’
Thanks to the Hayman family, we’re able to provide expert and compassionate hospice care to local families today who are going through what they did. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.
