1/5/2008

Community Matters

Hospice bus provides special memories

Chase fundraisers Taryn Bennellick, Catherine Loveless and Tom Bradley are hoping for money to help run the hospice minibus

WHILE hospices can be upsetting places, a group of fundraisers is determined to bring happy experiences to patients and their families.

Fundraisers for Chase Hospice in Guildford provide help, support and friendship to families whose children have life-limiting conditions.

The hospice currently cares for 278 children, plus siblings and other family members.

Fundraiser Taryn Bennellick said: “The journey families share with Chase continues from diagnosis of the child’s condition, through to bereavement and beyond.

“It is a relationship that can last for months or years and without it, many families would find it impossible to cope.

“Chase enables these children and their families to live as full lives as possible, creating special memories and ensuring every day counts.”

Part of this work is to arrange outings and new experiences for the children and their siblings, to the seaside, the zoo or just the local park.

The children are transported in the Chase minibus, but space is limited because many children have complex medical needs and equipment, such as oxygen, has to be carried at all times.

While the minibus was donated to Chase, the hospice has to pay for its maintenance, servicing, insurance, tax and fuel.

All drivers, although volunteers, need intensive training and there are additional expenses such as wheelchair clamps.

The fundraisers are applying for £2,000 to fund the minibus for the next year.

First printed in: Woking News and Mail