St Elizabeth Hospice has announced the return of its annual Christmas appeal, Be a Star, for 2022.

On average every Christmas, the hospice provides vital care to more than 1,150 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses and their families across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, for many of whom it will be their last Christmas spent together. 

Through Be a Star, the independent Suffolk charity is encouraging the community to support the hospice during this very special time of year and help staff ensure patients and families can have the Christmas they deserve. 

Pauline Donkin (Picture: St Elizabeth Hospice)

Pauline Donkin, Head of Individual Giving and Supporter Care at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "Every year we provide support to patients and their families over the Christmas period, to ensure they can still enjoy this very special time of year.

"This care is delivered at our Inpatient Unit in Ipswich, at Beccles Hospital and in homes throughout the community, across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, wherever our support is needed we will be there.

"Through supporting our Be a Star appeal you can make a real difference to people and their families in your local community who need care from the hospice when it matters most."

From purchasing items such as Christmas cards, from St Elizabeth Hospice shops or online store, to taking part fundraising events like the Christmas Day Dip or volunteering time to help the hospice as part of a New Year's resolution.

There are a number of ways to take part in the Be a Star appeal and each one makes a vital contribution to supporting the hospice in making Christmas time a special time for those under its care this year.

One person who is familiar to the support given by St Elizabeth Hospice at Christmas, is hospice patient Jess Kelly and her family.

"The biggest difference the St Elizabeth Hospice staff made to me, was helping me get home to spend Christmas with my little boy, Tobias, and my family, when at times I just didn't think it would be possible," explained Jess Kelly, 39-years-old.

"At all times they gave reassurance and person focused care which is so vital when you are living through periods of such uncertainty, but most of all they made sure my family and I could be together at Christmas."

After previously going into remission in 2019, from breast cancer, Jess was re-diagnosed with the disease in October 2021, when tests revealed it had returned and spread to her bones as well. Following support from Ipswich Hospital, she came under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice in November 2021 where she received support on the hospice's inpatient unit in Ipswich.

She added: "Through supporting St Elizabeth Hospice, and their Be a Star campaign, people will be making a difference to those in their local community who need care when support is needed most, but most importantly you will be helping families be together at Christmas time, like mine, when otherwise this would not be possible."

Find out how to support the Be a Star appeal by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star/be-a-star-appeal or call 01473 723600.