Hospice Cuddle Appeal is a huge success thanks to the people of North Devon

The Cuddle Appeal launched by North Devon Hospice has exceeded all expectations and enabled the charity to buy not one, but three new specialist cuddle beds for patients.

The appeal was launched in February this year and has raised just under £85,000 thanks to an incredible response from the people of North Devon – enabling the hospice to buy not only the three beds but to fund a community nurse for a year.

Barnstaple Lions Club also stepped forward and offered to fund an entire new bed, in memory of one of its late members.

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Cuddle beds are advanced clinical beds, designed for those facing life-limiting illnesses and they offer enhanced pain relief and comfort.

But they can also extend to double the width of a traditional hospital bed, allowing families to share precious moments and comforting cuddles when it matters most.

Above: Sarah Thomas and her daughter Grace enjoying the hospice’s only existing cuddle bed earlier this year. Sarah was the face of the Cuddle Appeal and such an enthusiastic supporter of acquiring more cuddle beds. Sadly she died last month, but her legacy lives on through the success of this appeal. Credit: North Devon Hospice

This week, the charity took delivery of the new beds, which were immediately put to use by patients coming for a stay at the hospice.

Hannah Crawley, team leader on the Bedded Unit, said: “We are just over the moon to be able to offer this extra closeness to patients and loved ones who we’re looking after.

“One of the beds was put into use immediately, for a lovely lady who came for a stay on the Bedded Unit that very day, so they are already having a profound impact on the lives of local people.

“We try to create a sanctuary where people can have their pain and other symptoms addressed round-the-clock - with most returning home after a stay - while those who do spend their final days on here can do so with  dignity. These cuddle beds are hugely important in making that quality time as comfortable as possible for the whole family.”

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Hannah added, “We can all imagine what we would give for one more cuddle with someone we love. Thanks to the generosity of the North Devon community, people will be able to spend more precious time together, when it matters most. We cannot thank you all enough.”

Above: One of the many Cuddle Bears which were dotted throughout North Devon to raise awareness of the appeal throughout March. Credit: North Devon Hospice

One of the cuddle beds was funded by the support of Barnstaple Lions Club, which donated £15,000 in memory of one of a former member.

Club members were invited to the hospice to see the bed they funded arrive and were moved to hear from hospice staff what a difference it will make.

"One of our members was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness himself, and when he died, he left the Barnstaple Lions Club a significant legacy. We have been seeking ways to use this to remember him,” said club President, Mandy Peeling.

“Then along comes the Cuddle Appeal, to raise funds for cuddle beds at the hospice and to fund a community nurse for a year. To all the club members this was a no-brainer and we decided that we would fund the cost of one cuddle bed, with a £15.000 donation.

“This means that patients will have the finest care, and their relatives will have the comfort of being with their nearest and dearest. This will be a lasting memory of a dear and true Lion of the Barnstaple Lions Club."

Hospice chief executive Stephen Roberts thanked every single person who supported the Cuddle Appeal.

He added: “Your support means we’re able to fund a community hospice nurse for a year, which will help local people to remain in the comfort of their home when facing  a life-limiting illness – so they can be close to their loved ones and home comforts.

“But we are also beyond thrilled to buy three new cuddle beds for our Bedded Unit, for when pain and other symptoms are too complex to be treated at home. These beds will mean extra comfort and closeness when it matters most.”

“It is incredible for Barnstaple Lions Club to have donated one of these beds by themselves, and we’re so grateful to them for their unwavering support over the years.

“The  whole community played a part in making the Cuddle Appeal so successful, and you can all be  proud of the very real difference you are making to people’s lives as they face the toughest of  times.”

For more information about supporting the work of the charity, please visit https://www.northdevonhospice.org.uk.