Nightingale House Hospice has had a busy few months, with a visit from Ken Skates MS, an epic coastal fundraising walk, and a brand-new silent disco run.
Ken Skates MS Visits to Discuss Hospice Funding
Ken Skates MS, Interim leader of the Welsh Labour Party, recently visited Nightingale House Hospice. He came to learn more about its specialist palliative care. During the visit, staff gave him a tour and explained the hospice’s full range of services. These include inpatient care, rehabilitation, wellbeing programmes, complementary therapies and bereavement support.
The visit also raised the growing pressures facing the hospice sector. Progress has been made toward consistent hospice commissioning in Wales. Even so, Nightingale House stressed the need for a sustainable, long-term funding model. “They’re doing an incredible job in extremely difficult circumstances, but it’s clear that they need help,” Ken Skates said.
Chris Burgoyne, Chair of the Board of Trustees, welcomed the visit warmly. “We were delighted to welcome Ken to Nightingale House,” he said. “It gave us the chance to showcase the incredible work our staff and volunteers deliver every day.”
An 870-Mile Journey in Memory of Debbie
Meanwhile, Paul Jones and his cocker spaniel Bobby have raised over £14,500 by walking the entire 870-mile Wales Coast Path. Paul undertook the challenge in memory of his late wife, Debbie. She received care from Nightingale House Hospice before her death ten years ago.
“That’s when the hospice took us in,” Paul explained. “They provided the care and support we needed for Deb and us as a family.” Debbie’s love of Wales and the outdoors inspired the route, which took in favourite spots such as Tenby and Barmouth. Supporters can still contribute through Paul and Bobby’s JustGiving page at bit.ly/870mileChallenge.
Wrexham’s First Silent Disco Run
Looking ahead, Nightingale House Hospice is also launching Run the Beat. It will be Wrexham’s first silent disco run, held at Queensway Stadium on 19 September. Participants receive wireless headphones and can walk, jog or dance around the track to their own soundtrack.
Unlike a traditional race, organisers designed Run the Beat to be inclusive and accessible for all ages and abilities. The event also features Memory Miles, letting participants dedicate a mile to someone special. Elise Jackson, Events and Campaigns Manager, encouraged the whole community to take part. “Whether you’re an experienced runner, enjoy a leisurely walk, or simply want to dance the miles away, this event is for everyone,” she said.
Anyone wanting to sign up for Run the Beat can find more details at bit.ly/runthebeat.
We hope you enjoyed reading about Nightingale House Hospice’s recent visit, fundraising walk and new silent disco run. Click here for more articles about charity and community fundraising in Wrexham.
