For someone living with a life-limiting illness, the most precious gift this Christmas is time with the people they love, making cherished memories. Yet without expert care close by, they could spend this time in hospital, away from their family and the place they feel most comfortable and at peace.
For Ben, 36, from Braintree, that time together means everything. Living with a rare and incurable cancer, his greatest Christmas wish is to be with his husband, five children and grandchild, making beautiful memories together.
Ben: “After spending time in Farleigh Hospice’s Inpatient Unit and a short stay in hospital, I’m now back at home. Thanks to Farleigh’s care, my pain is under control and I’m looking forward to spending Christmas with my family.”
David: “A big, traditional family Christmas means everything to us both, but it’s not something we could have considered this year without Farleigh’s support.”
Ben: “We’ve started our Christmas celebrations early this year and we’re going to enjoy every moment. We have four trees in our house that we decorated with the children. It’s something we love doing together and our two youngest got to put the stars on the top!”
“One of our daughters is going away over Christmas, so we’re celebrating twice this year. All of us will be together at home on 17 December in our matching festive pyjamas, enjoying great food and playing board games! Then we’ll celebrate again on Christmas Day and our extended family will all be here for Boxing Day.”
David: “We are hoping that Ben will stay well over Christmas. We get a call from Farleigh Hospice every week to check how Ben is doing, and he has regular appointments with his consultant. It gives us peace of mind and so much comfort knowing that Farleigh is at the end of the phone and their specialist care will be available over Christmas if Ben needs it.”
Ben: “All I want for Christmas is to be able to enjoy this special time with David, our children and our family. I hadn’t thought it would be possible, but Farleigh Hospice are doing everything they can to make it happen and we are very grateful. They are our Christmas miracle.”
With your support, we can help more local families like Ben’s receive the care and comfort they need this Christmas, with time to focus on what matters most: each other.
Support our Big Give Christmas Challenge
From 1 to 8 December, you can support Farleigh Hospice through the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Every eligible online donation made through our Big Give campaign page will be doubled through match funding, while funds remain available.
We’re aiming to raise £45,000 in donations, which will unlock a further £45,000 in match funding, giving us £90,000 to help provide expert care and support for people living with a life-limiting illness and their families and carers across mid Essex.
Support our Big Give Christmas Challenge
Help us reach our £45,000 fundraising target and unlock £45,000 in match funding to support local people and their families this Christmas.