A HOSPICE might seem a depressing place to visit in the run-up to Christmas, but within moments of walking through the doors at Prospect in Wroughton I was struck by its welcoming feel and sense of calm.

I was greeted by a smiling receptionist sitting in front of a stained glass image of the beautiful Wiltshire landscape.

In the corner there was a Christmas tree decorated with gold tags with handwritten messages and in the background I could hear people raving about the food served in the cafe.

Prospect Hospice offers care and comfort to thousands of patients and their families when they are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. It is well on its way to raising the £75,000 it needs by the end of March to open an outpatient centre at Savernake Hospital in the summer.

One of the people to benefit from the services Prospect provides is 84-year-old retired headteacher Audrey Tomlin who has a respiratory condition called bronchiectasis.

Mrs Tomlin, who lives in Marlborough, said: “I have wonderful care, truly lovely care from everyone.

“The ethos of this place is just amazing. Everybody goes the extra mile and I know that nothing is too much trouble.

“What amazes me is the huge amount of voluntary work and donations. I’ve had several visitors from the Marlborough villages and, without exception, they seem to be determined to raise money for the Savernake Appeal.

“I find in many circumstances a much treasured and loved person has benefited from Prospect and the rest of the family will never forget so they want to help.

“I’d like to say happy Christmas everyone and a huge thank you to everyone who has raised money for Prospect, we all appreciate it.”

Unlike the facility in Wroughton, patients will not be able to stay at the outpatient unit at Savernake Hospital but what it will offer it is the same level of support and care that people have come to associate with Prospect.

Tricia Davis, head of patient services at Prospect Hospice, said: “The atmosphere here is always relaxed. People think coming to a hospice is scary, but it’s always happy here.”

Throughout the festive season there have been activities including carol singing and bell ringing to make the patients feel at ease.

Ms Davis said: “It’s been all hands on deck to make sure that everything is in place for anyone who wants to have a home visit on Christmas day.

“The circumstances of the people we care for change hour by hour but if something changes at the last minute which means that they are not able to make it home it won’t be because the provisions weren’t put in place.

“It will be quieter here because we expect about a third of patients to have gone home. There will be volunteers here throughout the day and off-duty staff, but really it will be a family time.”

How to back our appeal

THERE are lots of ways you can help us to reach our £75,000 target to make the outpatient centre at Savernake Hospital a reality.
You can organise an event at a school, shop, office, pub or club or in your home. You might even want to do a sponsored run or bake some cakes in 
exchange for donations.
Tell us what you are doing and we’ll make sure we publicise it. It doesn’t matter how large or small the event or donation, we want to hear about it. Every penny raised counts.
Call Anna Mauremootoo on (01225) 773607 or email 
amauremootoo@newswilts.co.uk
You can donate direct by filling in the form at the top of the page and sending it to Prospect Savernake Appeal, Moormead Road, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9BY.
Take a donation to Prospect shops in Pewsey, Marlborough or Hungerford or donate by calling Prospect on 01793 816161 or via www.prospect-hospice. net/savernakeappeal