Thelma dedicates 28 years to hospice

A founder member of the first ever Hospice support group, Thelma initially became involved in 1982 after hearing a presentation on the ‘need for a hospice’.

“Unfortunately I’d been previously touched by cancer in my family and after the presentation I thought I must do something to help,” said Thelma.

As a result of her efforts, and those of others like her, the adult hospice opened doors to its first patients 25 years ago.

“Hospice has come a long way since then. I remember celebrating in the first year that 98 patients were cared for. Today both an adult and a children’s hospice care for over 3,000 adults and children every year, both in hospice and at home,” she said.

Although hospice services have grown over the years, what it does remains the same.

Stefani Butler, Regional Fundraiser at Hospice, said: ”At NIH we accept that cure may not be possible and our aim is to provide the best possible care for our patients, giving them extra care and attention at what is a very difficult time.

“What is different about hospice care is that alongside the medical needs of a terminally ill person, care also take account of social, emotional and spiritual needs.”

“However, this is only made possible because of the support of the local community - people like Thelma, who have fundraised and also heightened awareness of the need for donations and legacies to help the hospice continue.

“Thelma is currently an active member of the Monkstown Children’s Hospice Support Group and we take this opportunity to thank her, her husband Bobby and all the volunteer fundraisers across Northern Ireland for all their hard work, dedication and commitment,” said Stefani.

“We hope that this support from the local community will continue despite the challenging economic times we find ourselves in, because the demand for hospice care continues and sadly many more people will need Hospice in the coming months.”

If you would like to make a donation or want information on fundraising and volunteering, then please contact Stefani Butler at Northern Ireland Hospice on 028 90 781836 or email: [email protected]