Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity has launched a new appeal to raise £100,000 each year to provide comfort and companionship to patients at the end of their lives and support for their families.
Called the ‘Butterfly Appeal’, the campaign will raise funds for the Butterfly Service, which is run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) to make sure that no one dies alone.
The money raised will pay for ESNEFT’s Butterfly coordinators, as well as training its Butterfly volunteers, who sit with patients receiving end of life care.
It will also help with the running costs of the Butterfly Centres at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, which offer families a welcoming and relaxing space away from the ward.
To mark the launch of the appeal, people are being given the chance to buy a limited-edition metal butterfly in memory of a loved one. The unique creations have been made by Suffolk Ironworks and cost £35 each.
Butterfly coordinators (left to right) Pam Talman, Amy Hilling and Debbie Farthing
Nichola Whymark, head of fundraising and marketing of Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “Our Butterfly Service is really important as it helps to make sure that no one dies alone.
“Our volunteers sit quietly by a patient’s bedside, read stories or poetry, talk about memories, play music or simply hold someone’s hand. They also offer all-important support to loved ones, whether that is a listening ear, much-needed time away from the ward or guidance on how to access other services.
“By being there and giving their time, this valuable team makes sure patients feel loved while reassuring and comforting their families, friends and carers at what is a difficult time.
“The feedback we receive about the volunteers is always overwhelmingly positive, which is why this appeal is so important. By donating, you can help us continue providing this vital support and make sure that no one is on their own at the end of their life.”
The butterflies will be on display at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals until mid-October, after which they will be sent to the people who have brought them.
Family case study – “We will always treasure the warmth they showed us”
A grateful daughter has praised the “comfort, warmth and support” which our Butterfly volunteers gave her family during her much-loved dad’s final days at Colchester Hospital.
Claire Walker (pictured below with her Dad) first met the volunteers in February when they came to see her father Maurice Page (84), who was receiving end of life care.
From that point onwards, the team visited several times, offering Maurice’s family respite from his bedside safe in the knowledge that he would not be alone. They were also able to give practical help to Claire and her mum Jeannie, which included arranging free car parking.
“The volunteers were absolutely lovely,” said Claire. “Mum is 82 and couldn’t be at Dad’s bedside all the time, so found it a real comfort to know someone would be with him when we needed time away. They also made it easier for us to get some respite by going for a coffee or some fresh air.
“The volunteers asked all about Dad and his hobbies and interests, which meant a lot to us as they showed a real interest in him as a person. They also introduced us to the Blanketeers, who made Dad a beautiful knitted blanket which Mum now cherishes. We were so touched by their generous gift that we asked for donations for them in Dad’s memory at his funeral.
“On the day Dad died the curtains were pulled round the bed while we said our final goodbyes. We then found that the volunteers had left a purple butterfly on the floor to signify what had happened. We loved that – we thought it was such a nice touch.
“The volunteers gave our family huge warmth which we will always treasure. They supported us as well as my Dad, which was incredibly valuable to us. We would encourage people to support the charity appeal if they can as it would be lovely to know that others could be helped in that way too.
“My Dad was my hero, especially when I was a little girl. He was a real presence and so reliable – I often thought of him as a still point in a turning world. He also had an incredibly strong faith and was utterly sure of where he was going. We found that a huge help and comfort when he passed away.”
Volunteer case study – “Supporting patients and their families is time very well spent”
As a former maternity ward nurse, Jane (pictured below) relished supporting families at the beginning of life. Since joining the Butterfly volunteers just over two years ago, she now enjoys the same privilege in people’s final weeks and days.
Jane (who has asked us not to use her surname) works across Ipswich Hospital, and will sit and talk to patients, as well as listening to and supporting their families, in a role she describes as “humbling”.
“During my career, I was lucky enough to work on maternity wards at the beginning of life,” said Jane. “I feel that being there at the end is just as much of a privilege.
“My son died in my arms in Ipswich Hospital in 2009, and four years ago his widow also died. I therefore thought I might have both the personal and professional experience to offer the support that patients and their families may need.
“Spending time with somebody at the end of their life is a privilege, and I hope can be a relief and cushion for their families. I think we all sometimes feel that the patient knows we are there and can hear us – I think it is time very well spent. I also know it is something that nurses would love to do if they had the time, and so hope I am supporting them too.
“I know from conversations that families appreciate knowing that the Butterfly volunteers mean there is less chance that their relative will die alone. Over these last two years it has been very special to be able to give time to listen to the love with which so many describe dying members of their family.”
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