Award-winning filmmaker helps hospice share 35 years of care

The film called ’35 years of care’ was produced in collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Ben Malone of Gnosall, Stafford, and highlights the variety of palliative care services offered by the charity.

It features specialist compassionate care and wellbeing services provided from day one of diagnosis, for people with a wide range of incurable illnesses. This includes dementia, Parkinson’s, heart failure and others.

Since 1989, the charity has cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families in Stafford and surrounding areas. And thanks to the continued support of the community the hospice now cares for around 2,000 people each year.

49-year-old mum of two, Michelle Wright, says the physical, emotional care and financial guidance she has received has been invaluable.

“It was a huge shock when I heard the word hospice because I thought I was being checked in for end of life care. Then I joined their six-week wellbeing course, and Rachel, the complementary therapist is fabulous, and Mel, my nurse, is wonderful. 

“The hospice has given me hope and has allowed me to be a lot more positive about my outlook on life.

“If I wasn’t at the hospice I’d be incredibly isolated at home because I wouldn’t know where to go or access help.”

Although the charity has provided care for 35 years, many people are still unsure what hospices do.

The film aims to raise awareness and help earlier, which can improve the quality of life for people living with incurable illness.

Ben said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work with the incredible team at Katharine House Hospice to bring their vision for this film to life. Seeing firsthand the dedication and compassion they pour into their care was truly inspiring. The hospice offers so much more than specialist care, it provides emotional support, guidance, unique activities, and a sense of community for so many people. I’m honoured to help share their story and raise awareness of the life-changing work they do every day."

Katharine House Hospice’s director of care, David Fletcher, said: “Our new film celebrates 35 years of our expert care and shines a spotlight on services people may not know about.

“We want to help more people with a palliative diagnosis earlier in their illness, which can increase quality of life and reduce the likelihood of crisis resulting in A&E admission.

“We hope this film raises awareness to allow us to help more people, their loved ones and healthcare professionals to start conversations earlier, including enabling people’s preferred place of care and death.”

You can watch the film at: youtube.com/watch?v=B50cAtJmtyo&t=12s

Join the charity in celebrating 35 years of care with a donation of £35 or an amount of your choice, visit: khhospice.org.uk/35-appeal/