Why I’m a Giving Day Champion – Nicola’s story

“I joined St Oswald’s Hospice as a staff nurse in March 2010 on the Adult Inpatient Unit, I was then promoted to a sister in November 2020. After 13 years working at the Hospice, I thoroughly enjoy everything I do here – still and to this day.

“What I love most about my role is being part of a passionate team that cares for patients and provides personal support to their families. That’s why I’ve chosen to be a Giving Day Champion.

“Every day I come to work and see the difference that the Hospice makes to our patients. Although end of life care is a very important part of what we do there are so many services that we offer to help improve the lives of our patients.

“From my direct colleagues on the Adult Inpatient Unit to the Lymphoedema team, Children and Young Adults, Focus on Living and the support we get from other teams across the wider hospice, we truly provide emotional, physical and spiritual relief for families when it is needed most.

“A few weeks ago, I was involved with the cinema opening in our Family Room and heard from Sue Melbourne, who’s Dad, Doug, spent six weeks in our Adult Inpatient Unit last summer. Hearing from Sue about Doug’s positive ‘transformation’ after spending just a few days with us was so special. It makes you feel happy to know that you’ve been part of something that has helped to make special memories for that person and their family at an important time in their lives.

“I would encourage everybody to sign up as a Giving Day Champion, so we can continue to support people like Doug and his family. The day will allow us to reach out to our friends and family and raise vital awareness of what we do and what the Hospice has to offer the local community.”

If you’re feeling inspired by Nicola and would like to become a Giving Day Champion for St Oswald’s Hospice, you can find out more about Giving Day here or sign up to become a Champion here.