St Elizabeth Hospice has launched its 2024 Be a Star Christmas appeal.

The annual campaign aims to rally community support for the hospice, which provides essential care to more than 1,300 people with progressive and life-limiting illnesses across East and Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth, and Waveney.

For many of these individuals and their families, this will be their last Christmas together.

Pauline Donkin, head of fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Each year, we support patients and their families throughout the Christmas season, helping them make the most of this special time.

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“Our care is provided at our Inpatient Unit in Ipswich, at Beccles Hospital, and in homes across East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth, and Waveney. Wherever there is a need, we are there to support.

“By supporting our Be a Star appeal, you can make a meaningful impact for those in your local community who need our care when it matters most this Christmas time.”

The hospice encourages the community to participate in fundraising events such as the Christmas Day Dip and Santa Dash run, purchase items like Christmas cards from St Elizabeth Hospice shops or online store, or volunteer their time.

Keeley Gooderham, whose mum Nicola was supported by the hospice until her death on Christmas Day 2022, knows the importance of the hospice's support.

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She said: “We felt there was no better place, than the hospice, for her to die surrounded by her loved ones and to say ‘goodbye’.

“With Mum’s death, Christmas now has a new meaning for us, as well as new traditions.

"We still come together as a family to mark Christmas Day, but in 2023 I took part in my first fundraising Christmas Day Dip for St Elizabeth Hospice, at Felixstowe seafront."

To support the Be a Star appeal, visit the St Elizabeth Hospice website or call 01473 723600.