Dec 2015 Christine Brown - Marie Curie Terminal Care

This meeting and meal was held at our new venue Westminster College.

Speaker : Christine Brown from the well-known charity Marie Curie Care for those with a terminal illness of any sort..

This charity was established in 1948 to provide practical and emotional support to those people who have had a terminal diagnosis and their families.  Their service goes from diagnosis until death and provides vital help across the whole country.  They can provide nurses and carers who come into the home (often over night)  as well as a Call Centre - much used by fanily and friends, together with 9 Hospices eg Solihull and London.  They match fund their NHS grant by fund-raising throughout the year and are always looking for volunteers who can give a few hours of their time.  They have helped over 400,000 people so far and see a need to expand even further.  Nurses can travel up to 35miles to reach their patients at no cost - but the charity needs £20/hour for each of them. 70% of the money they collect goes to fund the care, while 30% goes into training, travel and admin costs.  They work closely with other similar charities such as MacMillan Cancer Support Nurses.  We were very impressed by the enthusiasm that Christine has for this essential work.

Look on line for how to help with their next Daffodil Day Appeal !

www.mariecurie.org.uk/who

For a special Christmas FoodBank collection on Monday 7th and 14th (In time to get through to delivery around Christmas).

What's currently needed is:

* Tins of meat, veg,  fruit
* Cooking Oil - 500ml
   Instant Potato Powder
* Instant coffee - small jars
* Dried Milk Powder
   Sponge Puddings (Longlife)
* Granulated sugar - 500grm bags
* Small salt; small pepper
* Pringles
* Tubes of children’s Christmas sweets; small boxes chocolates (adult)
* Christmas biscuits - small packs (shortbread/assorted)
* Shampoo
* Shower Gel
* Toothbrushes - child & adult

There are currently very high stocks of cereals; baked beans & soup.

Thank you All !