Two nurses at St. Rocco’s Hospice are appealing for public support to raise £17,000 to bring a specialist Cuddle Bed to the hospice permanently, helping patients and their loved ones share precious moments in comfort and dignity.
Lyndsey Crossley, Senior Nurse in the Palliative Virtual Ward, and Staff Nurse Mairead Scullion are leading the fundraising campaign after the hospice was given the opportunity to trial a Cuddle Bed for two weeks.
The trial is allowing a patient and their loved ones to experience first-hand how the specialist equipment can make a difference, offering a glimpse of the comfort and reassurance it could bring to more families in the future.
Unlike a standard hospital bed, a Cuddle Bed can be safely expanded to allow family members to lie alongside their loved one, sharing moments of closeness that can mean so much during the most difficult times.
Whether holding hands, watching a favourite film, sharing memories or simply enjoying the comfort of being together, the bed is designed to help families make the most of their time with someone receiving palliative care.
Lyndsey and Mairead are now hoping to raise the £17,000 needed to purchase a bed for permanent use at St. Rocco’s, ensuring more patients and families can benefit from the specialist equipment.
They said: “It allows loved ones to share precious moments of comfort, closeness and connection at a time when being together means more than ever.
“We are asking our community to help us bring a Cuddle Bed to the hospice so that we can help to create lasting memories and experience the comfort of being side by side when it matters most.
“It costs £17,000 to purchase a bed and every donation, no matter the size, will help us bring a Cuddle Bed to St. Rocco’s and ensure more families can share precious moments of togetherness when time is most valuable.”
As well as supporting emotional wellbeing, the Cuddle Bed’s adjustable height settings and specialist design can help support patient safety, including reducing the risk of injury for people who may be vulnerable to falls.
By combining practical support with comfort and compassionate care, the equipment could make a meaningful difference to the experience of patients and their families.
St. Rocco’s Hospice provides care and support to people affected by life-limiting illnesses, helping patients and those closest to them through some of life’s most challenging moments.
The fundraising appeal aims to ensure the hospice can continue offering comfort, dignity and opportunities for meaningful time together when families need it most.
Anyone wishing to support Lyndsey and Mairead’s fundraising appeal can donate through their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/stroccoscuddlebed
