St Giles Hospice is asking people to come together and give the gift of care this Christmas by supporting Katie's Christmas Appeal.

Even though we can’t currently all meet up in person as we usually would, St Giles hopes local families, businesses, schools and groups will feel a little closer to each other this festive season by signing up to take part in its simple, fun and COVID-19-safe fundraising activities.

The hospice has launched Katie’s Christmas Appeal to support its work caring for patients living with a terminal illness, and their families, at the end of a year in which it has been forced to close its shops during two national lockdowns and cancel most of its organised fundraising events – including its popular annual Christmas Fair.

The campaign is named after Katie Burbridge (corr), the Clinical Director at St Giles Hospice. Katie said: "Our care doesn’t stop at Christmas time. This festive season our staff will be creating special memories with patients and their families – for many of whom, this Christmas may sadly be their last.

“The cost of providing inpatient care on Christmas Day alone is over £16,000. It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we can give the gift of care. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for allowing us to be there for local people at this really important time of year.”

Among the campaign’s suggested activities are making a donation and donning festive knitwear for Jolly Jumper Day on 11th December; chipping in and writing a note on the Merry Messages poster in lieu of Christmas cards and keeping kids amused by donating and downloading Olly’s Christmas Activity Pack.

Or fundraisers can use the props provided to post an Elfie Selfie (#StGilesElfieSelfie); take part in a Secret Santa Swap by donating to St Giles the funds they would usually spend on a secret Santa gift; or support ‘Donate Your Christmas Plate’ by making a donation to help fund Christmas meals for hospice patients.

Elinor Eustace, Income Generation Director at St Giles Hospice, said: "With the cancellation of so many events throughout 2020, we’re all the more determined to have a ‘cracking’ Christmas this year!

"We may all be socially distanced at the moment, but we hope that people will have lots of festive fun as they raise much-needed funds and update their St Giles Christmas Stocking Totaliser poster along the way. They can use our festive-themed fundraising ideas in or out of work, or with family and friends.

“Our fundraising team are always on hand to help with ideas and support, and we look forward to seeing your own personal touches too. Whether you do your bit in a novelty knit, or donate your Christmas plate, please support us this festive season and help make Christmas count for our patients and their families – we’ve never needed you more than we need you today.”

Supporters who sign up for a Festive Fundraising Pack will receive a list of fabulous fundraising ideas, a Merry Messages Poster, cut out props for their Elfie Selfie, and a St Giles Stocking Totaliser to help them keep track of their progress. Printed packs are also available on request, which include a money box, for a recommended donation of £5.

Anyone wanting further support can email the St Giles fundraising team on fundraising@stgileshospice.com or call 01543 432538. They will be happy to provide fundraisers with additional materials, such as a collection tin, cardboard collection box or St Giles piggy bank.

For further information about the appeal or to request a fundraising pack visit www.stgileshospice.com/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-with-us/christmas-appeal/