St Elizabeth Hospice has announced the return of its annual Christmas appeal, Be a Star, for 2023.

On average every Christmas, the hospice provides vital care to more than 1,190 people living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses and their families across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, for many of whom it will be their last Christmas spent together.

Through Be a Star, the independent Suffolk charity is encouraging the community to support the hospice during this very special time of year and help staff ensure patients and families can have the Christmas they deserve. 

 Pauline Donkin, Head of Fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "Every year we provide support to patients and their families over the Christmas period, to ensure they can enjoy this very special time of year.

"This care is delivered at our Inpatient Unit in Ipswich, at Beccles Hospital and in homes throughout the community, across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. Wherever our support is needed, we will be there.

"By supporting our Be a Star appeal, you can make a real difference to people and their families in your local community who need our care when it matters most."

John Hunt with granddaughter lu (Picture: St Elizabeth Hospice)

From purchasing items such as Christmas cards, from St Elizabeth Hospice shops or online store, to taking part fundraising events like the Christmas Day Dip and Santa Dash run or volunteering time to help the hospice as part of a New Year's resolution.

There are a number of ways to take part in the Be a Star appeal and each one makes a vital contribution to supporting the hospice in making Christmas time a special time for those under its care this year. 

One person who knows the importance of St Elizabeth Hospice's support at Christmas, is Linda Hunt, whose husband John received support from the charity until his death, aged 73-years-old, on Christmas Day 2022. 

"They made it possible for us to be together as a family during the lead up to the Christmas period, which was so vital, especially as Christmas is a time for people to come together with loved ones," said Linda.

"Our granddaughter Blu (who was four-years-old at the time), would sit on John's bed at the hospice, which meant so much to us all, and one day after he'd passed away, she said 'I wish I could be a star Grandad, so I could see you in heaven'.

"St Elizabeth Hospice touched our family in so many ways with their compassionate care and warmth, helping make our last Christmas with John very special.

"By supporting St Elizabeth Hospice and its Be a Star appeal, you will be helping the charity care for patients and families, throughout your local community, helping them share precious moments together during this special time of year."

Find out how to support the Be a Star appeal by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star/be-a-star-appeal or call 01473 723600.