December is a busy month for lots of people as they join in with festive activities, spend time with loved ones and eat a lot of mince pies!  Here at St Rocco’s Hospice, we have been blessed with so many celebrations and treats.

Early in the month, patients are staff were visited by Warrington Wolves.  They had a tour of the hospice and heard about the care we deliver.  They spoke about how important it is to them that they help the community of Warrington.  You can read more about their visit here Warrington Wolves deliver joy (and treats!) to St Rocco’s Hospice | St Roccos Hospice  

Staff Nurse, Janice Moorcroft organised a carol service with mince pies.  As part of the service, cloth was weaved into a cradle whilst pianist Anne Preston from Sacred Heart Church played hymns. 

Bewsey Lodge Primary School Choir who were dressed for the occasion came to the hospice to sing for patients on the ward and at our We Care Coffee Afternoon where patients, visitors and staff where touched by how beautifully they all sang Christmas carols. 

On the same day, local dance group Jan Allan Dance came in and performed a number of sequence dance routines like the waltz to some of the carers who attended our We Care Coffee Afternoon. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all and even had some of the visitors up to dance along. 

Staff at the hospice took part in Christmas jumper day with a twist this year.  They joined into teams to complete a Christmas quiz with delicious homemade mince pies courtesy of the kitchen staff.  There were prizes for highest score and best team name.  The quiz was organised by the Wellbeing Team and the staff room was decorated by Domestic Supervisor Liliana Ciccarelli who dressed as a Christmas present!

 And finally, our very own St Rocco’s Choir sang festive favourites for our patients and took requests for carols like ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter.’  It was beautiful listening to them.

We would like to thank everyone for the generous gifts and chocolates that have been donated for patients and staff.  Each team in the hospice was given a donation of chocolate from supporters and they are so grateful for the kindness.  There have also been donations of prizes for our events like Strictly and Light Up a Life which has meant we have raised a huge amount of money for patient care.  Thank you to each and every one of you for this.

On behalf of everyone at the hospice, we hope your Christmas is filled with love, peace and joy.