New fundraising appeal launched to fund more care and support for young families

Thames Hospice is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to provide vital care and support to a growing number of young families facing a terminal illness.

This week, the Hospice launched its ‘Young Families in Crisis Appeal’, calling on its community to donate and help support more families like Matt and Jess get the care and support they urgently need. Matt, like a growing trend of other young patients, was diagnosed with cancer. He was only 35 and their son Elijah was just five months old at the time. The Hospice was able to make Matt’s last few weeks comfortable and peaceful before he died in his wife’s arms last year.

Matt’s wife, Jess said: “Our family’s world had been turned upside down and it was hard to look ahead, but in our darkest moments the Thames Hospice doctors and nurses were there supporting all of us, leaving us to focus on enjoying the time we had left together - as husband and wife rather than patient and carer. Nothing was too much trouble and the staff couldn’t have been kinder. Both Matt and I felt completely at home.

“You never assume that someone that fit and seemingly healthy will fall ill, but the truth is cancer doesn’t discriminate. More people of all ages are going to need hospice care in the coming years, and it would be wonderful if local people could support this appeal if they are able to. One day you might find that Thames Hospice changes your life forever.”

Cancer cases in people under 50 have risen by 79% in the past few decades . Sadly, this is reflected in the number of young patients in the Hospice’s care which has more than doubled since 2019.

Dr Nick Dando is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Medical Director at Thames Hospice. He said: “I was in awe of Jess and Matt’s ability to support each other during such an impossible time. We were able to give Matt the best care during his final weeks. He was surrounded by the people he loved, safe in the knowledge that Thames Hospice would be there to help his family through their grief whilst they came to terms with their loss.

“We want to be there for every patient who needs our care to make sure their symptoms are managed, their mental wellbeing is supported and that they die without unnecessary pain, suffering and distress. We can only do this with our community’s support - only a third of our funding comes from the NHS and we rely on our supporters to fund the remaining two thirds needed to keep our services running. I encourage everyone to please donate what you can to help us support more families like Matt and Jess.”

Every donation will help ensure Thames Hospice continues to provide care for terminally ill patients and support their families with the utmost compassion, dignity and respect.

To donate to the Young Families in Crisis Appeal and find out more, please click the button below.