Much more than a place to die

It’s often thought that hospices are simply a place to die, but as well as this, providing vital end of life support for people with life limiting illnesses, palliative and respite care are a big part of what these charities do.

We’re supporting the vital work of nine local hospices, which are our current Community Champions.

In many cases, a person will live with an illness for many years. During this time, their life and their loved ones lives completely change.

That’s when a hospice can step in to provide key services and facilities – anything from symptom control to complimentary therapies, a specially adapted place to stay for comfort and security to creative workshops and memory work.

St Barnabas is a local charity that has supported people in Lincolnshire since 1982, helping thousands of people each year.

Chris and Alie were childhood sweethearts and had spent 33 years building their lives together, until Alie received the devastating news that she had cancer and was admitted into the care of St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln.

“Alie was cared for with the utmost dignity and respect. We always felt like she was a priority and nothing was ever too much trouble. The hospice team were always sensitive to how the family was feeling and they were always there to support each one of us,” said Chris.

“I think it is a common misconception that people go to the hospice to die. Although Alie died in the hospice, we shared four more precious weeks together in a safe and comfortable environment. It was time we never thought we’d have.”

As a member of Lincolnshire Co-op, every time you spend with us we donate to our Community Champions. The carrier bag levy also goes into this pot, along with money raised through staff fundraising and collection boxes.

Find out more about how you can make a difference here.