Farleigh Hospice is asking individuals and organisations across mid Essex to show their love for their local hospice by donating to the charity’s ‘Love Farleigh’ appeal.

Farleigh provides compassionate hospice care to adults living with life-limiting illnesses and their families across mid Essex, including Braintree, Burnham, Chelmsford, Halstead, Maldon and Witham. At any one time, its doctors, nurses, counsellors and therapists are supporting over 500 people in the comfort of their own homes and at the specialist Inpatient Unit in the hospice.

The charity also provides bereavement information and support to help children and adults to cope with their grief.

While all of Farleigh’s care services are provided free of charge, the increasing number of local people living with a life-limiting illness and needing their specialist support has meant that now, more than ever, the hospice is relying on the generosity of their community to help fund their care.

Individuals and organisations are being asked to donate whatever they can, so Farleigh can be there to provide the best possible care and support for people like Leslie and Janet Willsher.

Janet took early retirement to care for her husband, Leslie, after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread into his bones. When she needed help, she contacted Farleigh Hospice who organised personal care for him, so he was comfortable at home, and then end of life care at the hospice.

Thanks to the charity’s support, their family had more time together with Leslie to make precious memories. After he died, Janet and their two daughters, Sarah and Claire were also given bereavement support to help them cope with their grief.

Janet said, “Without Farleigh Hospice, life would have been harder and more traumatic for us all. The care they gave my husband, Leslie, at home and at the Inpatient Unit was excellent. The hospice itself is a calm and beautiful place and there was always a member of staff or a volunteer who we could talk to. We couldn’t have asked for anything better and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The family now fundraise for Farleigh to say thank you for the care and support that they have received. They took part in the charity’s Walk for Life last year and will be participating again when the event returns on Sunday 10 May.

To read Leslie and Janet’s story in full and make a Love Farleigh donation, please go to www.farleighhospice.org/lovefarleigh or call 01245 457351.