Hospice Care: More Than End-of-Life Support
A common misconception is that hospices only support people in their final days. In reality, Keech Hospice provides free, specialist care for adults in Bedfordshire and for children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes from the moment of diagnosis of a life-limiting condition.
Liz Searle, CEO of Keech Hospice, explains:
“Our care includes complementary therapies, respite for carers, art and fitness workshops, and support groups for patients and family members. Families come to Keech to use our hydrotherapy pool, take part in toddler playgroups, and attend regular physio appointments.”
“People we support are all ages—from the very young, even those waiting to be born, to the very old. Our challenge is making sure our community understands the full breadth of services we provide, and that we’re not just here for the last weeks of life.”
Leaving a gift in your will is one of the most powerful ways you can help to make sure we can keep caring for families into the future.
John’s Story: A Local Perspective
John Almand a local resident, lives just ten minutes from Keech but admits he had little idea of the hospice’s full scope until recently. Now, he visits Keech weekly for blood donations.
“They [the hospital] asked if we wanted to go to Keech and I’m glad we did. It’s just down the road—and you don’t have to pay for parking! But more than that, it’s the experience—quiet, one-to-one. You even get lunch! When I leave, I feel revitalised. Everyone’s on first-name terms. You feel like you matter.”
Life-saving legacies
It costs Keech Hospice £8 million a year to provide its free, specialist care — yet only 30% of that comes from government funding. The rest must be raised through fundraising and gifts in wills. Legacy gifts are especially vital, helping fund the care of one in five patients every year.
Find out how you can leave a gift in your will to Keech Hospice here.