Funeral Service Times August 2017 November 2018 | Page 42

42 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Sue Ryder More care for more people E very four and a half minutes, someone in the UK dies without the end of life care they need. Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – we’re there when it matters. For over 65 years our doctors, nurses and carers have given people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can. We have ambitious plans and by 2023 want to double the number of people we care for and support. But we can’t do this alone. The government provides approximately one third of the funding we need and we are therefore increasingly reliant on voluntary donations to ensure we can realise these ambitions. Funeral directors play a huge part in supporting us and the work we do across our hospices and in the local community. Gemma Wise Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder South Oxfordshire Palliative Care Hub talks about some of the ways to get involved: “I make sure I meet with all the funeral directors in my area on a regular basis, to ensure they know who to contact if they have any queries and provide them with our literature, things like in memory donation envelopes and Incredible Memories leaflets. We also offer demonstrations of tribute funds to encourage their use when dealing with a client linked to our services. “An Incredible Memories Tribute Fund is a long-lasting way for people to remember someone they care about. It’s the perfect place for family and friends to share special photos, thoughts and memories. They may also wish to start a funeral collection online. “There are other ways we can work together; we have many memorial events which can offer sponsorship opportunities or publicising at these events.” The Incredible Memories Tribute Fund set up in memory of Mike Summerson has helped raise £3,800 for Sue Ryder. Mike’s wife Ann said: “We as a family are so pleased to have a place to visit, leave a thought and share our memories of Mike. “Mike and I were great fans of The Eagles and there is a line in one of their songs, It’s Your World Now, which says ‘Be part of something good, Leave something good behind’. “We feel that the tribute fund enables us to achieve that and I know Mike would be so proud and pleased that, in a small way, we are able to give something back and help others to receive the expert care that we experienced at Leckhampton Court Hospice.” We have resources that are free for funeral directors to request, from in memory donation envelopes,information about tribute funds or gifts in wills. Around a third of our fundraised income comes from gifts in wills, helping us to provide vital care and support to thousands of people and their loved ones. If you would like to receive more information about how you can support Sue Ryder please call 0808 164 4572 or email [email protected]. NOVEMBER 2018 www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk