J Edwards Funeral Directors donates £2,000 to local hospice

A Petersfield hospice has been given a financial boost thanks to a donation from local funeral directors. Colleagues at J Edwards Funeral Directors in Waterlooville and Bedhampton wanted to help The Rosemary Foundation by donating over £2,000. For more than 22 years, The Rosemary Foundation has been providing a Hospice at Home service in Petersfield and the surrounding towns and villages within a 15 mile radius for patients in the latter stages of life-limiting conditions. The care is offered at no cost to the patient or their family but the hospice receives no government or NHS funding. Caroline Hayter, funeral coordinator said: "Throughout the year, we are fortunate enough to be able to support local community causes through volunteering, goods donations and funding. "A lot of the families we care for tell us about the incredible support they have received from the nurses and clinical team at the Rosemary Foundation. In fact they helped care for my own mum so I know first hand the invaluable service that they provide, so we knew we wanted to help this worthwhile charity.” She added: "Together with our colleagues in nearby branches, we were able to make a donation of just over £2,000 which we hope will make a difference to this vital charity and the work that it does." The Rosemary Foundation offers practical help, nursing care, emotional and counselling support, together with a day and night sitting service with trained nurses. Barbara Toms, a voluntary administrator for The Rosemary Foundation, said: "The money will make a huge difference. We have registered nurses and clinical assistants that visit patients as necessary i.e. daily or weekly depending on their needs. "We'd also like to say thank you to those who have made donations to us in memory of their loved one at funerals."