NEWS

Macmillan Purchase The Grove - added 09/08/10

We are delighted to announce that Macmillan Caring Locally has just completed the purchase of the Grove Hotel in Bournemouth. This 35 bed hotel (situated at the top of Bath Hill) will undergo 6 months of refurbishment before opening as our new holiday Hotel for Cancer Patients and their families or carers.

Albany Lodge will continue to operate until the Grove opens, when it will be put on the market.

Round Brownsea Island Swim - added 02/08/10

Rob Sear has just completed a Charity swim around Brownsea Island. This is in preparation for the Toughguy Challenge 2011 which he is taking part in.

Rob did the swim in 2 hours and 10 minutes. He said that the water was 15 degrees, but felt much colder. We are very grateful to Rob for the support of our Charity.

Our Volunteers - added 28/07/10

We rely greatly on the services of our Volunteers. Over a twelve month period we estimate that in excess of 11,000 hours have been contributed at an approximate value to the Charity of over £71,000.00. THANK YOU!

If you would like to Volunteer at the Macmillan Unit, or would like to know more about Volunteering, please send your enquiry to Ann.Church@rbch.nhs.uk.

Expense Declaration - added 28/07/10

In the interests of transparency we would like to make it public that no Trustee of Macmillan Caring Locally has received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses from the Charity. Our only full time member of Staff, our Trust Secretary received £1206.63 over a twelve month period, as reimbursement of travel expenses. This was for using his own car to travel to meetings with the Hospital Trust, meetings with Fundraisers and Stakeholders, and travel to talks given in the local Community.

As a small local Charity, we only spend 6% of our income on administration.

If you would like to know more about expenses, please send your enquiry to neal@macmillanlocal.org.

The Weather Lottery - added 07/07/10

The last twelve months of running our exciting Weather Lottery has been very successful for our players. 72% of those who signed up to our Weather Lottery have won a cash prize. One lucky supporter has won 10 individual cash prizes in twelve months. No one has won the big £10,000 prize yet, but with the frequency of our smaller wins, we are hoping it is just around the corner!

If you would like to join in the fun and support our Charity at the same time please click here to go to enter, or telephone 01202 477628 for an entry form.

Sue's Cycle Trip from the Tyrol to Christchurch UK - added 30/06/10

Starting on 12 August 2010 Susan Hausberger will be undertaking an 800 mile cycle challenge from the Tyrol to the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch. Susan is doing this amazing challenge to raise funds for the Macmillan Unit in memory of her Father Donald Wright.

To keep updated with Sue's training and her progress please visit Susan's blog page which includes videos and a link to her Just Giving page.

Sainsbury at Castlepoint - added 14/06/10

We are delighted to announce that Sainsbury's at Castlepoint have chosen Macmillan Caring Locally to be their Local Charity Partner for 2010/2011.

We very much look forward to working together with Sainsbury's colleagues and customers over the next twelve months, to build a meaningful partnership and make a positive difference to the local Community.

Charity Dinner Dance at Le Bateau Bistro - added 09/06/10

Le Bateau Bistro are very kindly putting on a Dinner Dance on Tuesday 13 July 2010 at 7.30 p.m. The evening includes a two course meal followed by a DJ and dancing. The bar will be open until late.

The evening is in support of Keith Wilkinson, who is cycling across Peru for Macmillan in September. Go to his Facebook page to book in.

The Great South Run 2010 - added 08/06/10

We have secured a number of guaranteed Charity places in the Great South Run, so if you would like to join our team, please contact Neal on 01202 477628 or neal@macmillanlocal.org.

We will supply you with all the necessary race information, a professional Macmillan running vest, and all the tips and advice on training and raising sponsorship. All we ask is that you raise a minimum sponsorship of £250.00.

Carey climbs Mount Kenya - added 07/06/10

Carey McLoughlin has just successfully climbed Mount Kenya whilst raising funds for Macmillan.

She said "This was a great challenge for me personally but I did it with my Mum firmly in my mind and my heart and am aware of the great personal challenges she was set last year that she tackled with great strength and immense dignity.

I did this for her first and foremeost, but also for the people who worked so hard to make her comfortable and happy in the few months that she stayed at the Macmillan Unit. They are amazing and continue to do a fantastic job. I know that the money raised through my journey up Mt Kenya will be put to good use by them and it will make someone else's life more comfortable for a while and provide amazing support and relief to their families".

The Ricky Fletcher Memorial Football Match 30 May 2010 - added 07/06/10

Sunday 30th May saw the annual Ricky Fletcher Memorial Football match take place in aid of the Macmillan Unit. SK Sports played against Branksome Con Club at the Bournemouth Electric Club. South Kinson Sports won the match three goals to two.

Neal Williams (Trust Secretary of Macmillan) and Andy Martin (Bournemouth Echo) distributed the medals and Trophy at the end of the match. Neal Williams said "I am so grateful to you all for giving up your time to enjoy a friendly football match, and at the same time raising money for the Macmillan Unit. This is a fitting tribute to Ricky - who was obviously someone very special, greatly missed by you all."

The 8th Sarah Green Golf Tournament - added 28/04/10

The 8th Sarah Green Golf Tournament takes place on Friday 3 September 2010 at Canford Magna Golf Club near Wimborne.

The event offers a top day of golf in beautiful surroundings along the River Stour with the opportunity of winning the coveted Sarah Green Trophy and many other fabulous prizes. Following the golf will be a 4 course gala dinner and entertainment.

We are delighted that the Tournament has raised over £30,000 for Macmillan Caring Locally, money which has made a huge difference to the care of our Patients at the Macmillan Unit. If you would like to take part please CLICK HERE to download an entry form.

The Great South Run 2010 - added 01/03/10

The Great South Run takes place in Portsmouth on 24th October 2010. It is Europe's most popular 10 mile race and will be celebrating its 20th year in 2010.

We have secured a number of guaranteed Charity places in the Great South Run, so if you would like to join our team, please contact Neal on 01202 477628 or neal@macmillanlocal.org.

New website launched - added 11/02/10

In line with the re-branding of Macmillan Caring Locally, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new website. Please bear with us as news items and photo galleries are uploaded.
If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our new look, please contact Neal on 01202 477628 or neal@macmillanlocal.org.

The Macmillan Unit is awarded 'Practice Development Unit Status' - added 11/02/10

Staff in the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital are celebrating having received a Practice Development Unit (PDU) Accreditation. The accreditation was awarded to staff by the Institute of Health and Community Studies at Bournemouth University.

The University has been assessing the Macmillan Unit since September 2008, reviewing their progress in meeting a total of 13 standards that are required to achieve the award. These included the Unit’s service provision, communication structure, staff development programme and the provision of patient information.

Members of staff were encouraged to come up with ideas on how to turn good practice into best practice. This led to a number of improvements within the Unit. For example, a children’s area has been created so children are occupied when visiting patients, patient information leaflets have been produced and palliative care education sessions have been introduced for community nurses.

Sharon Cudlip, Clinical Leader at the Macmillan Unit commented: “Staff are so proud that the Macmillan Unit has been awarded PDU Accreditation. It is fantastic recognition of how hard the team works to constantly develop better working practices that improve the patient experience and maintain the highest standard for palliative care.”

Linda Kaye, PDU Consultant at Bournemouth University commented: "The panel was very impressed with the staff of the Macmillan Unit and they have worked hard to achieve the requirements for accreditation. This has involved staff developing and improving the care and services they offer to patients, using the appropriate research and evidence base."

Christmas cards at the Macmillan Unit - added 01/12/09

One of our Palliative Care Sisters is also an accomplished artist. Every year Anne Gooch designs and then paints a selection of images which are then made into Christmas cards.

The cards are available to purchase in the Macmillan Unit reception during December, and all proceeds go to Macmillan Caring Locally.

NATS Ramble - added 01/12/09

Ariana and James work for NATS at Bournemouth Airport. One of their well loved colleagues received treatment at the Macmillan Unit. In her memory they decided to do a sponsored walk from their offices at Hurn to their new offices at Whiteley - a total of 37 miles.

They raised an amazing £2,000.00. It was a particularly gruelling challenge, complicated by driving rain and strong winds. You can see how exhausted they are in the photo below.