From twinkling decorations and seasonal music to special visits from familiar faces, staff have helped bring comfort and happiness to patients and their families across both the adult and children’s in-patient units.
This year, the magic was even more special as Santa Claus and real reindeer visited the hospice grounds at both Horizon House and at Somerton Road, spreading smiles and Christmas cheer to everyone they met.
In addition this year there was a dedicated corporate donation that meant that for the first time since the Covid pandemic, the Children’s Hospice was able to hold its Christmas Party for the Little Stars, their siblings and families.
Hayley and Joe Dickey, parents to nine-year-old Little Star Ellie, said the party is a real highlight.
Dad Joe said: “We love the hospice Christmas party, when Ellie’s been well enough. Santa’s there, and other families who understand your journey, who you can connect with. And siblings being able to connect with other siblings.
“Over the years, the hospice Christmas parties have always been my favourite,” added Hayley. “I think every family that is a service user of the hospice would agree. It is very special. They had a unicorn one year. Face painting and selfies. The Hospice does everything, they go above and beyond.
“It’s great for [Ellie’s younger siblings] Oisín and Hannah, that normality of when there’s loads of other siblings there. They have brothers or sisters that have needs similar to Ellie. It’s normal for them to say, ‘Oh, we fit in here. Our family’s normal too’. Or just getting to have a family picture with Santa. Simple things normal people get to do.”
The run-up to Christmas also sees the NI Hospice hold its annual Lights to Remember remembrance service at Dominican College, Fortwilliam, for families to honour lost loved ones, whether or not cared for by the hospice.
At the heart of the event was Sarah Hall and her young children, Ethan and Jessica. Together they lit the first candle of remembrance in memory of Sarah’s husband Stuart, who passed away in the hospice in October 2022 aged 33 following a brain tumour diagnosis.
As a non-religious service for patients to look back on fond memories and remember those who have passed, it was then followed by a short candle-light procession to the NI Hospice itself for the switch-on of the Hospice Christmas tree by the charity’s president and veteran journalist
Paul Clark, with Sarah, Ethan and Jessica Hall.
Patient Sean McAnulty with physio assistant at the hospice Charmaine Geehan with reindeer at Somerton house.
As well as MC-ing at the annual carol service and at the Lights to Remember events, Paul will also make his traditional Christmas Day visit to the Hospice’s Adult Inpatient Unit, spending time chatting with patients and their families.
And there have been other special visits this Christmas, including from the Children’s Hospice Ambassadors, ex-Ireland and Ulster rugby player Craig Gilroy and Madison Wright, who both helped with the festive decorations at Horizon House.
Creative Sixth Form pupils from St Malachy’s College Belfast also put their creative talents to good use when painting patients’ windows with cheery seasonal drawings.
Meanwhile, the players and coaching staff from Glentoran FC also visited both Children’s and Adults’ Hospice with Christmas gifts of team merchandise for patients and families.
The events are part of the ‘Going the Extra Mile’ programme by the NI Hospice, dedicated to connecting patients with the outside world and co-ordinating activities for them outside of their medical treatment, especially during the festive period.
Jackie Whyte, chaplain at the hospice, spoke to the Belfast Telegraph in the lead up to Lights to Remember this year. He says that these activities can make a huge difference to the
patients.
“Our programme, Going the Extra Mile, is when we try to find activities for our patients which aren’t related to care,” he said.
“It can really help uplift them and connect them to the outside world”.
“It can really help uplift them and connect them to the outside world. They are all non-medical activities, and can be anything from a special meal with family, reindeers, football teams could come as well which lift them up a wee bit.
“Being in a hospice at Christmas is not easy, there are some people who will go home, others are not well enough. There are plans for Christmas Day, Paul Clark will be there and they put together a menu to see what is possible for them to have.
“We have carol services, religious services for those who want that, tonight (Thursday) we are having a non-religious “Lights to Remember”, it is when we turn on the Christmas lights.”
He continued: “The patients enjoy all of the activities, these activities can bring joy and laughter, it is the best medicine as they say,” said Mr Whyte.
“A sit down meal is something they may not have had for months”.
“During the festive period, some have a Christmas meal with family at the hospice. A sit down meal is something they may have not had for months. That idea of being around the table together makes a difference.
“Obviously, family tradition can build up over the years, little rituals we all have around Christmas time. They get to decorate their rooms, open presents and wear their Christmas pyjamas. It’s about connecting with the history about who they are, what makes them feel like themselves.
“Our patients are from 18 and up. They can be in their 20s or 30s, we have a lady at the moment in her 90s. Any age of adult can avail of our services, but the average age can be their mid-70s.
“We are just very thankful for the help people give us and the willingness of organisations to give gifts to us, staff and patients are blessed by that. It helps us as a hospice to feel part of the community.”
To find out more and help visit Northern Ireland Hospice