Students and staff at the college were keen to support this worthy cause especially in light of the new hospice development.
John Philips, Community Fundraiser with the Hospice explains, “We want to thank the students at Northern Regional College for their fundraising effort. Demand for Hospice services in Northern Ireland is increasing and the charity is now caring for over 90% of patients in their own homes. Whilst Hospice care is free to the patient, it is not free to provide and the charity relies heavily on donations and legacies from the public. “
Designed to be a world leader in palliative care the new Hospice will provide care for more than 3,000 local people and their families every year, both in Hospice and in their own homes. The new Hospice will provide 18 modern single en-suite rooms, as well as peaceful gardens; a children and relatives area; a Sanctuary and Chaplain’s room and private spaces for people and their families to be together. Due to open soon Northern Ireland Hospice is asking people, organisations and companies across Northern Ireland to help them complete the new Hospice by purchasing some of the vital equipment needed. Items like a specialist pillow at £15 to help patients get a good night’s sleep to the specialist beds and mattresses, costing £1,700, will ensure patients are comfortable and safe. Donations can be made via www.nihospice.org or call 028 90 777123.
This project not only contributed to the fundraising effort of NI Hospice but it allowed Northern Regional College students to build on the skills they already have and to develop new skills. Students will choose to study either retail or catering and will work towards a vocationally related qualification in their chosen area.
