Felixstowe Radio: Where Sadness Meets Gladness

We have a quick word from Felixtsowe Radio presenter, Rob Dunger:

I have talked about and reported on the work of the hospices in our area for many years. Both East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and St Elizabeth Hospice have constantly amazed me with their dedication and compassion for
people needing end-of-life care.

I have covered many events and campaigns throughout Suffolk. Back in 2010, I was privileged to be part of the BBC Radio Suffolk team launching the appeal to raise £3m to build The Treehouse Children’s Hospice in Ipswich My admiration for everyone involved with and connected to hospice work was pretty high.

I followed what they did and quickly understood how crucial their work was, and continues to be, in our community. I even learned, somewhat glibly, that St Elizabeth Hospice alone needs £12.9m each year to cover costs, most of that being met through donations, fundraising and the support of volunteers. So far, so good.

Earlier in the year, we at Felixstowe Radio were approached by St Elizabeth Hospice to be part of their Compassionate Communities campaign (www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/compassion) promoting caring for each other through simple acts of kindness, making the biggest difference to people at times of health crisis and personal loss.

The month-long radio campaign dedicated regular airtime to people involved in all aspects of hospice work. Nursing staff, management, chaplains and those working inside the hospice told their stories, as did those in outreach services caring for people in their own homes. We heard how heart-breaking stories from families were turned into heart-warming accounts of love and care.

Time after time, we were told how the hospice was “such a happy place”, a testament to every single person involved. We are now looking forward to Suffolk Remembers on June 21 where you can light one of 5,000 candles to remember a friend or family member.

My eyes and ears have been well and truly opened to the love and compassion in our society, particularly in our hospices.

Presenter & Producer Rob Dunger
www.robdunger.co.uk
Felixstowe Radio 107.5fm
www.felixstoweradio.org.uk