HOSPICE LAUNCHES CUDDLE APPEAL TO BRING LOVE AND COMFORT TO FAMILIES ACROSS NORTH DEVON

North Devon Hospice has launched an urgent appeal to raise £30,000 in just six weeks for a specialist cuddle bed for the hospice’s Bedded Unit. The money raised from the appeal will also help fund more care for patients in their own homes, ensuring they can stay close to their families in their final days.

A cuddle bed is a specialist clinical bed, which has state-of-the-art features to help keep patients comfortable towards the end of life. Crucially, unlike any other clinical bed, a cuddle bed can extend to double the width, which allows loved ones to share the bed and retain that closeness and sense of normality, even when the rest of the world is shaken, as explained by Hannah Crawley, Bedded Unit Team Lead at North Devon Hospice.

“For those staying at the hospice, using a cuddle bed means that when symptoms become more severe or the end of life is near, couples and family members can lie down together, cuddle, and sleep next to each other,” said Hannah. “It gives comfort, dignity, and love – all invaluable gifts that mean so much in people’s last moments.”

The Cuddle Appeal will also help fund more care in people’s homes, so those who wish to remain in familiar surroundings when approaching the end of their life can do so with their family by their side, supported by the hospice’s community teams.

“The power of human touch and closeness is immeasurable, especially during our most challenging moments,” said Lin Walkey, Community Palliative Care Team Lead at North Devon Hospice. “Having more care available in people’s own homes will mean we can be there to help patients feel calmer and free from pain, allowing them to embrace their loved ones more comfortably. When time is short, every cuddle matters; we want to make this possible for everyone in North Devon.”

Sarah, 41 from South Molton, is currently being cared for by North Devon Hospice and describes what a difference being able to enjoy a real cuddle during a recent stay on the hospice’s Bedded Unit made to her and her daughter, Grace.

“When my daughter saw this bed for the first time, her face lit up because she knew exactly what it meant – a proper hug with Mum,” said Sarah. “With normal beds, you just don’t have the room to be close to someone without feeling squashed. So, when the nurses set the cuddle bed up for us, it was just amazing! Grace jumped up instantly and we had the biggest cuddle – having the chance to hug my daughter like this has meant the absolute world.”

Over the next six weeks, North Devon Hospice are calling on the local community to get involved and support the Cuddle Appeal in whatever way they can, so more families like Sarah’s can savour special moments of closeness at a time when it matters most.

“We want everyone in North Devon to be part of this very special appeal and make this a community effort to reach that £30,000 target,” said Lizzie Hanks, Head of Fundraising at North Devon Hospice. “Whether you make a one-off donation or host your own fundraising event in aid of the Cuddle Appeal, you can bring people together this spring to make a real difference. Every pound raised will mean more precious moments of love and comfort for local people. So, what are you waiting for? Give the gift of a cuddle and get involved!”

To donate to the Cuddle Appeal, visit justgiving.com/campaign/cuddleappeal.