St Leonard’s Hospice in York launches Cuddle Bed Appeal

The hospice, which relies heavily on charitable donations, is hoping to raise £75,000 to purchase the specialist beds, which will be included in every room.

Cuddle beds are wider than the standard hospital beds and are extendable to accommodate two people – providing patients with the opportunity for a partner, child, friend or pet to lie beside them.

The hospice currently has nine cuddle beds, which cost £15,000 each.

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Speaking about this, head of fundraising at St Leonard’s, Channon Barlow, said: “Every family deserves a chance to be together at the end, and not have to say goodbye from a distance.

“We want to make sure that everyone who comes through our doors is able to benefit from that closeness when they need it most.”

Another member of the St Leonard’s team, Nikki Smith, shared her experience of the hospice from the other side.  

‘Somewhere along the way, I had stopped being his partner and became his carer’

The Healthcare Assistant was comforted during one of the most difficult periods of her life when her partner Darren became ill and was admitted to St Leonard’s.

She said she remembered sitting beside his hospital bed prior to the hospice and holding his hands through the rails.

 “I’d say goodnight from inches away, but it felt like miles apart,” Nikki said.

She added: “Somewhere along the way, I had stopped being his partner and became his carer.”

When Darren arrived at St Leonard’s, there was a cuddle bed in his room.

The larger, adjustable bed meant Nikki could lie beside him safely and comfortably.

She explained: “For the first time in a long time, we were together again.

“We talked, laughed and rested in each other’s arms. That closeness meant everything.”

To find out more about the Cuddle Bed Appeal and donate, please visit https://stleonardshospice.org.uk/cuddle-bed-appeal/.