At a recent meeting Seven members of the Masonic Craft, Holy Royal Arch, and Rose Croix organisations Joined forces and donated Cheques totalling £2250 to Rowcroft Hospice at Home.
The charity representative Debbi Shotten gave an interesting talk on the work that they do and the area that they have to cover, Gordon Dodwell who recently lost his wife Gina, commented on how he utilised their services allowing her to be with her family to the very end. He stated that he will be ever grateful for the support they brought to them both in her final hours.
Debbi pointed out that due to the financial climate it is more difficult to find the financial support they rely upon and that this donation will enable a Rowcroft at Home nurse to continue to support a patient in their final days.
A Longstanding Relationship
The Freemasons have been long term supporters of Rowcroft Hospice and including individual donations made by many of the 124 Lodges that meet throughout the county and the Masonic Charitable foundation have donated over £107,000 since 2000. They care for over 2000 patients and their loved ones every year across the 300 sq miles of South Devon. In addition to their Inpatient Unit, their specialist palliative care nurses and Community Teams visit patients in their own homes, providing care and compassion where it is needed the most. It currently costs over £8 million to run Rowcroft’s extensive services and they have to raise over 70% ourselves. They rely heavily on the incredible generosity of the local community.
Support and Care
Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home team care for patients in their own homes across the 300 sq. miles of South Devon, for up to 24 hours a day, supporting patients and their loved ones at the most difficult of times.
Where possible, Rowcroft will provide overnight care, allowing loved ones to have some much-needed rest, knowing that the very best of care is close at hand.
A recent study showed that, given a choice, 81% of people would choose to spend their last days and hours in their own home. Currently, in South Devon only 24% of people achieve that wish and it is Rowcroft Hospice’s aim to change that.
Rowcroft’s Community Fundraising Officer said,
'We rely heavily on the support of our community to enable us to continue caring for over 2000 patients every year. These kind donations will help our Hospice at Home team to be there for families, where and when we are needed the most.'
