For over 40 years, St Peter & St James Hospice has been a beacon of hope and care within the heart of Sussex, supporting people with life-limiting conditions across Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lewes and Uckfield. It provides expert palliative care to more than 40,000 individuals and their families.

Nestled in the picturesque Sussex countryside, the beloved hospice is not just a place of exceptional care but also one of peace and tranquillity. Despite its reputation as a well-loved and respected charity, and like many hospices across the UK, it faces the harsh reality of chronic underfunding amidst the rising cost of living.

The story of Pete Cohen and his wife, Hannah, highlights just how crucial hospice care is. Hannah and Pete met in 2010, and just one year into their relationship in 2011, their world was turned upside down. Hannah was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 38, and was given 18 months to live.

At first, it seemed hopeful, with Hannah finding pioneering treatment in the US and she fought for 13 years from her initial diagnoses. However, after a long battle, and fighting until the very end, Hannah died just 19 days after she was admitted into the hospice. As Pete recalls her final days, “Hannah just wanted to find peace and she found it at the hospice”.

The hospice stayed in close contact with Pete to provide the support he needed while going through in his bereavement, and on many occasions, Pete expressed how he was shocked to learn that the hospice receives just 13% of its funds from the Government.

He comments, “I never realised how much the hospice relies on the support of the public, local communities, and businesses”. Without the more comprehensive support, the team couldn’t continue its incredible work. Most people don’t think of palliative care until they are in a challenging situation where they need the services for themselves or those they care for. Unfortunately, Hannah’s story could happen to anyone, at any time.

The hospice goes above and beyond to meet the medical needs of those living with life-limiting conditions, by offering a support system to those who need it, which extends to their families and friends. People come into the hospice as strangers, but when they leave there or receive support, they feel like family and friends.

“The care was magical,” Pete says. “I don’t use that word lightly. It’s love – absolute love. The support we received wasn’t just for Hannah; it extended to my father-in-law and me. It was life-changing on so many levels.”

Can you help people like Pete and Hannah?

In this challenging landscape, the support of businesses and communities is crucial. Businesses like yours play a vital role in sustaining hospice services through partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising activities. Here’s how companies like you can contribute today:

• Corporate sponsorships: By sponsoring hospice events, your business gains significant visibility through featured logos at flagship events like Gala Dinner and Summer Sussex Night Out, plus complimentary tickets and promotional opportunities within the community.

• Employee fundraising: Foster team spirit and commitment while enjoying spaces at our quarterly Biz Quiz event, ideal for networking and rewarding employees.

• Donations and grants: Make an immediate, lasting impact and receive complimentary event access to connect with local businesses.

• Volunteering programmes: Boost team fulfilment and utilise hospice meeting spaces for memorable team days and social events.