A very Merry Christmas from Katharine House!

who has donated, run marathons, climbed mountains, baked cakes, raced cars, or bikes, or boats. To people who chucked their change in a bucket in the town centre, or popped in to hand over a cheque. To Midnight Walkers and Santa Fun Runners, shoppers and raffle ticket buyers. To carers, to doctors and nurses, to volunteers who give up their time to care for people facing life-limiting illness:

We just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from everyone at Katharine House. We couldn’t do what we do without your support. And we just wanted to say a very big thank you.

This year we've cared for over 1,000 people. Most were people with life-limiting illnesses who we supported in our hospice, in their homes or in a local hospital. Many were family members and loved ones, who came to our Bereavement Service for help coming to terms with their loss. Some we still see, out in the community or in our hospice, and some are no longer with us. Every one of them made an impact on us, and we hope we've been able to make a similarly positive impact on them. We believe that everyone facing life-limiting illness in our community should have the opportunity to continue a full and vibrant life until their last moments, and that their friends and family should be supported after they're gone. Because we believe that every individual's journey matters.

It costs us £3.7 million to provide our services each year, and we only receive 30% of that from the government. The kindness and generosity you show year after year by donating, visiting our shops or taking part in an event really does make a huge difference to local people at their most difficult times. Thank you again.