Keech
Matters Autumn 2025
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If you’re considering supporting Keech - do it. It’s not what you think. It’s better. It’s hope. It’s care. It’s joy Katie - regular rehabillitation patient
Follow us on social media @keechhospice
Registered Charity No. 1035089
Hello from the team at Keech Hospice In this issue 4-5
As the leaves turn and we embrace the season of change, I’m delighted to welcome you to the Autumn edition of Keech Matters. This autumn feels especially exciting as we step forward with big plans and heartfelt purpose. I’m thrilled to share that we’ve welcomed three exceptional new trustees to our board : Anisah Akhtar, Rowena Craddock, and Phil Hurst. As volunteers, our trustees generously give their time, insight, and commitment to help shape a bold, inclusive future for Keech. We’re also back on your screens. Following the incredible response to Hospice UK’s legacy campaign, we’re proud to be featured once again in the national TV ad this September. Filmed partly at Keech, it beautifully captures what hospice care is really about - helping people live well and make every moment count. Looking ahead, our biggest Christmas campaign is just around the corner. This year, we’re asking our community to do something truly extraordinary: to wrap a family in care . Not just for Christmas, but for every moment that matters. At Keech, families often describe our care as “a warm hug” - and with your support, we can continue to bring that comfort to more people. In this edition I’d like to ask for your help, if you can join us over the coming months, you will help ensure a loved one is cared for , supported and never alone. Can you simply share awareness of our hospice? Or perhaps support one of the activities on page 14? Join us to wrap a family in care, so that together, we’re making the difference when it matters most’.
A warm welcome from Liz
John’s story “Feeling like yourself again - that’s wellbeing”
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Legacy Giving and did you spot Keech on TV? We’re back on your screens this September
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Living Well Centre Support services in Bedford
Would you prefer to receive this magazine by email? We’d love to keep you updated in the way that suits you best. Simply share your details with us at letmehelp@keech.org.uk
10-11 Katie’s story
Liz Searle CEO Keech Hospice
“I felt like Katie again” 12-13 Changing landscape of charity shops
Why our shops matter more than ever
14-15 Fundraising this Christmas Wrap a family in care
Meet the team at Keech Hospice
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That’s
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At Keech, it’s quiet. One-to-one. Relaxed. You even get lunch!
John’s story of living well at Keech perfect When John first came to Keech Hospice, he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But what he found was not just support - it was a whole community, a place of laughter, connection and care.
John – a regular blood transfusion patient
Feeling recharged and revitalised John explains his care routine: fortnightly blood tests track his haemoglobin levels, with transfusions scheduled when he drops below 70. “When I leave, I feel revitalised. Like myself again,” he says. That’s wellbeing—feeling supported, understood, and at ease. What wellbeing means to John “Wellbeing means being relaxed, looked after and comfortable. I don’t feel anxious here. Everyone’s on first-name terms. You feel like you matter.” His wife adds that it’s not just John who’s cared for - it’s the whole family. At Keech, care isn’t just for the end. It’s for every day that matters. Because when someone like John says, “That’s perfect,” we know we’re doing something right.
Thousands of moments of care In 2024, we delivered 221 blood transfusions through the Wellbeing Centre, each one a chance for someone to feel stronger, more like themselves, and able to enjoy another day with dignity and comfort.
A Sanctuary of calm and care John receives regular blood transfusions, our Wellbeing Centre offers exactly the calm, dignified environment he was longing for. Unlike the hustle of a busy hospital, Keech provides one-to-one attention, tailored nursing assessments, symptom management plans, and a relaxed space where patients can even enjoy lunch. These therapies aren’t extras, they’re core to keeping patients like John strong, comfortable, and supported.
John’s journey began in early 2024 after transferring from hospital. “They asked if we wanted to go to Keech and I’m glad we did. It’s just ten minutes down the road. And you don’t have to pay for parking!” he chuckles. But more than easy logistics, it’s the experience that makes the difference.
Tailoring care to each journey At the Wellbeing Centre, highly trained staff including Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Georgia - work with each individual to understand their needs, manage symptoms, and personalise every visit. These spaces encourage choice, control, and comfort - helping our patients live well, for as long as they can.
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Being able to sit with someone, explore how they’re feeling in that moment – knowing we’re helping them stay grounded in their own life – that’s at the heart of wellbeing care at Keech.
Read John’s story
Georgia - Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
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Keech on TV?
We’re back this September
Sneak a peek here
Ways to make the difference... Give monthly Become a regular giver and sustain us now and in the future. Your monthly donation helps to fund the ongoing, specialist care we provide for free to patients and families across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes. Make a one-off gift Every donation counts. A single gift, no matter the size, helps fund everything from pain relief and therapy, to bereavement support and so much more. Your generosity means families get the care they need, when and where they need it. Keech lottery Play, dream big and you could win up to £1,000 every week. Every entry helps us care for patients and their loved ones—so you’re not just playing, you’re giving, too. Memory tree Celebrate the life of someone special with an engraved leaf on our beautiful Memory Tree at the hospice in Luton. For £10 a month or £120 a year, you can pay tribute to the memory of a loved one–a powerful way to support our care in their name. Fundraise your way Turn your passions into fundraising. From cake sales and quizzes to fitness challenges and community events, there are so many ways to get involved. We’re here to help make your event a success, please get in touch at letmehelp@keech.org.uk
Earlier this year, Keech Hospice appeared on national television as part of a powerful new campaign challenging perceptions of hospice care. The message? Hospice care is more than you think – it’s about living well, making memories, and helping people make the most of every moment. We were proud to be one of 143 hospices across the UK involved in this ground-breaking advert, in partnership with Hospice UK. And yes – if you looked closely, you might have spotted some familiar scenes filmed right here at Keech Hospice. Thanks to the incredible response, the campaign is returning to your
screens this September – giving even more people the chance to see the reality of hospice care, and the vital role that gifts in Wills play in making it possible. If you missed it the first time, don’t worry you’ve got another chance to catch it. Watch the advert and discover how leaving a gift in your Will could help Keech to continue on caring for years to come, ensuring future generations receive the expert, compassionate care they deserve. Don’t miss it
70% of our funding comes from supporters like you Every act of kindness helps us be there when it matters most. Whether you give regularly, play our lottery, or remember someone special, your support makes a lasting difference to adults and
children facing life- limiting conditions.
Just £43.51 can fund an hour of specialist care. Imagine the legacy your support could leave.
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Cancer support group Weekly drop-in group for anyone affected by cancer, offering a blend of clinical and community support. • Access to specialist nurse-led advice • Complementary therapies • Gentle yoga and wellbeing exercises • Opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges
Life celebrations and memory making One-to-one sessions that focus on personal reflection, legacy, and meaningful moments. • ‘Stories for Life’ voice recordings to share memories • Creating hand moulds and memory boxes • Access to a range of memory-making materials • Nurse-led emotional and practical support
Living Well Centre Bedford Our aim is simple:
Men’s Space A welcoming drop-in group for men who are bereaved, living with a life- limiting illness, or caring for someone who is. • Peer support and a chance to talk • Complementary therapy and nurse support • Guest speakers on the first Thursday of every month
Health and wellbeing sessions A 12 week nurse-led
programme promoting health, independence and emotional wellbeing. • Face-to-face nursing and medical assessments • Symptom control clinics • Chair-based exercises and relaxation sessions • Creative arts and crafts to suit all abilities • Group time to connect with others • Mindfulness and complementary therapies • Future planning support and personalised goal setting
At Keech Hospice, we’re here to help you live well, your way. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or are managing a long- term condition, our team is by your side with expert care and compassionate support. From face-to-face nursing assessments and personalised symptom control to future planning and complementary therapies, everything we offer is shaped around what matters most to you. You’ll also have the chance to meet others in similar situations because sometimes, knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference.
How to access our services
You can join us through: •
Self refer via our website keech.org.uk/refer
Refer yourself here
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A referral from your healthcare team Calling My Care Co-ordination team on 0808 180 7788 .
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Still me, Katie’s story still living “
Katie speaks openly about how hospice care transformed her life - and her view of what a hospice is. Keech isn’t just for the end. It’s helped me live now - with joy, dignity and confidence. “
When a community occupational therapist suggested Keech Hospice, Katie was unsure. “I thought I wasn’t ill enough. But a friend said, ‘Just go.’ So I did. I told my partner I was taking him on a date - to the hospice.” An open day at Keech changed everything. “It didn’t feel clinical. It felt warm, welcoming. Like somewhere I could be Katie again.” Since then, Keech has been a lifeline. Katie now takes part in physiotherapy, gardening group, and receives support from the palliative rehab team. “They remember my name. I’m treated as a person, not a patient. That makes all the difference.”
At just 36, Katie Moran never imagined she’d need a hospice. A confident, ambitious woman from Liverpool, she’d built a thriving career in the travel industry and relocated to Luton for work. But in 2019, a seizure led to the discovery of a benign brain tumour and epilepsy. Then, in 2023, Katie suffered a life-changing stroke while on holiday in Rhodes. Airlifted home, she faced weeks in hospital, a cancer diagnosis, and the devastating news that her tumour had become aggressive and incurable. “I was 36 and discharged with one side of my body not working. I thought they were going to make me better.” Katie struggled through cancer treatment and stroke recovery, feeling invisible and overwhelmed. “I couldn’t walk or dress myself. I wasn’t being treated as a whole person.”
She’s also been supported to plan ahead, something that’s brought real peace of mind. “I’ve chosen my funeral songs, sorted the paperwork. Now I can stop worrying and get on with living - time is precious.” Now 37, Katie is even planning a return to work from home. “Keech has given me confidence to think about the future again. That independence means everything.” Her message is clear: “Don’t rule out hospice care. Come to an open day. You might be surprised - just like I was.”
Read Katie’s story
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Changing
We couldn’t do it without our volunteers , they are the heart of everything we do. Of our incredible team of 1,400 volunteers, more than 1,000 support our shops - sorting donations, styling displays, serving customers, and keeping things running day in, day out. Whether you’re 18 or 80, every hour you give helps provide real hospice care for real people. You’re not just giving your tim - you’re making the difference. And there are so many ways to get involved, even if you only have a few hours to spare each month. You could: • Help out at fundraising events • Be a compassionate neighbour • Or even become a trustee • However you choose to volunteer, you’ll be part of something bigger - helping us make every moment matter. However, you choose to volunteer, you’ll be part of something bigger - helping us make every moment matter. • Volunteer at one of our shops • Drive and collect donations • Support our care teams Volunteer for us make the difference
of charity shops landscape
Charity Shops in a New Era Retail has transformed. Online shopping is booming. Big brands have come and gone. But charity shops? They’re thriving but we can only do it with your support - blending fashion, purpose, and community like never before. Here’s what’s driving the change: • Conscious shoppers: More people are choosing second-hand to reduce waste and shop ethically. • Visual storytelling: We’re not quite a boutique, but you might just leave feeling like you’ve found one. From quirky to quality, our shelves are full of surprises. Every item sold helps fund our care. It’s circular fashion with a real purpose.
A scarf could pay for a healthy meal for one of our patients A bag of clothes could help fund a nurses visit to see a patient at home A sofa could help fund a bereavement session for one of our families
The power of preloved: why charity shops matter more than ever High streets are changing. So are we. But one thing stays the same - every time you support our shops, you help local people get the expert care they need, when they need it most. Step inside any of our Keech Hospice charity shops and you’ll find more than a bargain. You’ll find community, sustainability, and a powerful connection to the compassionate care we provide to children and adults with life-limiting conditions.
From the people who donate, to the volunteers behind the counter, to the customers who walk through the doors - everyone is part of the care we provide. “
Angela Burgess Associate Director of Trading and Commercial Keech Hospice 12
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Light up a life Our annual service to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one during the festive period. When: 7th December Where: Keech Hospice, Great Bramingham Lane, Streatley, Luton, LU3 3NT
Wrap a family this Christmas in care
Christmas market Browse handmade cakes, crafts, and unique Keech Christmas gifts from a variety of stallholders - perfect for finding that special present or festive treat for yourself. When: 29th and 30th November, 10am -4pm Where: Barnfield College, New Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7BF
This Christmas, help us wrap a family in care - not just for the festive season, but for every moment that matters.
Big Give We’re joining the Big Give Christmas Challenge - donate during the event and double your gift and double your impact. When: 2nd –9th December Where: Online or phone
Tree Recycling For a small donation we’ll collect your tree and recycle it for you. When: Luton - January 7, 8, 9 th Bedford - January 12, 13, 14 th Where: Luton - postcodes LU1-LU7. Bedford - postcodes MK40, MK41, MK42, Mk43, MK45
Smiley Sam and Bobsleigh Smiley Sam, and Bobsleigh will be spreading festive cheer across the streets of Luton and Bedford – collection buckets at the ready. When: 1st –24th December (Smiley Sam) in Luton 1st–5th and 8th–12th December (Bobsleigh) In
Santa run Join hundreds of Santas around the
You know the comfort our care brings – the reassurance of knowing a loved one is safe, supported and never alone. It costs £22k a day to support local patients and families so we really do rely on the kindness of people like you to make it possible. Your support can make all the difference. Here are the ways you can get involved and make every moment count
Embankment in Bedford. Run, walk or jog with all the family – you can even bring the dog. When: 14th December Where: The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 3PA
Bedford Where: Various locations
Visit keech.org.uk/what’s on to find out how you can wrap more families in care this Christmas
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You’re making the difference every day
Thank you
Visit our website today keech.org.uk
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