Sobell House Hospice Charity, which we have supported with special significance, for several years has launched ‘The Extra Mile Appeal’ to fund a dedicated ambulance service that will provide urgent, specialist transportation for patients receiving end-of-life care.
The initiative launched by the hospice earlier this week aims to ensure that patients can be moved with dignity, comfort, and speed to their preferred place of care — whether at home or in the hospice.
For those in the final stage of life, every moment counts. The appeal will create a dedicated hospice transport fund to dispatch specialist ambulances which will meet the specific needs of palliative care patients.
Amelia Foster, CEO of Sobell House Hospice said: “With end-of-life care, we only have one chance to get things right for our patients and their families. By having more control over when and how our patients are transported, we can minimise stress and maximise dignity, ensuring their final journey is as comfortable as possible. The transport fund will give us the autonomy to be more agile when time is of the essence.”
The service will partner with expert providers trained in palliative care and syringe driver management, ensuring patients remain pain-free during transport. Unlike standard emergency vehicles, these ambulances will not be diverted for other calls, allowing them to focus entirely on the hospice’s patients.
The transport fund, which launched on 18th March has been kickstarted by Didcot-based charity Play2Give, which has donated over £5,000 to begin the appeal. Play2Give raises funds for the hospice in memory of a late supporter, Angela Norris, who received palliative at-home care from Sobell nurses and passed away in late 2020. Angela was mother to vice-chair of trustees, Matthew, and like a second mother to the charity’s founder, Andrew.
This donation from Play2Give was made possible through 2024 fundraising events and efforts, including funds raised by a football tournament and it’s gala ball last year, and all thanks to the support of the organisation’s supporters and community. The organisation also gifts Easter eggs and gifts each Christmas to the hospice thanks to two successful seasonal campaigns.
Founder and chair of Play2Give, Andrew Baker MBE BCAv, said: “Play2Give is delighted to be supporting this very special project. For the charity to be able to fund something so meaningful and impactful, and in memory of Angela, and to know that it will be changing and transforming the end-of-life experience of those with life-limiting illnesses is very poignant indeed.”
Sobell House is calling on the community to support The Extra Mile Appeal with donations, helping to make this essential service available 24/7, 365 days a year.
“A donation today means local families can focus on what truly matters—spending precious time together—without the added worry of transportation challenges,” added Amelia.
To contribute to The Extra Mile Appeal and make a difference for those in need, visit https://sobellhouse.org/appeal/extra-mile-appeal/