More than 40 pairs of new pyjamas and a cash donation of £400 to buy more when needed have been handed over to Bradford’s Marie Curie hospice.
Staff at Acorn Stairlifts donated the nightwear and money after hearing how the simple gift of a new pair of pyjamas can make such a huge difference to people moving to the hospice. It’s especially true for patients who go there straight from hospital and might not have their own pyjamas to wear.
Caren Larkman-Ayre and colleague Claire Smith organised the collection at Acorn’s head offices and factory in Steeton, West Yorkshire, after hearing that the hospice needs 10 to 12 pairs of new pyjamas each month, but it’s often staff there who buy them out of their own pocket.
National sales manager Caren explained: “During a cheque presentation we made to Marie Curie back in November, we learned how valuable a supply of new pyjamas is for the hospice, particularly for patients who arrive there from hospital.
“The nurses told us how pyjamas are far more than garments – they humanise patients and bring comfort and feelings of security at a time when people are at their most vulnerable, sometimes afraid and bewildered by the speed of their admission. We were told their dream was for every patient to receive new pyjamas when they arrive, and we knew that together with our caring workforce we could do something to help.”
Since 2016 Acorn Stairlifts has operated a national partnership with Marie Curie, installing up to 60 free stairlifts per year for people in the charity’s care. It enables them to remain living at home with their families for longer, while also being cared for by Marie Curie nurses. It also eases demand for in-patient beds at Marie Curie’s network of nine hospices, so that they’re available for those who need them most.
Jenny White, Nurse Manager at the Bradford Marie Curie Hospice, said: “Acorn’s appreciation of the value of new pyjamas for our patients has been wonderful to see and builds on a partnership which already brings so much assistance and value to the care we provide here in Bradford and at hospices across the country.”
Acorn’s Claire Smith added: “It really opened our eyes to learn how something so simple as a new pair of pyjamas could make such a difference. We’re delighted we could provide pyjamas to cover the next four months’ admissions to the Bradford hospice and help Marie Curie raise awareness of the true value of pyjamas to their patients.”
Pictured receiving piles of pyjamas at the Marie Curie hospice in Bradford are (from the left) Marie Curie nurse Sally Knott, Acorn Stairlifts’ partners manager Claire Smith and national sales manager Caren Larkman-Ayre, and Marie Curie ward clerk Lesley Gough.