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Four-decade anniversary with message of hope for the future of Tapping House hospice at Hillington




A West Norfolk charity, which believes in “living life to the end”, is celebrating a 40-year milestone of supporting patients and their families during some of their most difficult times.

Tapping House hospice is keen to spread word of its free services and is urging the community to celebrate its four-decade success by getting involved to make 2025 a year to remember.

As a charity and the only independent hospice in this part of the UK, Tapping House offers support through its outpatient and inpatient units, Hospice at Home service and bereavement and other support services.

Tapping House chief executive, Niki Ellis
Tapping House chief executive, Niki Ellis

Chief executive Niki Ellis said: “We’re so excited to be celebrating 40 amazing years of caring for our community. It’s all thanks to the incredible support of our local community that we’ve come this far, and we want to make sure Tapping House is here for the next 40 years and beyond.

“We’ve got so many exciting plans up our sleeve from lovely events, workshops to rolling out some very special initiatives. We’d love for everyone to get involved and support us, so together we can make something truly special happen this year - to help make our milestone year unforgettable.”

And while it is important to celebrate 40 years, the hospice said it is also about securing Tapping House for future generations in a time when the hospice sector faces unprecedented challenges of rising costs, increased demand and limited funding.

Can you help Tapping House hospice celebrate a special milestone? Here are some ideas
Can you help Tapping House hospice celebrate a special milestone? Here are some ideas

“We are being called upon to do more with less. The average age of the UK’s population is rising, data from the National Office of Statistics (ONS) shows that by 2030, 24 per cent of the population will be over 65. Today in the area covered by the hospice, 26 per cent of our population is already over 65. So Tapping House must be here to meet the rising demand, available for everyone when they need it,” a spokesperson said.

“Our commitment to delivering outstanding care remains steadfast. However, we can’t do it alone. We hope to inspire the community to rally behind us as we celebrate this milestone. We welcome conversations about volunteering, fundraising or other ways to support for the long-term such as including Tapping House in your Will.

“Your support will help us face these challenges and be here for future generations. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating 40 years of care, compassion, and community.”

Founded in 1984 by Dr Hugh Ford, the hospice has grown to become a beacon of hope, compassion and excellence, providing vital support to patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments.

“This year, as we celebrate our 40th birthday, we’re calling on even more people to join us. We have a ‘Year of Fundraising Fun’ planned and we’d love for you to get involved. However you feel you can get involved, your contribution will make a world of difference,” the spokesperson added.

With the emphasis on the number “40” the team at the hospice’s Wheatfield site at Hillington have come up with a calendar full of fundraising initiatives.

People can show their support by taking part in a “40 Things” campaign to have fun while raising money by doing anything involving the number 40. You could cycle or walk 40 miles, bake and sell 40 cakes, stage a 40-hour event - anything that is achievable.

And a special fundraiser is being launched for next month’s Valentine’s Day - Make Your Love Count - which is a challenge to do something over 14 days to raise £14 or more. Again, it could be a run, walk, cycle or anything you fancy. Also coming up are afternoon teas with guests from the likes of Dire Straits’ bass guitarist John Illsley to quiz events at Lynn’s WhataHoot distillery. Find out more at: https://www.tappinghouse.org.uk/events/

Annual fundraisers will also continue including the hospice’s flagship Tulips for Tapping where, with support from Norfolk Tulips, acres of glorious tulip fields are open to the public to walk among and enjoy.

Last year’s event, which sold out within minutes of tickets opening, attracted more than 25,000 visitors and raised a record £322,294 towards vital services.

The hospice gardens will again open to the public in June and the autumn will see the annual charity golf day before thoughts turn to December when business will be asked to help Shine A Light during the festive season by sponsoring a Christmas star to shine a light on the work of the hospice.

And if you have a fundraising idea of your own, the hospice team would love to hear from you.

“We’re encouraging our incredibly supportive community to get involved with helping us to make this year an extra special year, for everyone that the hospice supports.

“Every event organised, every pound raised and every moment you dedicate helps us provide compassionate care to patients and their families. If you have a 40th fundraising idea you’d love to share with us, do drop an email to the fundraising team: fundraisingteam@tappinghouse.org.uk

“Let’s make 2025 a year to remember - for Tapping House, our patients, and our community. Together, we really can make a lasting difference,” the spokesperson said.

There are also volunteering opportunities for those with time to spare and today (Wednesday) the hospice has an open event at Wheatfields from 4pm to 7pm for people to come along and find out more about these vital roles.

As a charity, the hospice relies on the tireless fundraising efforts of the community and also though legacy donations, money raised via its retail shops, from Lottery players and other sources including house and furniture clearances.

It costs £5.7m a year to provide the free services to adults with life-limiting conditions and less than 30 per cent of funding comes from government sources.

The hospice said it cares for 1,500 patients each year and supports families reaching out to a total of 4,500 members of the community.

Tapping House has a team of registered nurses and palliative nursing assistants who provide personal and clinical care along with emotional support for patients and those around them - day and night, 365 days a year. There is also a Rapid Response service operating through the night to respond to unplanned care needs. Find out more about how Tapping House at www.tappinghouse.org.uk or call 01485 601701 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.



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