The Hospice of St Francis

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The Hospice of St Francis

We help 2,000 local people and their families to live their precious lives well.
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13/08/2026

Make a Will Month is coming this October.

No solicitors fees, just a donation to us: The Hospice of St Francis 💜

Register your interest today 👉stfrancis.org.uk/will-month

12/08/2026

“We’re dedicating a heart in memory of my dad, Bill Mayo, who died in summer 2023 after a two-year period of illness. Dad was the kind of person who lit up every room — always chatting, always making friends, always the one with a story to tell. Now that we face summer yet again without him, dedicating a heart feels like a way to honour the joy he brought and to keep celebrating him in a place that supported not only Dad, but Mum and me too. Placing a purple heart in the Hospice gardens feels like a way of saying: ‘you’re still here with us.’”

“The Summer Hearts Event is a chance to pause, to celebrate, and to feel close to the people we miss. For me, it’s a way of honouring Dad, acknowledging the journey Mum and I have walked together, and reconnecting with a Hospice family who continue to hold us with such warmth. In these gardens — tended with such care by volunteers who pour love into every flowerbed — I’m reminded that grief doesn’t have to be carried alone. Some places stay soft for you, even when life has been hard. And being able to return here — to sing, to remember, and to give something back through music — feels like coming home.” - Emily

Emily will be performing with her band Manhattan Rose at the event.

You can still join us this Sunday for our Summer Hearts Afternoon. Sign up by midnight Thursday👉 stfrancis.org.uk/summerhearts

To read more of Emily’s story👉https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/news-stories-blog/articles/care-stories/billy-emilys-story

11/08/2026

Nic helped organise the Bovingdon Scarecrow Festival alongside a team of volunteers over the past two years, raising £1,395 for our care.

Nic came up with the idea of holding a Scarecrow Festival after visiting a similar event and noting its fundraising potential. Nic’s mum had care at the Hospice in 2019, and he still feels grateful for the support his family received. “We felt very lucky to be with the Hospice,” Nic said. “It was such a difficult time to go through and the Hospice helped us manage the whole situation. They were very helpful, very loving and it was a kind place to be. For my dad’s 80th birthday, the Hospice chef made us a Sunday lunch and looked after my family. Especially kind, as we had mixed dietary requirements ."

This year’s Scarecrow Festival, which took place in May and June, featured fifty unique homemade scarecrows. Nic explained the magic of the village-wide event: “The whole community comes together for the festival. It brings a smile to people as they drive through the village, and it brings families together as they walk around with their programmes. My mum would have loved the Scarecrow Festival and would have thrown herself into the community enjoyment.”

10/08/2026

Our biggest charity shop bargains just got even bigger! 🤩

Today, we introduced a new price structure at our charity outlet shop Greenway Owned in Chesham. Everything in the shop will now be priced at either £2, £3 or £5.

Andrew, our Head of Trading, explained: “Since reopening last year, we have been selling all items for half of their original charity shop price. But feedback was that this confused our customers. So today we have introduced a simpler pricing structure that everyone can understand: £2, £3 or £5.”

Greenway Owned sells womenswear, menswear, children’s wear, bric-a-brac, toys, homeware and a range of small furniture items with all profits going to our hospice care.

The shop is open Monday - Saturday: 9.00am to 4.30pm
📍11 Greenway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2DA

08/08/2026

The Summer Art Exhibition at Returned to Glory opens today at 9am!

Art lovers and treasure hunters won’t want to miss this. From oil paintings and beautifully framed watercolours to a fantastic selection of mid-century and studio ceramics, your next statement piece is just waiting to be found.

Bring your children and let them unleash their inner Yayoi Kusama in our interactive art areas. We can’t wait to welcome you to our exhibition!

📅8–16 August
📍Returned to Glory, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 1EH

06/08/2026

Only ONE MONTH to go until our cycling event Ride: St Francis Sportive! 👉stfrancis.org.uk/ride

Jason’s company (Steel Wire Rope) has previously organised three charity bike rides to raise money for the Hospice. Now, Jason is delighted to help plan the Hospice’s own cycling event. He says, “As a community-focused company, we have seen the incredible difference the Hospice makes. Our motivation is to help create an event that is a great challenge for the participants, brings people together and supports the extraordinary work the Hospice does.”

A keen cyclist, Jason offers the following tips ahead of the event:
• Build up gradually – Aim to ride two or three times a week, slowly increasing your distance before the event. A longer, weekend ride is a great way to build confidence and stamina.
• Prep your bike – Ensure your gears shift cleanly, brakes are sharp and tyres are in top shape. Wear a well-fitting helmet and bring suitable clothing for changeable September weather.
• Practise a few hills – Even a gentle route feels tougher on an incline. Add a few hills to your training and remember there’s no shame in changing down a gear or taking a short breather.
• Eat/drink little and often – Start with a familiar breakfast such as porridge, toast or a banana, and carry easy-to-eat snacks like energy bars, dried fruit or sweets. Drink regularly throughout the ride and not only when thirsty.
• Ride at your own pace – Enjoy the journey, the camaraderie and remember the wonderful cause you are supporting.

So, if you haven’t signed up for Ride yet, please visit 👉 stfrancis.org.uk/ride

05/08/2026

A massive thank you to everyone who supported our Summer of Care appeal.🙏

During some of the hottest days of the year, your donations helped us deliver comfort and relief to patients. This meant that even in the face of stress and sadness, families could make happy memories and enjoy some of the pleasures of the season together.🌻🍦

Your kindness helped us to raise over £30,000 - enough to fund 90 days of medication on our Inpatient Unit AND 187 nurse visits to patients at home! We’re so grateful for your support, which truly sustains our care – during all seasons, weathers and circumstances. 💜💜💜

04/08/2026

Imagine the roar of the crowds, the ache in your legs, the moment you turn onto The Mall and see the finish line waiting for you at the London Marathon. That rush of exhilaration, pride and pure achievement as you cross the line – it's like nothing else.🏅

Now imagine that feeling multiplied. Knowing that every training run, every chilly start and mile you clocked up wasn't just for you – it was for families facing some of the hardest days of their lives.

If you want to know what this feels like, apply for one of our charity places to run the iconic Double TCS London Marathon for the Hospice in 2027.
👉 stfrancis.org.uk/london-marathon

02/08/2026

Shop Manager Elena of Greenway Owned says, “I love my team. They give 100% because they believe in the Hospice and how it helps so many families. I’m surrounded by people who try to give back more than they take.” Elena encourages others to explore the Hospice’s mission. “If someone looks deeper into what we do, they’ll want to be part of it too. I’m proud to be here. I feel happy every day I come to work.”

Do you share Elena’s passion for people and charity retail – and want to support the Hospice and local families when they need it the most?

If you’re looking for a rewarding role in a positive, supportive environment where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
👉stfrancis.org.uk/jobs

Make a move that's

01/08/2026

One week until Returned to Glory's Summer Art Exhibition and we can’t wait to see the incredible collection of donated art on display. 👀

Inspired by the Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition, our event features an eclectic mix of generously donated artworks, and includes talented local artists such as Sally Bassett, Lynn Allen, and Harry Sheldon to name just a few.

There’s something for everyone. Children will enjoy our interactive art area, while adults can relax with mindful colouring and a coffee as they take in the exhibition.

📅 8–16 August

This is an event not to be missed. We look forward to welcoming you!

📍Returned to Glory, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 1EH

https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/supporting-us/shop-with-us/returned-to-glory

Address

Spring Garden Lane
Berkhamsted
HP43GW

Telephone

+441442869550

Website

https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/

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