Christmas appeal launches with nurse Georgia’s story

07 November 2025 | View all news

As we launch our ‘Care this Christmas’ appeal, one of our Inpatient Unit Lead nurses Georgia Simmons shares her  story — how the charity she works for became the one that cared for her grandma last Christmas.

Georgia’s personal connection

“I’ve been a nurse at Katharine House Hospice for four years, so I’ve always known how special our care is,” said Georgia.

“But when it was my own grandma who needed that care, I saw it through completely different eyes.”

Just before Christmas last year, Georgia’s grandma, Carol, was told that her treatment was no longer helping. For the family, the kindest next step was end-of-life care.

Moments of laughter and love

“Before Grandma came to the hospice, she was in hospital and often in pain, despite everyone doing their best,” Georgia said.

“When she arrived here, everything changed. Her pain was managed, she was comfortable, and the team cared for her with such gentle dignity.”

Georgia’s mum, Lynn, described those final weeks as filled with compassion and unexpected joy.

“The team put on ‘Grease’, one of Mum’s favourite musicals. When I walked into her room, one of the nurses was dancing while Mum laughed.

“That laughter — that’s what hospice care gives families. It gives you moments you thought you’d lost,” Lynn said.

Supporting families through care and compassion

Lynn says the care extended far beyond her mum’s bedside.

“They supported all of us as a family. We were listened to, comforted, and cared for.

“I’ll always be proud that my daughter works there, and I’ll be forever grateful for what they gave my family.”

Helping more families this Christmas

This Christmas, we’re inviting local people, schools and businesses to get involved in our Care this Christmas appeal to help more families receive the same comfort and compassion that meant so much to Georgia, Lynn and their loved ones.

“It costs £12,000 every day to provide our care,” said Georgia.

“As only part of this comes from the NHS – the rest depends on local kindness. By supporting us this Christmas, you can help bring comfort to local families when they need it most.”

Make a difference

Every penny raised, whether through a one-off donation, a fundraising event, or shopping in our charity shops – helps ensure patients and families don’t have to face illness alone.