New book shines light on Herefordshire hospice

Called ‘20 Beds – a book of life and hope’, the 192-page book is a tribute to St Michael’s Hospice in Bartestree which has provided care to patients since opening in 1984.

The idea is the brainchild of county resident Rachel Haworth whose mother, who had cancer, spent a month at the hospice back in 2013 following a bout of pneumonia. She sadly passed away a couple of months after leaving the hospice.

“The care there was wonderful,” she said.

“It’s a place of hope.

“It’s everyone there that they care about, not just the patients.”

Miss Haworth is the marketing director at Rotherwas-based Hey Everyone, which is co-producing the book.

About 200 copies have already been snapped up on pre-order.

“It’s quite remarkable,” she said.

The book will be released next month but will be officially launched when HRH Princess Alexandra visits the hospice later this year.

Every sale will see £4 going to the hospice.

“I always said I wanted to give something back to St Michael’s,” added Miss Haworth.

“This is something for the people of Herefordshire.

“It includes 20 patient interviews. They all speak openly and honestly about their lives and illnesses, and their hopes for the future. It’s a very moving book.”

20 Beds will also tell readers about the hospice’s founder members as well as detailing how it has evolved during the past three decades.

The book took about 11 months to put together with the interviews being carried out over a two month period. It is being produced along with south Shropshire-based A Way With Media.

Ruth Denison, the director of income at the hospice, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the team from Hey Everyone has taken on the mammoth task of creating such a wonderful book.

“St Michael’s Hospice is all about our patients and their families and this new book gives a unique insight into their stories and experiences whilst being cared for by the hospice team.”

To order a copy of 20 Beds, visit heyeveryone.com