Martlets Hospice

31/01/2026

It’s the end of January, so just time to give one last shout out to Santa Bus with a ho ho thank-ho to everyone who donated during its festive run across Sussex 🎅

With Santa aboard his beautifully decorated bus, families lined the streets to wave, celebrate, and donate to 12 local charities.

In total, the team raised an incredible £28,070!

Both Martlets and Tree House will receive a dashing £2,339 each thanks to these generous donations.

The Santa Bus will return next year — continuing its mission to bring joy, strengthen community spirit, and support the charities that make a real difference every day ❤

Now, how many days ... too soon?! ⛄

29/01/2026

The Aladdin soundtrack was playing loud and clear at Martlets this week as one of the young people from our sister hospice Chestnut Tree House paid a visit – for a bath! 🧼

Tyler lives in East Sussex and recently had successful hip surgery. However, he can’t manage long journeys and so his nursing team asked if they could visit with him to use the accessible bath suite.

The suite has lighting and sound and is the perfect facility for such an occasion. Tyler requested the lights be set to red in honour of his favourite football team ⚽ Manchester United ⚽ and the whirlpool bath setting on the bath was a big hit!

Lead nurse at Chestnut Tree House Karen Brailey, who was on hand to assist, said the day was full of joy. “Being a group of hospices, we have an opportunity to share facilities and this was a great example of where one of our young people’s needs could be supported that way. We had a great day at Martlets, and the team made us so welcome – nothing was a problem and they took every opportunity to help us as a team, too. We all got a bit soaked – there were bubbles flying! But it was worth it to see Tyler comfortable and having fun.”

A huge thanks to all our supporters for making magical moments like this a reality for so many families across Sussex 🙏

27/01/2026

Toby Porter, the Chief Executive of Hospice UK visited us this week and received a tour of St Barnabas House. Our Chief Executive, Stuart Palma (pictured) discussed the challenges all our hospices including Martlets Hospice, Chestnut Tree House – and hospices nationally - are working to overcome. Read more via the Sussex Express: https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion/stuart-palma-southern-hospice-group-working-together-for-the-future-of-hospice-care-5491302

16/01/2026

Could you take a moment to vote for our film in the

We’re entrants with our sister hospice St Barnabas House in the Smiley Charity Film Awards – and we need YOUR vote. It only takes 10 seconds and could help us win vital recognition for hospice care.

This film captures the heart of what we do and – most importantly – why we’re here for our communities, and want to be here for many more years to come.

Visit:

The Smiley Charity Film Awards is the world’s biggest campaign to promote cause-based films. Nearly half a million members of the public have voted in the…

06/01/2026

As part of our winter campaign at the end of 2025, we highlighted the increasing pressures that Southern Hospice Group is facing, including the increase in younger adults needing our support.

ITV News Meridian visited us at Martlets before Christmas to talk to Marc, a patient who featured in the campaign, and our Chief Executive, Stuart Palma, about our current situation and also highlighted the financial pressures that are affecting the hospice sector nationally.

Stuart reiterates why a funding commitment from the government is vital, saying: "Without any longer term commitment from the government for hospices, the sector will not be on the brink, it will tip over the brink."

You can watch the news feature here: www.itv.com/news/meridian/2026-01-05/i-dont-want-to-die-in-hospital-funding-crisis-threatens-end-of-life-care

(Marc is pictured with Martlets nurse Jane)

06/01/2026

Didn’t get a place in the London Marathon? 🏃‍♀️

You can still take on 26.2 miles! The TCS London Marathon MyWay lets you complete the distance virtually, however and wherever you like, on Sunday 26 April 2026.

Sign up via the London Marathon website, then get sponsored and fundraise in support of Martlets💙

More info & registration: www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/london-marathon/tcs-london-marathon-myway

05/01/2026

We have a new shop opening in Boundary Road, Portslade, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers! ✨

From sorting donations to welcoming customers, our volunteers help bring our shops to life and raise vital funds for our hospice. No experience needed - just a friendly face and a willingness to get stuck in 💙

Apply now: volunteer.southernhospicegroup.org.uk/opportunities/103702-volunteer-shop-assistant-hove-2025-12-17

04/01/2026

Tom’s wife Penny spent her last weeks on Martlets’ inpatient ward and the couple got married in our Sanctuary. In this blog, Tom talks about the marathons he’s run to fundraise for the hospice:

“It's heartbreaking to hear there’s a funding crisis in hospice care and that some hospices are having to close or to reduce the number of beds they can offer. December 2024 was 10 years since I lost Penny so I decided I wanted to run the London Marathon in 2025 in her memory to raise more money for Martlets.”

Read the full story at: www.martlets.org.uk/blog/toms-story-remembering-penny-this-winter

We’re here for families like Tom’s. Will you be here for us? Visit our website and make a donation or consider fundraising for us in the new year. From running a marathon like Tom to making cakes for a bake sale, we've got fundraising events to suit everyone.

03/01/2026

Did Santa miss the mark? ♻️

Don’t feel guilty about passing on unwanted Christmas gifts - your pre-loved toys, clothes and homeware can be someone else’s perfect find!

Donate to our charity shops and let someone else enjoy them, whilst raising vital funds for Martlets this New Year 💙

To find your nearest shop, visit: www.martlets.org.uk/find-a-shop

02/01/2026

Feeling adventurous this year? 🏔️

Take on an unforgettable challenge in 2026. From Snowdon at Night and the Yorkshire Three Peaks, to the Lake District Triple and National Three Peaks - plus many more!

Push yourself further, embrace adventure, and help raise vital funds for Martlets along the way.

Visit our website to explore all our exciting challenges and find the one for you: www.martlets.org.uk/events

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from all of us at Martlets and Southern Hospice Group!

As we begin 2026, many of us will be thinking of New Year’s resolutions that involve health and fitness or perhaps helping out in the local community. If that’s something you’re considering, why not take part in one of the many fundraising events we have planned.

Whether you’re an adrenaline ju**ie, a group of cake-baking friends, or a family remembering your loved ones, there are activities for everyone to enjoy.

Visit www.martlets.org.uk/take-part to find out more about our fundraising opportunities for 2026. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

We’re still here for you in 2026. Will you be here for us?

31/12/2025

Could you take a moment to vote for our film in the

We’re entrants with our sister hospice St Barnabas House in the Smiley Charity Film Awards – and we need YOUR vote.

It only takes 10 seconds and could help us win vital recognition for hospice care.

This film captures the heart of what we do and – most importantly – why we’re here for our communities, and want to be here for many more years to come.

Visit:

The Smiley Charity Film Awards is the world’s biggest campaign to promote cause-based films. Nearly half a million members of the public have voted in the…