Thames Hospice

08/05/2026

There are a number of reasons why we find talking about death and dying difficult. It could be fear of saying the wrong thing, or of hurting someone’s feelings. Dying Matters Awareness Week is all about starting these conversations.

Talking about death is all about care, clarity, and love. It helps people make choices while they can, reduces fear, and ensures wishes are known rather than guessed.

If it feels difficult, start small. Share why it matters to you. Ask one gentle question. Listen without rushing to fix or avoid.

Death, dying, and bereavement affect us all. This week, we’re encouraging everyone to start those conversations.

Let’s break the stigma. Let’s talk about it.

08/05/2026

Today we mark VE Day, remembering the courage and sacrifice of those who served and serve today.

At Thames Hospice, we are proud of our connection with the armed forces community.

Through our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we pledge to ensure veterans and their families are treated with fairness, respect and inclusion.

07/05/2026

✨ One night only. Don’t miss The Royal Harmonics live at the Café by the Lake! ✨

Get ready for an uplifting evening packed with stunning harmonies, feel-good favourites, and unforgettable performances from the acclaimed male chorus, The Royal Harmonics. From pop classics and smooth jazz & swing to barbershop favourites, gospel, and songs from the shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 🎶

Bring your friends, make an evening of it, and enjoy great music in a wonderful atmosphere.
Seats are limited, so book now to avoid missing out!

👉 Get your tickets here: https://www.thameshospice.org.uk/upcoming-events/the-royal-harmonics-event/
📅 Wednesday 1 July
⏰ 7pm
🎟️ Tickets £12 per person + £1.70 booking fee

☕ Our Café will be open all day until 10pm
🚗 Free parking for all customers

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with The Royal Harmonics, the acclaimed male chorus, performing a mix of modern classics.

05/05/2026

A huge thank you to Richard, a long-serving supporter and one of our incredible Inpatient Services volunteers, who continues to amaze us with the many ways he’s supported Thames Hospice over the years.

His latest contribution was a generous donation of a YUSUF / Cat Stevens “Back Beyond” Signed Limited Edition Box Set, which has just sold for an amazing £250 on our eBay store! 🎶

✨Our eBay store is full of thousands of hidden treasures, from limited edition collectibles and musical instruments to clocks, cameras, clothing, jewellery, watches, prints, ceramics and more.

Every purchase helps support the care we provide, just like Richard continues to do in so many ways. 💙

👉Visit the Thames Hospice eBay store here https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/thccharity2010

05/05/2026

Marking , we’re proud to spotlight Dilys and her podcast, Living with Dying: Let’s Talk About Death.

Through honest, personal storytelling, this powerful series opens conversations about something that touches us all yet is so often left unspoken.

Let’s change that. Let’s talk about death.

In her latest episode, Dilys speaks with Jenni McDonagh about the loss of her husband, Nick, the care he received at Thames Hospice, and the inspiring fundraising work she is now undertaking.

Listen to the full recording and all episodes on our website https://www.thameshospice.org.uk/podcast/ and join the conversation!

05/05/2026

🎶 Live music by the lake 🎶

Join us for a special afternoon of music with one of our very own volunteers, Michael Gaffney, as he performs a beautiful selection of songs from Broadway and the West End.

A stunning vocalist with a wealth of performance experience, this is truly something not to be missed!

🗓 Tuesday 12 May
🕑 2pm
📍 Café by the Lake, Thames Hospice, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6 2DN

This event is free and open to all. Everyone is welcome!
Come along, relax, and enjoy wonderful live music.

We’d love to see you there 💛

04/05/2026

This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week, a time to start important conversations about death, dying, and grief.

At the heart of what we do is a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families from all backgrounds with dignity, compassion, and truly personalised care every step of the way. We’re incredibly proud of the difference our team makes during life’s most difficult moments.

Talking about death isn’t always easy. In fact, 27% of people find it hard to discuss with loved ones, and 30% keep their feelings bottled up. But avoiding these conversations can make it even harder when we’re faced with loss.

Death, dying, and bereavement affect us all. This week, we’re encouraging everyone to start those conversations, with family, friends, colleagues, or anyone you trust.

Let’s break the stigma. Let’s talk about it. 💬

https://www.thameshospice.org.uk/useful-resources/dyingmatters/

03/05/2026

🌟 We have a winner 🌟

The Pride of Bracknell awards recognises individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to their local community. We are incredibly proud to share that John has received a Pride of Bracknell Forest Award in recognition of his dedication, generosity, and tireless efforts fundraising on behalf of Thames Hospice.

John has thrown himself into a series of exhilarating challenges: breaking a Guinness World Record as the oldest wing walker (aged 95), abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower, and taking on a skydive all to raise vital funds for Thames Hospice.

Having a strong personal connection to Thames Hospice after his wife Ann was cared for by our team, John was determined to give back. His efforts have gone far beyond the challenges themselves. Through tireless fundraising and extraordinary bravery, he has raised over £19,000, making a profound difference to the patients and families we support.

🥳 Please join us in celebrating John’s well deserved award!

02/05/2026

💙 10 years of dedication. One big leap. 💙

After 30 years with Sainsbury’s, Bally retired and set out to give back to her local community. What began as a simple step into volunteering with Thames Hospice has turned into a decade of dedication. 💙

From working in our Homestore to becoming a receptionist and even joining the choir (with the occasional ukulele performance 🎶), Bally has become a familiar and valued face over the last ten years. Now, at 70, she’s taking on a skydive to raise vital funds, stepping out of her comfort zone to support the care we provide every day. We’re incredibly grateful for volunteers like Bally who give their time, energy, and heart to support others.

👏 You can support Bally’s incredible challenge here: https://ow.ly/v8B650YR8gZ

👉 You can read Bally's full story here:
https://ow.ly/w9C850YR8gY

01/05/2026

In 2021, Jenni and Nick shared something special, walking the equivalent miles to Florence together. They embraced the journey side by side, fuelled by companionship, and a shared love of the outdoors.

In 2024, Nick sadly passed away. Since then, Jenni has made the heartfelt decision to continue their journey alone, walking the return route from Florence back to Thames Hospice, with Nick by her side in spirit every step of the way.

She is now on track to complete this journey by the end of this year, raising funds for Thames Hospice as she goes.

Thames Hospice cared for Nick with extraordinary compassion and kindness, and Jenni walks in deep gratitude for the support they gave him and their family.

If you’d like to support Jenni on this journey, it will mean so much. Whether it’s a donation to her JustGiving page or a message of encouragement, every gesture truly makes a difference.

Thank you for being part of this story and helping carry it forward. 💙

You can support Jenni and Thames Hospice here: https://www.thameshospice.org.uk/for-patients-and-carers/hospice-stories/nick-and-jenni%E2%80%99s-story/

Jenni McDonagh is fundraising for Thames Hospice