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Care of the dying in Romania has been transformed over the past two
decades thanks to Hospices of Hope, which has become the leading
palliative care charity in south east Europe. It’s based at Otford, near
Sevenoaks, and has countless volunteers working in a dozen fundraising
shops and tearooms across Kent.
Founder Graham Perolls and his team have transformed the care of dying
children and adults in countries like Romania, Serbia, Albania and
Moldova.
The charity has trained more than 12,000 doctors and nurses all over the
region in all aspects of hospice care, helped 15,000 children and adults
and raised millions of pounds in funding.
The charity’s great achievements over two decades were celebrated at an
event attended by 200 supporters, including many of the early pioneers.
While heralding the great work already carried out, Graham Perolls used
the occasion to announce details of an ambitious new project to build
two new hospices in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.
“There is still much to be done and in connection with our 20th
anniversary we are launching an appeal to provide more desperately
needed care facilities in Bucharest. We already have a site for an adult
hospice and a Romanian family has donated a beautiful property for use
as a children’s hospice.
“Construction costs are around £2 million and while a good proportion of
the money will be raised in Romania, we are hoping that people in the UK
will lend a helping hand,” added Graham.
The first in-patient hospice was built and opened by the charity in the
city of Brasov, Transylvania, in 2002. The children’s wing was funded
entirely through the generosity of Kent author Oliver Postgate, creator
of the famous Bagpuss children’s television programme.
For more information about the appeal and about the work of Hospices of
Hope, call Graham Perolls or Wendy Gilbert on 01959 525110 or visit
www.hospicesofhope.co.uk
Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©
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