December is here, the decorations are up across the hospice and we have been welcoming some very special guests.

Rusty the donkey from the Manchester Donkey Sanctuary came to visit and brightened the day of everyone who met him as he toured the hospice.

He brought Santa with him, and they managed to take a peek at the wonderful Christmas Grotto which has been built for us in Brian House – big thanks to our friends at Merlin for that!

The day before we had squad members from Blackpool FC visiting us and spreading a bit of Christmas cheer in both Brian House and the Day Therapy Unit. It was good to see them – and the boss –  and we really appreciate their interest in what we do.

We have had a number of schools visiting us too – some of them to entertain us with Christmas music, others to read stories to our children in Brian House. Thank you one and all!

There’s lots of exciting stuff still to come as we count down to Christmas – this week is Shopper’s Week in the Chapel and Courtyard and there are some perfect presents on sale.

Remember that our annual Light up a Life service in the hospice gardens is on Sunday December 11th at 4.30pm. See you there!