20 years on, Friends of the Hospice going strong

A charity set up to support patients at Bermuda’s only live-in hospice will mark its 20th anniversary next week.

Friends of the Hospice has provided more than $5.5 million in financial support to Agape House over the last two decades.

The organization was initially set up by a group of individuals on May 13, 1994 “to promote, protect and uphold the quality of life” of patients receiving treatment at the Paget hospice.

It has also worked to improve education and awareness about the needs of patients who receive palliative care and their loved ones. 

Over the years the charity’s volunteers have given up countless hours at the facility and organized a succession of fundraising events such as the annual tag day, Rubber Duck Derby and Walk to Remember.

Friends of Hospice helps Agape House provide hospice care as well as a full-time chef and private kitchen, a bereavement counsellor and art therapist. 

Every patient also has access to complementary therapies, such as massage and Reiki, as well as Skype and the Internet.

Dr Ian Fulton, chairman, said: “The current Friends of Hospice Board, staff and volunteers are privileged to continue the important work that was started by a committed group of individuals back in 1994.

“Over the years, many people, companies and organizations have generously supported Friends of Hospice with donations and by giving their time.

“We are grateful to each and every one who has helped to ensure that an excellent standard of hospice care is available to the Bermuda community.”

Bermuda’s demand for hospice care is increasing due to the Island’s aging population.

And it is anticipated that the cottage currently used by Agape House will have to be replaced by a new purpose-built facility in the near future.

Dr. Fulton added: “Our goal is to sustain and continually improve the service that Agape House provides to patients and their loved ones.

“For each patient, we only have one chance to get it right and we take that responsibility very seriously.”