“Can you imagine, even in her sick bed she still refers patients to us…” Nurse Gladys from Meru Hospice tells us, “…she is such a darling.” Gladys is speaking about Purity, a patient who first registered at Meru Hospice in
Purity’s story
Giving new hope to patients in Makueni County
In Makueni County, southern Kenya, access to palliative care remains incredibly sparse. The vast majority of those in need have no choice but to suffer in isolation without the care, support and pain relief that palliative care can provide. Three
Appeal for support 2023
Palliative care is about treating each patient as a whole person rather than just their illness. Despite shortages of funds and staff, palliative care nurses employ this person-centred approach to meet the individual needs of each patient and their family
Gift of Hope Appeal – Home-care kits
Over the years we have helped train over 2,000 community health volunteers across Kenya. A valuable support to over-stretched hospice nurses, these incredible volunteers are the ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground, working in their communities to identify people in
Gift of Hope Appeal – Emergency Food Parcel
Eating healthily is essential for a person living with cancer and can help maintain general health and well-being; both for patient and hard-working carers. Long-term illness brings many financial pressures, often preventing both patient and carers from being able to
Gift of Hope Appeal – Life Saving Treatment for a Child
Stacy has just turned three years old but just a few months ago she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. At the age of two her family noticed she had stopped talking and her leg and hand kept shaking. “She
Poetry supporting palliative care
Poetry in the Crypt is a popular evening of poetry held quarterly at St Mary Islington in London. The events are organised by friends of Hospice Care Kenya, Nancy Mattson and Mike Bartholomew-Biggs, both church members and writers, each with
Gift of Hope Appeal – Caring for Carers
Moses was a happily married father of eight children, working as a security guard. But five years ago, he noticed a swelling on his head which has led to a journey with cancer that his shattered his life. Treatments at
Poetry in the Crypt is back!
After a three-year break, we are delighted to announce a forthcoming poetry event at St Mary Islington, organised by friends of HCK, Mike and Nancy. The event will be the launch of Smokestack Lightning, a new anthology edited by Andy Croft,
The human cost of Kenya’s rising cost of living
Home visits are vital to ensure that the most sick and disadvantaged do not miss out on essential palliative care. Last year we helped hospices across 12 Kenyan counties carry out home visits, helping over 1,630 patients and their families.