Christopher’s Open Day

Christopher’s, the Shooting Star Guildford hospice opened its doors last week to welcome 80 guests to its annual Open Day. The day is held to give people in the community a chance to come and discover the work of a children’s hospice and find out more about what Shooting Star Children’s Hospices do.

Often people have a perception of what a hospice is like, so our open days are a great opportunity to show that our hospices are uplifting places and whilst we do share some sad times with families, a lot of the work we do is providing some very special memories for the families we support.

We hold open days at both hospices every year, and as well as learning more about our work, people can find out about all the ways they can support us, from volunteering or fundraising to leaving a legacy.

At Christopher’s, guests were welcomed by staff and volunteers who led tours around the hospice to show the different areas and facilities available to the families including the hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, children’s bedrooms and the family flats.

During the tour guests were able to speak directly to members of the Care Team and ask any questions about the services and facilities offered.

They was also a chance to meet and talk to representatives from our fundraising teams including Challenge Events, Community, Legacy and Corporate as well as finding out how they could volunteer with us.

No open day would be complete without some delicious homemade cake to be enjoyed with a cuppa whilst mingling with other guests.

Peter from the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcycle Club said after the event; “I just wanted to thank you for the open day visit. Our guide was most professional in her presentation and exuded a real, and most justified pride in the hospice and what it achieves. We were all impressed by what we saw, in the building and rooms, in the medical, training, music, play and entertainment equipment, but most of all, in the staff and volunteers. To hear their stories of what, in any other setting, would be most extraordinary skill and dedication, all described as if it were quite normal day-to-day activities, was humbling and inspiring.

“On behalf of Wey Valley Advanced Motorcycle Club, thank you for your warm welcome. On behalf of a community that probably has no idea about the amazing people and activities in its midst, please accept our sincerest and lasting gratitude.”

Georgina Goddard, Head of Supporter Development said,“We always love welcoming people from the community through our doors and thank each and every one of them for taking the time to come along and find out more about us and the work we do. It’s a great way for supporters who have fundraised for us to see where their money goes and for those new to Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, a chance to have a real insight into their local children’s hospice charity. Without our amazing supporters we simply couldn’t provide the much needed support and bespoke care for families across Surrey and London. I must also extend a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers involved in making the day possible.”