As a company, we are constantly amazed by the things our staff get up to in their own time. From cycling across South East Asia, swimming the Great North Swim to jumping out of planes. Whether it’s land, water or sky, the theme always seems to be - fund raising for charity.

Our most recent staff challenge is something a little different!

Not everyone is blessed with a full head of long locks like our Service Desk Coordinator Berni. Not everyone is brave enough to shave it all off for charity either! However Berni has a few very special reasons to do just that. Read on to find out why Berni’s braving the shave on October 30th.

Please visit Berni’s Fundraising page and support her here!

Rowans Hospice

The recent passing of a family member has given Berni a chance to reflect on another’s passing 20 year ago. End of Life Care were provided to both Berni’s Brother, and her Brother-in-law by Rowans Hospice. Although almost two decades apart, the quality of care remains just as high, even under the recent care industry struggles.

“As my hair is now quite long, it is time to do Brave the Shave and raise some money for the hospice who have helped members of my family.” Through Rowans Hospice many people will be able to gain from this”, I will also be donating my hair to the Little Princess Trust for them to make wigs for children who have suffered hair loss through cancer or Alopecia.”

For David

Berni’s brother David, who was a little older than her, had always been more than a brother to her. He worked all his life and was in to amateur dramatics with his wife.

In 2000, David spent 3 months at the Rowans Hospice before passing away quietly in his sleep, Berni remembers his room looked over the hospice grounds, a bird table with bird food on, and he could watch the birds and squirrels come and go.

“He was very well cared for at the end of life.” added Bernie.

For Colin

Berni’s brother in law has always been like a brother to her, part of the family since the age of 17. Colin loved Bern’s sister and they married in 1974.

“He was always fun, and would do anything for anyone.”

After Colin’s cancer diagnosis in 2018, he was given just 6 months to live. Colin was cared for by Rowans Hospice home care team; who went out to him 3 times a day and was on call for when he needed them. Sadly he passed away in July 2018. At his funeral, one of his carer’s also came to to say goodbye.

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Help Raise Awareness

“The hospice does some wonderful work, whether it is for someone who is in the hospice or if they are at home. For most, it is about the end of life, and making them comfortable and helping their loved ones through the bad times. Carers were always there, not only to help my brother and brother in law, but also my sister and sister in law through every aspect.”

More than half a million people die each year, and many live with a life expectancy of less than a year at any one time. This is set to increase with our elderly population increasing. Let’s help Berni raise awareness by supporting her fundraising efforts for Rowans Hospice.

You can find out more about Rowans Hospice here.