Member Article

Pyjama donation set to bring ‘comfort and kindness’ to Marie Curie hospice patients

Staff at a Steeton-based manufacturer have donated more than 40 pairs of pyjamas and collected £400 for patients at Bradford’s Marie Curie hospice.

Caren Larkman-Ayre and partners manager Claire Smith (pictured) from international manufacturer Acorn Stairlifts, championed the pyjama collection after hearing about the importance of patients receiving clean and comfortable pyjamas when admitted to the hospice.

National sales manager Caren said: “During a cheque presentation we made to Marie Curie back in November, we came to understand how valuable a supply of clean, fresh and well-fitting pyjamas are for the hospice, particularly for patients who arrive from hospital without clothes of their own.

“The nurses at Marie Curie told us how pyjamas are far more than garments, that they humanise patients and bring comfort and feelings of security at a time when people are at their most vulnerable, sometimes afraid and often bewildered at the speed of their admission.

“We were told their dream was for every patient to receive new pyjamas when they arrive but for this to be possible, they need 10-12 new pairs per month. Instantly, we knew that with our caring workforce, we could do something to help.”

Acorn Stairlifts has been manufacturing and installing stairlifts for more than 25 years and four years ago launched a partnership with Marie Curie hospices across the UK to install up to five stairlifts per month in the homes of patients to enable them to be cared for by their own families.

The company’s latest ‘pyjama project’ was managed by Claire who rallied the support of the Steeton workforce and over a period of six weeks, oversaw the collection of 40 new pairs of pyjamas alongside staff donations totalling £400.

Jenny White, Nurse Manager at the Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford said: “Support for our Marie Curie hospices comes in all shapes and sizes and every donation is appreciated. However, Acorn’s understanding of the value of clean pyjamas for our patients and their rallying of their team’s support has been wonderful to see and continues a partnership which already brings so much assistance and value to the care we provide here in Bradford and at hospices across the country.”

Claire added: “It really opened our eyes to hear how something so simple could make such a difference to so many people’s lives. We’re delighted we could work with our team to provide pyjamas that will cover the next four months of patient admissions to the Bradford hospice and to help Marie Curie raise awareness of the true value of pyjamas which offer some home comfort for patients being cared for away from home.”

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