Since 1975, the Sobell House Hospice Charity has been supporting those residents of Oxfordshire affected by terminal illness. Its work is always underpinned by their mission statement which says its aim is to, ‘offer psychological, social and spiritual care to those facing illness, death and bereavement. In partnership with all those involved, we focus on quality of life, respecting the uniqueness of each person who comes to the hospice. We seek to contribute to the development of palliative care through education and research’.

At Sobell House the focus is very much on the patient and the family, not the disease. Patients with terminal illness often need more care than those whose illness is curable or chronic.

As a result, they can feel vulnerable and disadvantaged. Sobell House provides a safe and peaceful environment for every patient.

During the course of a typical year the hospice is involved with approximately: l More than 3,000 home care visits l More than 3,000 day centre visits l More than 500 people received residential care l More than 400 families receive help during bereavement.

The service costs more than £3m a year to run and it relies on the ongoing support and generosity of the community to raise that money. Without your support the charity simply couldn’t provide the care that patients need.

Here are just a few examples of how people are helping Sobell House.

If you like the sound of any of these events then you can get involved and help the hospice: David Lloyd Spinathon – April 17, from 11am–4pm. Would you like to cycle the longest, hardest spin session ever held at David Lloyd, Oxford?

Cycle4Sobell – April 22. A team of 12 middle-aged city cyclists are riding from Oxford to Paris in aid of the Sobell House Hospice. You can sponsor them by visiting www.cycle4sobell.org.uk Studley Wood Golf Day – May 18. Places are limited so please book early. £80 per person – teams of four, includes a round of golf, brunch, three-course meal, prizes and charity auction.

Summer Dinner & Dance – June 5, Great Park Farm, Besselsleigh. £50 per person. Four-course meal, including welcome drinks and live music. Tables available for eight or ten.

The Oxford Moonlight Stroll 2010 – July 10. A nine-mile sponsored walk through the streets of our city by moonlight aiming to raise more than £100,000.

To be involved in any of these events contact Sobell House on 01865 857007, or email kevin@sobellhospice.org