A LODGE in Berkshire has made a donation of thousands of pounds to a Thames Valley charity following its care of a late member.
The Christopher Wren Lodge has donated £5,000 to Thames Hospice in recognition of the outstanding care and support given to Danny Thornhill.
Danny had been supported by the Hospice during his illness, regularly attending Wellbeing groups and receiving specialist input from its community-based clinical teams.
In his final weeks, he was cared for at the Hospice, where staff ensured his comfort and dignity were prioritised.
To mark their appreciation, Lodge Charity Steward Dan Melhuish and Danny’s brother Tom Barroso visited Thames Hospice to present the donation and to see first-hand the facilities Danny had benefitted from.
They were welcomed by Hannah Parsons, Senior Community Fundraiser, who guided them through the Wellbeing facilities overlooking the lakeside gardens.
The £5,000 donation will support Thames Hospice in continuing its mission to provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
With limited statutory funding, the Hospice relies heavily on community fundraising, grants and donations to sustain its services.
Through this contribution, Christopher Wren Lodge not only honours the memory of Danny Thornhill but also ensures that others in need of care can receive the same compassion and support that meant so much to him and his family.
There is also a ‘Memory Room’ at the Thames Hospice that was supported by the Berkshire Masonic Charity and a grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
Amid the visit, Dan Melhuish said: “The care given to Danny here was second to none. It’s an incredible benefit to Berkshire residents that find themselves needing specialist care.
“We wanted to celebrate that, as both a thank you to the Hospice team, and as a mark of respect to our friend Danny.”
During a tour of the Wellbeing Centre, he was introduced to members of staff who had cared for his brother.
They immediately remembered Danny, fondly recalling his love of garage music and the joy he brought during his time at the Hospice.
“It’s so very different to be at a Hospice such as this,–the service here isn’t remotely like being in any hospital.
“These people, in this incredible place, really helped Danny when he needed it most.”
Hannah Parsons of Thames Hospice said: “Thank you Christopher Wren Lodge for this much-needed grant.
“We can do so much that people aren’t aware of–we receive just under 30% contribution to our costs through statutory funding.
“But have to raise the rest by other means. Since our beginnings in 1987 in Windsor, to moving to our present site beside Bray Lake in 2020, we’ve served those needing our care and expertise in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.”
