Please let me introduce myself. My name is Daphne Hall and I was one of the original founders of Fair Havens Hospice in Westcliff's Chalkwell Avenue, Essex, back in the 1980's.
For almost 28 years, Fair Havens Hospice has been a haven for over 20,000 people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. We have cared for them, helped to relieve their pain, given their carers a respite break, but most of all been alongside our patients during the journey of their illness.
But for all the charity has achieved and milestones we have surpassed, the time has come when the constraints of the building are stopping us from caring for more people.
Last year we had to turn away more than 50 people simply because we didn't have enough beds available at the time they were needed.
As you may have seen in the newspapers or heard within your congregation, we are planning a new, purpose-built hospice which will help us to care for twice as many patients in an environment that is serene, peaceful but still part of the community in which our roots are grounded.
Fair Havens for Life - Let's Make the Journey Together
This is the direction we believe God is taking the charity;and we are guided by the same compassion and calling by Him that brought Fair Havens into being and which have sustained it over the years.
Fair Havens Hospice was originally born out of an idea at Earls Hall Baptist Church in Westcliff. With very little money, but with the faith of a few people, we knew God was calling us to do something about the provision of care for dying people.
We have given a great deal of thought and prayer to the vision of Fair Havens for Life, and there is still a long way to go. But we are approaching you at this very early stage for a special reason; the churches and local faith groups were - and still are - the very heart of our beginnings
As we enter Lent, we need your prayers and blessings again
As you may know, we are looking to apply for planning permission for the piece of land at Belton Way in Leigh on Sea early in the summer as we have been told by our patients and families that this is the best option for their needs. We understand that there will be some who will not support our choice, but we ask you to pray for us during this time for God's continuing guidance and wisdom; and we will of course keep you informed as we make our journey together.
I look back on my time at Fair Havens amazed at the way God uses ordinary people to bring about His purpose
Please do read this letter out to your congregation and encourage them to pray for the charity, our nursing staff, patients and families, and to volunteer their support.
If you need any more information or would like someone from the hospice to talk at your church please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can also download our Reflections for Lent. If you would like more copies, do let us know and we'll be happy to provide them.
God Bless
Daphne Hall MBE
