Why Christmas Day at Overgate Hospice is such a special time

Staff at Overgate Hospice in Elland pull out all the stops to make the day as enjoyable for patients living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, as they can. In fact it would put many festive celebrations to shame, even during lockdown.

Christmas crackers, hats, presents, Christmas carols and turkey with all the trimmings, are just some of the things that make the day special. And even staff don’t get left out.

Catering Manager, Yvonne Mellor treats them to her special Christmas bacon butties in the morning and gives each of them a foodie gift – in the shape of her homemade chocolate dippers – a firm favourite with both patients and staff.

In past years a choir, Santa and hospice volunteers have brought Christmas cheer to the hospice, but this year because of covid restrictions, the only people allowed through the doors are staff and family members.

“Patients are our number one priority all year round, but at Christmas we do like to go that extra mile and make their day as special and memorable as possible. This year will be a little different but it will still be a day filled with cheer, peace and goodwill,” says Business Partnerships Manager, Becki Marren.

It could well be someone’s last Christmas at Overgate and for staff; it is all about making memories for them and their families. Becki says they throw in that little bit of TLC and offer patients and their families’ emotional support too at such a poignant time.

Fifty-nine-year-old Yvonne and her team of five make everything from scratch in the kitchen from bread to mince pies, and this year will be catering for up to 12 patients and 19 staff on Christmas Day.

The menu includes tomato soup/fruit juice followed by roast turkey with roast and mash potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sprouts, pigs in blankets, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and Christmas pudding with rum or brandy sauce.

“I love working on Christmas day and wouldn’t have it any other way. For those who don’t fancy a full lunch, my team and I are happy to make someone’s favourite treat. Nothing is too much trouble. It’s a great feeling knowing I am helping care for local people within our community,” says Yvonne who lives in Illingworth, Halifax, with her husband, John, and their German shepherd, Duke. She looks forward to egg and chips, and putting her feet up watching telly, when she gets home.

This year’s Christmas lunch at Overgate has been paid for by Elland glass company, MBE Glazing Systems of Woodman Works. Owner, Popsie Singh and his wife, Sue, have donated £6,000 to the hospice for Christmas Day and say its money well spent.

“We’ve been supporting Overgate for years, and wanted to get behind the Christmas Appeal, because Overgate is close to our hearts and provides a first class serve for people when they most need it. We like to give something back locally and are proud of our home town,” says Popsie.

Becki says the hospice are lucky and grateful to be able to count on the support of MBE Glazing year in year out. “We want to thank them for their overwhelming kindness and dedication. As a charity we rely on the generosity of local businesses to continue caring for the people of Calderdale and 2020 has been a difficult year for us.”