Blog Archives - Martlets

A photograph of a mother and daughter, one kissing the other.

Remembering with love at Light Up a Life

For those who have lost a loved one, Christmas can be a difficult time. Sarah Bell, chaplain at our sister hospice St Barnabas House in Worthing, shares some thoughts on coping with grief at this poignant time of year.

A woman smiles while listening to another person speak

Coping with bereavement at Christmas

Bereavement Blog

For those who have lost a loved one, Christmas can be a difficult time. Sarah Bell, chaplain at our sister hospice St Barnabas House in Worthing, shares some thoughts on coping with grief at this poignant time of year.

Five reasons to support your local hospice

Blog winter campaign

Hospices nationwide are facing a funding crisis, and there is growing demand for these essential services. With seasonal pressures on our healthcare system, there are lots of reasons to get behind your local hospice and make sure it is still there in years to come. Together, we can make a difference – here are five important reasons to show your support.

Graham and Janet standing together, wearing holiday attire. Graham is wearing a yellow shirt, Jan has a flowery dress on.

Jan’s story: care, courage and community

Blog Stories

For years, Jan was a familiar face in Brighton & Hove – first behind the wheel as a bus driver, then standing up for others as a union representative. When she was suddenly diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in December 2025, her family’s world changed overnight. Jan and her husband Graham share their story and explain how Martlets has brought comfort, dignity and peace during the toughest of times.

A runner raises his arms as he crosses Tower Bridge in the London Marathon 2026

Runners raise £200k for hospice care

Blog Fundraising inspiration News

Spring run season is coming to an end and our runners have raised an incredible £200,000 in support of our hospices - what a team! We hear from family members about the loved ones that inspired them to run, and what hospice care means to them.

Group of six gardening volunteers - four men, two women, including Alison who has grey hair. All wearing gardeng gear.

Volunteers’ Week

Awareness Days Blog Volunteering

Volunteers’ Week, 1–7 June, is a national celebration of the millions of people who give their time and skills to support causes close to their hearts. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing comments, photos and video clips from our volunteers at Southern Hospice Group via our social media.

‘Died’ or ‘passed away’? Why language matters in hospice care.

Awareness Days Blog

How we talk about death and dying is key to promoting understanding and helping people feel more comfortable with the topic. At Southern Hospice Group, we’re updating our guidance on this for all colleagues. We asked Jane Whitehurst, our medical director, why clarity and consistency are important around this sensitive subject.

Man in his thirties wearing a black jumper sitting with his mum, a lady in her sixties with light brown hair, wearing a black and silver top. They are sitting in a cafe.

Every mile for Mum: why Christian is running the Brighton Marathon

Blog Fundraising inspiration Stories

Christian’s mum Maria spent her final weeks on Martlets’ inpatient unit after a long hospital stay. He explains how hospice care supported their family — and why he’s taking on the Brighton Marathon to fundraise for Martlets.

How Dixie the dog brought comfort during Annie’s last days