THAMES Hospice has launched a campaign to raise £20,000 for new specialist beds for its patients.

The ‘Patient Comfort Appeal’ is aimed at raising cash for mattresses that prevent bed sores and ulcers. The high-tech bedding contains air pockets that continually inflate and deflate, in order to keep the skin moving and avoid damage.

The 17 beds in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Hatch Lane, Windsor are almost always full, and support around 500 people every year.

Head of inpatient services, Linda Nelson, said: “Our team are amongst the most highly trained and experienced palliative care nurses in the UK. But, we have a problem. We have a limited equipment budget and there simply isn’t the spare money available to afford new specialist mattresses.”

The hospice is hoping to raise the funds to replace six outdated mattresses with new ones, including two with built-in alarm systems for the most vulnerable.

Shannen Jones, 25, from Slough, whose mother was cared for by the hospice in the final days of her life, spoke of the vital work it does.

She said: “Mum desperately wanted to see me get my degree, but the nurses just didn’t know if she would make it. Mum couldn’t come with me, she was far too ill, but the amazing hospice staff had found out that the University was showing the whole thing over the internet.

“So, they took her down into their Sanctuary – in her bed – and set up a big screen and projector. There my Mum, surrounded by her siblings, watched as I picked up my certificate.

“She was barely conscious but at the moment I walked on stage she opened her eyes and raised both arms into the air. I rushed back to the hospice afterwards and she was still alive, but unconscious.

“By supporting this appeal, you will help more people to find comfort when they need it most.”

For more information, and to support the appeal, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/patientcomfortappeal