Crocheted choristers for Christmas!

Back in 2016, Ann’s dad Frank received palliative and end of life care from the Princess Alice Hospice community team at his home in Worcester Park. Ann recalls how their care and expertise allowed her dad to be in his own home until he died, which was a source of great comfort to her.

Anne and June Afterwards, Ann was invited to attend a craft club at the Hospice, where she met other local people living with bereavement. The crafters met each week and created beautiful items from various materials.

Unfortunately, the group was disbanded during the Covid-19 pandemic, but Ann and her friend, June, were determined to continue crafting together and sell items that would raise funds for the Hospice. Knitted turkeys, elves, choristers and pies.

June’s husband John sadly died in 1995, but she has never forgotten how the Hospice allowed him to remain at home, supplying equipment that was needed to facilitate his stay at home until he died. Like Ann, June was keen to fundraise and the two ladies continued to crochet and knit – initially on their own at home during the pandemic, but more recently meeting up at least once a week, in a companiable routine that continues today.

Since 2021, they’ve set themselves a target of raising £1,000 for the Hospice each year. They’ve done this by knitting beautiful Terry’s Chocolate Orange ‘cosies’ to sell to family, friends and other contacts. In 2023, they crafted and sold intricate crown designs for the King’s Coronation.

This year, they started in May and were overwhelmed when they received an order for 55 of the Knitclick choir boy pattern they were using – 1 for each of the Yorkminster choristers.

The crafting is continuing at pace to fulfil the Christmas order, we are so grateful for Ann and June’s commitment to Princess Alice Hospice.

Crocheted choristers

Find out more about the ways you can support us

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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