Teesside Hospice's first community ball inspired by sisters

Teesside Hospice's first Together We Care community ball will take place at Bloom Middlesbrough on Friday, September 18, uniting families, supporters, staff and volunteers from across the region to recognise the vital work of the hospice.

The idea for the ball was inspired by Beth and Lisa Wheatland, who experienced devastation in 2017, when both of their parents were diagnosed with cancer.

Beth and Lisa's mother died just 15 days after her diagnosis, while their father later spent his final days being cared for by Teesside Hospice after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Beth and Lisa's parents. (Image: Teesside Hospice)

Beth said: "It's something a lot of people would say, but mine and Lisa's mum and dad were the best we could have ever wished for."

She described her father as "hard-working, gentle and a total perfectionist" and her mother as "the kindest, most thoughtful person" she had ever known.

Reflecting on her father's time at the hospice, Beth said: "Everyone there from doctors, nurses, catering staff, volunteers, staff behind the scenes - they are all angels.

"When my dad arrived at the hospice, Doctor John asked him what he wanted out of the hospice and he said, 'to live as long as possible ', and I can honestly say the hospice did this for him."

Beth said one memory that has stayed with her was the effort staff at the hospice made to make sure her father could attend her mother's funeral.

She said: "My dad was adamant he would get to her funeral, and the hospice staff bent over backwards to do this.

"The lovely nurse came in on her day off and the ambulance driver brought him to both the funeral and the wake, something I will be forever grateful for and will never forget."

Earlier this month, Teesside Hospice celebrated an outstanding rating for their services to the community from the CQC. (Image: Teesside Hospice)

Having attended a corporate ball for the hospice in recent years, Beth came up with the idea of expanding the event to the wider community - allowing local families to show their appreciation for the hospice, and remember their loved ones.

Beth said: "The way you feel when you visit the hospice is indescribable, and how they're able to provide moments of peace and joy at such a horrendous time needs to be celebrated.

"I hope people can attend to show their thanks to all the staff and volunteers involved in the hospice, and also to raise awareness that support and donations are so important.

"I'll never stop singing the praises of Teesside Hospice and hope the community ball will provide lots of happy memories for families around the region."

The 'Together We Care' Community Ball takes place at Bloom Middlesbrough on Friday, September 18.

Tickets cost £45 and include a two-course meal, welcome drink, live music, guest speakers and entertainment.

For more information, visit: Teesside Hospice Events | Teesside Hospice