A children’s hospice is marking International Nurses Day by celebrating its dedicated nurses.

Helen & Douglas House (HDH), a hospice for terminally ill children, is marking International Nurses Day by celebrating its team of 40 skilled nurses who provide specialist care and support to children and their families.

To support the work of their dedicated nurses, HDH is encouraging the public to donate good quality pre-loved items to any of its 25 charity shops, including those in Marlow, Amersham, and Chesham.

The day, celebrated on May 12, honours the essential role of nurses in healthcare and coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

The donations drive will run from May 12 to May 26, with the aim of collecting 1,700 bags of donations, which could help fund a nurse at HDH for a year.

Sally Hayes, Director of Nursing and Care at HDH said: "Every child is unique and special, and we strive in every moment and every interaction to make sure we are reflecting that.

"Helen & Douglas House is a very special place, and it means so much to families and staff to be part of this community.

"However, we also rely on the generosity of public donations to help raise the £6 million a year it costs to provide our care.

"This International Nurses Day, if you can, please turn your pre-loved items into donations that could help fund a nurse and support families in the future when they need us most."

One of the hospice's nurses, Siobhan Butler, highlighted the rewarding nature of her work.

Siobhan, who has worked at HDH since 2018, said: "I think some people are frightened by the word 'hospice', but they don’t understand what an amazing place it is.

"We provide one to one specialist care for children, but just as importantly, we help facilitate precious moments for their families too.

"We can’t change the outcome, but we can help create beautiful memories, and that’s a privilege."

Siobhan has spent her entire nine-year nursing career in children’s palliative care and is now a senior nurse, supporting newly qualified nurses like Thevuni, who joined the HDH team six months ago straight from university.

Thevuni shared a touching story about a little girl she cared for, whose hair was washed and plaited just the way she wanted it before she passed away.

"When she died, her hair was in these beautiful plaits, just how she wanted it.

"That experience really opened my eyes - it was care beyond the medical.

"I’m incredibly grateful that Helen & Douglas House allows me to provide that kind of care for children and families."

To find your nearest shop or donation point, visit www.hdh.org.uk.