THE 125 Appeal needs your help to make it a success.

For our 125th anniversary we have pledged to support the work that St David’s Hospice Care does in our community.

The appeal will raise money to cover the costs of the huge range of services that the hospice delivers.

This is where we need you.

We are looking for 125 fundraising teams to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

You could organise a bake sale, a bike ride or a sponsored silence. No idea is too small or too quirky – send us your fundraising ideas and get organising.

One of the areas the money raised will support is the work of the nurses that deliver work for St David’s Hospice Care.

These are the people who enable people who are receiving end of life care to stay at home and spend their last days surrounded by their loved ones.

Senior nurse Stephanie Thomas is one of the specialist nurses who works for the hospice.

She began her work in Abergavenny and has worked at the hospice for 14 years.

Her career began when she trained and worked as a general nurse in Nevill Hall Hospital.

While there she began working in palliative care.

She said: “Being a ward sister I was very aware of the patients who needed end of life care. I found it very rewarding working.

“I knew quite soon that was what I wanted to do.”

Based in Newport, Mrs Thomas manages the clinical nurse specialists but also does clinical work. She will often support the teams who work across all the regions the hospice covers.

“I would assist if we are short in areas, so I start my day in Newport, I would then travel to somewhere like Ystradgynlais and then over to Monmouthshire. That would involve symptom management, assessing people for our services, so it can be a very varied role,” she said.

She added: “I meet a huge range of people, from young people in their 20s to people over 100. People in nursing homes, in residential homes or in their own homes.

“You get to know people well, especially if you meet them on a regular basis. You get to know their families too.”

Mrs Thomas sees first-hand what a difference staying at home can make to a person when they are at the end of their lives.

When a patient dies it can also affect he people who work to support them. Mrs Thomas says coping strategies including reading, listening to music and even dancing.

She said: “It is upsetting when someone passes away, but you come into this area of work knowing that you can’t stop somebody dying, but you aim to support them as best you can until the end of their lives.”

There are lots of ways you can get help and support the work of nurses like Mrs Thomas.

You can organise a fundraising event or put yourself forward for a 125 themed challenge. The appeal has been backed by rugby players, political leaders and actor Michael Sheen who shared his support on social media.

Show your support for the 125 appeal by using #125Appeal so we can share your messages online. Donations of any value can be made online on our special Just Giving page: justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/sdf/SWArgus125

Donating £12.50 will help the charity buy a uniform for a nurse, or 575 surgical gloves which they can use in their daily work. If you are unable to get involved in the fundraising you can text to donate £5 to the 125 Appeal by texting ARGUS 125 to 70500.

To find out more and register your event visit stdavidshospicecare.org/event-details/125-appeal/ You can also download a copy of your free fundraising pack which is full of fundraising ideas. For more details contact St David’s Hospice Care on 01633 851051.