THE Heart of Kent Hospice in the Royal British Legion Village at Aylesford, has received national reconition for its caring work.

The hospice offers respite care and support for patients with advanced cancer, motor neurone disease and other life-threatening illnesses for 13 years.

Its dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the final days of more than 4,000 patients have been as comfortable as possible.

Although the hospice receives some Government funding, it relies heavily on wdonations and the generosity of others to continue providing its services, which are free.

This year alone it needs to raise £2.2 million to maintain its services, which is hy the Kent Messenger has decided to make it our nominated charity of 2005.

We will be supporting the hospice by promoting its work and we will be encouraging you to help it meet its goal.

Kent Messenger senior editor Bob Dimond said: “The hospice is one of Maidstone’s hidden treasures and provides people with a vital lifeline during their final days.

“The hospice provides a first class service to all their patients and families as they reach the end of an often emotional but brave battle with illness. Not only does it provide expert medical care but often just a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on in those dark moments.

“We could think of no finer candidate to support in 2005 than the Heart of Kent Hospice.”

Hospice general manager Alan Chapman said :“The Kent Messenger has always been incredibly supportive of our work, especially our annual bluebell walk in Kent. This announcement is tremendous news for everyone at the hospice.”

ONE of the many people grateful for the work of the hospice is Sue Parnham. When her ex-husband died of brain cancer last August she wanted to give those who had cared for him during his final days a thank you they would never forget.

Adrian Gurr was only 52 when he lost his battle against the disease. He spent his final days at the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford.

Mr Gurr, who used to run the model railway in Mote Park, Maidstone, first stayed at the hospice in June, having undergone six weeks of intensive radiotherapy.

Mrs Parnham said he was determined to have one final train-spotting holiday.

But his health deteriorated so much that it began to look unlikely.

Mrs Parnham said: “He was beginning to have doubts that he could manage the holiday, his big ambition. But a few days respite at the Heart of Kent Hospice worked, and armed with the necessary drugs, instructions, phone numbers, details of local doctors, hospitals and pharmacies and a letter from the hospice in case of need, the group set off for Lancashire.”

After indulging in his passion one last time, Adrian spent his final days at the hospice before dying peacefully on August 2, 2004.

“He was a terrific guy and words cannot express the depth of sadness we feel at his loss,” Mrs Parnham said.

“The hospice was wonderful in caring for him, making sure the end was peaceful and his family was there.”

Mrs Parnham was so grateful that she nominated the hospice for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. The award was set up during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and recognises excellence in voluntary activities. The Aylesford hospice is one of 92 groups to receive the award this year.

The Hospice will receive its award from the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Alan Willett, and attend a garden party with other winners at Buckingham Palace in July.