Bolton Hospice marked International Nurses Day in style this week, pausing to celebrate the extraordinary care, compassion, and clinical expertise provided by its nursing team.

In a touching tribute, hospice nurses were presented with hand-folded origami hearts. Inside each heart was a personal message of gratitude from supporters and the families of patients who have received care at the hospice.

One particularly moving message read:

“Thank you to Bolton Hospice Nurses—you are fantastic and a credit to your profession. I couldn’t have got through my husband’s last days without you.”

The nurse who received the message expressed how much the gesture meant, noting that hearing the direct impact of their work truly “made her day.”

To further show their appreciation, non-clinical staff at the hospice traded their keyboards for whisks, baking a vast selection of cakes and sweet treats for the nursing team to enjoy during their shifts.

Lisa Tate, Head of Clinical Services at Bolton Hospice, emphasised the importance of recognising the team:

"Our nurses are the heartbeat of this hospice. They provide more than just medical care; they provide a sense of calm, dignity, and hope during a family’s most difficult moments. International Nurses Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to step back and say thank you, but the truth is, their impact is felt every single hour of every single day. I am incredibly proud of the unwavering professionalism they show to the people of Bolton."

While International Nurses Day happens once a year, the need for expert nursing care never stops. To ensure these vital services remain free for the local community, Bolton Hospice is inviting the public to join their 'Sponsor a Nurse' initiative.

By becoming a sponsor, you provide the sustainable funding needed to cover the costs of their compassionate care and support for local families facing life-limiting illnesses.

Every contribution, no matter the size, directly funds a nurse's time on the ward.