More cuddles at Lancaster hospice this Christmas thanks to £15k grant

The specialised bed has the same footprint as a standard hospital bed, but at the touch of a button, it can widen to a double bed. This means that loved ones can get into the same bed as the patient at the hospice, and have a cuddle or offer comfort at the most tender of times.

Sarah Spencer, grants and trust manager at St John’s Hospice, said: “We are delighted to receive this award from the Morrisons Foundation, which will enable the hospice to purchase a second 'Cuddle Bed'.

"This specialist equipment creates a safe and welcoming space where two people can be connected and offer comfort, when it is most needed, without the physical and psychological barriers of a normal medical bed.

“The bed does everything required by a medical bed: offering adjustable settings for the patient's comfort, and at the touch of a button it can widen to become a double bed for two people. The bed means that a patient and their loved one can share special last moments together.”

Joanne Pinder, Community Champion from Morecambe Morrisons, said: “It’s been a privilege for Tracey, our store manager, and myself to visit such a wonderful charity. The work they do is simply incredible. I’m genuinely over the moon that our foundation has been able to provide this donation to help buy the cuddle bed.”

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since launching, over £38 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.