A LIGHTED Christmas tree is still twinkling in the window of St Richard's Hospice at the top of Worcester's Rose Hill but fish and chips have ousted turkey from the menu.

The parties, carols and entertainment finished 10 days before Christmas, allowing calm to be restored in the days leading up to the annual festival.

This is a sensitive time for those who realise it will be their last Christmas and emotions can run high.

"We've had a week of Christmas parties for the patients, but we have to be aware of their feelings," said day hospice sister Marian Turner.

"We want to bring a bit of normality back so they can talk to us.

"People can be themselves here. If they want a good laugh, that's great, and if they want a good cry, they can do that too, without being afraid it's going to upset everyone else.

"We're always very honest with everyone in the group and they feel for each other. If someone is very poorly, it brings their own mortality to the fore."

Eighteen patients suffering from life-threatening or life-limiting diseases, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, motor neurone, heart disease and HIV/Aids, are cared for at St Richard's each day.

In all, more than 800 patients and their families from all over south Worcestershire were helped last year and the numbers have been increasing over the past six months.

Secure in the care of professional staff and trained volunteers, patients can find whatever they need at the day hospice on their weekly or fortnightly visits.

It could be a bath, massage or hairdo, listening ear, place for quiet contemplation, opportunity to surf the net or the chance to try a new art or craft.

Their visits will be suspended between Christmas Eve and January 2, but St Richard's nurses will still be on call to provide home care, advice and support for their families.

"Everything is focused on what each patient and their family needs," said patient services manager Rachel Bucknall.

Some patients used celebrations as targets they had to reach, or markers of their progress through treatment for curable cancer, she said, but people's coping mechanisms varied and many were emotionally vulnerable at Christmas.

"The psychological support we can give is really invaluable," she said.

Fund-raising officer Marilyn Peachey said the work of the hospice could not continue without its 500 committed volunteers, including the fund-raisers who help raise the £1m a year needed to keep it going.

"The demand on our service is ever increasing and the output is phenomenal. It's a testament to the work of the nurses and everyone involved," she said.

Anyone wanting to offer or ask for help from St Richard's should call 01905 763963.