Well known local author Derek Winterbottom is supporting Hospice Isle of Man with the fascinating story of the local charity. Hospice celebrates 33 years of specialist palliative care this year and marks nine years in its purpose built accomadation at Strang, Douglas on 5 November 2016.

The tale of how a charity that started with one nurse and one doctor and today makes such a difference to over 400 patients each year takes the reader on a fascinating journey of care, empathy and compassion. The determination and tenacity of everyone involved with Hospice comes across on each page. The sheer human interest in making patients lives matter, adding quality to each day no matter how many days they have left comes across to the reader.

In 2003 Nadene Crowther and Peter Vickers wrote A Promise Fulfilled taking the story of Hospice from inception in August 1983 to 2003. Derek's book continues this intrepid journey to the current day where 85p of every pound is spent directly on patient care. The charity needs to raise ?4 million each year to meet the running costs.

Derek had very generously covered all printing costs so every book, costing ?10 each will see all proceeds going to the charity.

Chief executive of Hospice Margaret Simpson thanked Mr Winterbottom for his generosity of time and for funding the book. She added 'he has told our story beautifully - it is an interesting tale of everyone involved with us who passionately care about our patients and their families. We cannot thank him enough.'

The book called - Our Islands Hospice 1983 - 2016 will be launched during hospice care week on 2nd October. It is priced at ?10 each and can be bought from any of our Hospice shops. All money raised will go to Hospice Isle of Man.

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