The unit cares for seriously ill patients from throughout the Hastings.

The support group, which dedicates itself to helping local residents with life-threatening illnesses, has funded shade awnings for the unit’s patient room balconies.

The gift vastly improves the amenity of the north-facing balconies, particularly during the warmer months.

Hastings Home Hospice President Lil Andrews said she was extremely proud of her small band of volunteers who made a big difference to the lives of the seriously ill.

“Our volunteers are just simply wonderful,” Mrs Andrews said.

“We’re a small group who work hard, but we also have the support of many good people who help us raise the funds.”

Those supporters include the LUSC Friendship Quilters, Laurieton Haven Craft Group, Endeavour House, bowling and golf clubs, and generous individuals.

“We do what we do because we have community support – it’s a team effort,” Mrs Andrews said.

During the past 27 years, the support group’s volunteers have raised more than $260,000 which has helped purchase clinical equipment, such as hospital-standard beds for seriously ill people wanting to stay in their own home, as well as helping patients with costs associated with medicine and travel to clinicians.

The funds have also helped improve patient amenity at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute in Port Macquarie and the Wauchope Palliative Care Unit, which cares for patients from throughout the Hastings Valley.

Palliative Care Nursing Unit Manager Mary Trotter said the ongoing support of the Hastings Home Hospice volunteers made a significant difference to her patients and their families.

 “These volunteers are some of the most generous people you could ever wish to meet,” Ms Trotter said.

“They work so very hard with the sole objective of making a seriously ill person’s day a little better. Their thoughtfulness has resulted in clinical equipment for the unit, as well as items that improve patient amenity.

“Their latest gift, the newly installed awnings, means patients can enjoy being outside on their balcony for longer. The awnings also improve patient privacy without obscuring the beautiful mountain views from the balconies.

“It may seem a small thing for most people, but this gift makes a big difference to patients who spend a lot of time in hospital.”