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Friends of Palliative Care (FOPC) is a charity organisation that collaborates with local Palliative Care services in the lower Hunter providing support to palliative patients and their families in a number of ways including equipment loans, care packages, pharmacy accounts and more.

Friends of Palliative Care relies solely on donations from local businesses and community members with their yearly fun run a key fundraiser. On Sunday 10th March 2024, they held their 30th Walk & Fun Run at Maitland Regional Athletics Centre.

The event included a 10KM FUN Run, a 5KM FUN Run and a 5KM Walk which was suitable for all ages, stages and abilities and raised close to $30,000 that will help individuals and families in Palliative Care & End-of-Life Care in the Hunter Valley.

The event ended with a small ceremony to remember those lives that have been lost and to support those currently receiving care.

PCNSW was in attendance at this event for the first time alongside Hunter Valley volunteer organisations, Volunteers for Palliative Care Inc and the Dungog Palliative Care Volunteers.

“Palliative Care NSW and our Volunteer Support Services Programme was delighted to attend this event and to support the Hunter community and the Friends of Palliative Care. Quality palliative care that meets the needs of the patient and the family is all about a team of support. From the highly skilled health professionals, to the family and carers, trained volunteers and then your community support networks and organisations such as Friends of Palliative Care. I would like to congratulate the Friends of Palliative Care who for almost 40 years have been supporting local palliative care providers, patients and families with financial support for pharmaceuticals, care packages and provision of equipment, just to name a few things. They are an important part of the palliative care team in the Hunter region.” said Kirsty Blades, PCNSW CEO who attended the event.

Kate Bowman, PCNSW Manager for the Volunteer Support Services Programme (VSSP), was also in attendance and highlighted the valuable participation of Volunteers in the Lower Hunter area.

“Palliative Care volunteers from three services provide a range of supports to the people of the Lower Hunter such as companionship and psycho-social support, carer respite, and equipment loan. They are an important part of the holistic and person-centred care offered to people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, their families, and carers.” said Kate.

We look forward to further supporting the important work these organisations do in the lower Hunter.