One night in January approximately 40 people went to jail to support and raise money for the Hospice of St Francis at Berkhamsted. Among these worthies were Dr Ros Taylor, Medical Director/CEO of the Hospice, Roger Sharp, Community Appeals Manager, David Gauke, MP for SW Herts, Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead and David Feldstein, Editor Gazette and Herald Express.
We arrived at the prison around 6.50pm when our identification was checked and were passed  by a sniffer dog to see if we had any unauthorised substances on our persons. Thankfully no strip search was considered necessary! Our evening meal was very convivial, served by various officers from the prison, also the Chaplain and Mike Penning. We were then taken to the gym where lines of mattresses were laid out on the floor. These, I have to say, were calculated to keep you out of jail if nothing else did. They were about 3″ thick and formed out of what appeared to be reinforced concrete. We were allowed freedom within our locked area which gave us access to toilets, a TV and a smoking room. Lights went out at 10pm. Breakfast was served at 7am and we were released about 40 minutes later. Not the most comfortable night of my life. Even though I knew I was coming out, the feeling when the gates clanged shut behind us really reinforced the sense of freedom being taken from us – something I think we all fear. That same fear must be with terminally ill people – the realisation that they no longer have control of their lives.
In recent weeks the Hospice has cared for over 130 patients at home, together with all the support they give to patients, carers and families. They are aiming to complete the new building by December 2006. They need to raise £2.5 million.  Anyone who has been to the Hospice is immediately struck by the atmosphere – in a place where terminal illness is the priority it is a happy place. People are helped to understand and deal with the one thing we all dread – mortality. This help is provided by a group of people who are dedicated to what they are doing – it is more than working for a salary or giving up some free hours to help. It is a way of life. My partner died last June – he only had one visit to the Hospice but the support I have received since his death has been amazing and totally unexpected.
The jail experience is now over but sponsorship, donations etc can still be received.  To die with dignity, surrounded by care and friendship is something we should all have access to.  If you would like to make a donation, gift, legacy, or do some fund raising contact: The Fundraising Dept, Hospice of St Francis, 20 Kings Road, Berkhamsted HP4 3BD. Tel: 01442 878181.
Email fundraising@stfrancis.org.uk
Sandra Lynn