Urgent Appeal For Ukraine Hospice Services From Hospices Of Hope Founder
In March 2025, Hospices of Hope Founder, Graham Perolls, attended the official opening of a new Hospice Clinic building in Kyiv.
British Ambassador H.E. Martin “cut the ribbon” and Asya Orlova (the charity’s country manager) organised a welcome reception. It was a day of joy as Hospices of Hope took another step forward to bring medical relief to the terrible suffering endured by terminally ill children and adults in the city. However, the joy was short-lived as that evening, air alerts warned of impending Russian air attacks on Kyiv. As Graham sheltered in the underground bunkers with Ukraine citizens, it hit home the appalling struggle that the people there are facing daily.
Looking forward, Graham wants to shine a light on the work of the multidisciplinary team at CF Svoyi. Dr Zoia Maksimova leads the team as an experienced palliative care physician. She is joined by a nurse, Larisa, and a medical secretary, Olena. They provide palliative care for patients at home and in the new clinic, where they are also running courses for medical professionals and carers.
However, there is a huge need for more medical personnel to provide palliative care in the city as more and more people are desperate for help. Hospices of Hope could employ a doctor and nurse immediately, but funds are needed to secure additional patient care. (Patients care needs also include the services of a psychologist and physiotherapist).
The hard facts
Graham states that Hospices of Hope needs to raise £50,000 towards growing the Kyiv medical team. An urgent response is desperately needed.
The European Association for Palliative Care estimates that around 500,000 Ukrainians who suffer from genetic, neurological and oncological diseases need palliative care and hospice care. The war with Russia has decimated the Ukraine’s government’s ability to help with palliative care. The specialised services have become more desperate as the number of people with injuries, PTSD, chronic pain conditions add to the demand. Many patients have lost their homes due to missile strikes, bombing and are currently displaced.
Hospices of Hope will be most grateful if you could donate to help its Ukrainian hospice partner and their patients. Any amount, both large and small, will be very gratefully received and put to work immediately.
A big thank you from Graham, the Ukraine Medical and Hospices of Hope Teams.
Meet Dr Zoia in Otford this month! Join Hospices of Hope on Monday 21st July from 6pm to 7.30pm at The Olive Tree Bistro, Otford, TN14PG. Hear a short presentation from Dr Zoia about palliative care in Ukraine. Register now at www.hospicesofhope.co.uk/events
Top Image British Ambassador H.E Martin Harris cutting the ribbon with members of the CF Svoyi team and Hospices of Hope founder, Graham Perolls.
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