York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity has expressed gratitude to supporters for funding the first 'cuddle bed' at Scarborough Hospital. These specially designed beds allow two or more people to lie together, providing comfort and closeness for patients and their loved ones during end-of-life care.
A Milestone Achievement
The portable bed, costing approximately £15,000, has already been used multiple times since its arrival. The palliative care team undertook the challenge to raise the necessary funds as part of the Autumn Project, an initiative dedicated to enhancing end-of-life care across the Trust. This accomplishment was made possible through a diverse range of fundraising efforts within the local community throughout 2025.
Community Fundraising Highlights
Notable contributions include a skydive by palliative care clinical nurse specialists Cassie Halpin and Julie McHugh, which raised over £2,000, and a 25-mile sponsored walk by student nurses, generating more than £1,600. Local supporter Denise Byas raised over £7,000 in memory of her husband Richard, while Annie Sheppard has raised over £15,000 for the Autumn Project since 2020 through events, art sales, and raffles in memory of her mother.
Impact and Future Plans
Emma Sargent, from York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, stated: "Funding the first cuddle bed is a really meaningful milestone, and it’s only been possible because of the generosity and determination of so many people in our community. Every donation, every event, and every challenge has played a part in making this happen. We’ve already seen the difference the bed is making - giving patients and their loved ones the chance to be close, to hold hands, and to spend precious time together in a more comfortable and dignified way. But this is just the start. We would love to fund more cuddle beds across the Trust so that more families can benefit."
The charity encourages people to support the next phase of the Autumn Project, helping to fund an additional cuddle bed for wards across York. To learn more about the Autumn Project or to make a donation, visit the charity's website.
