Start the conversation. Celebrate care. Be part of it.
A very warm welcome to this extra special edition of Thames Hospice Moments.
This summer, something extraordinary is coming to our community, and we’d love you to be part of it.
From Windsor to Slough, a vibrant herd of 30 beautifully designed elephant sculptures will take to the streets as part of Trunks across the Thames, our first-ever public art trail.
For nine weeks, familiar places will be transformed into a free, family-friendly experience, inviting thousands of people to explore, connect and take part.
Alongside the main herd, around 60 mini elephants will also appear in community spaces across the route, bringing the trail even closer to where people live, work and gather.
Throughout Moments magazine, you’ll discover what the trail is all about and meet some of the incredible people bringing it to life.
Hospice, Windsor Road, Maidenhead, SL6
More than an art trail
It’s about starting conversations we don’t always find easy.
It’s about shining a light on hospice care and the role it plays in all our lives.
It’s about coming together, across communities and generations, to support something that truly matters.
Meet Hope
You may spot Hope along the way, the mother of our herd and symbol of the trail. As she journeys through our community, she reminds us that when we listen, share and connect, something powerful happens.
Be part of it
This is your invitation – not just to visit, but to get involved now.
Follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates.
• trunksacrossthethames
• trunksacrossthethames
• trunksacrossthethames.co.uk
• Be part of the excitement as the herd arrives.
and local resident Alex Jones
Download the Trunks across the Thames app when the trail goes live to access the map.
• Share your photos. Tell your friends, neighbours and colleagues.
• The more people who take part, the greater the impact we can make, together.
We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to seeing you on the trail.
Follow the herd. Start the conversation. Be part of it.
Jane Symmons Dr Rachael de Caux Fundraising Director Chief Executive
Meet Daisy, our In Memory Elephant
You can also be part of the trail in a deeply personal way through our In Memory Elephant, Daisy. This is a special opportunity to celebrate and remember someone important to you, while supporting hospice care for others. Find out more on pages 8-9.
Every visit to our trail, every story shared, every conversation started, and every pound raised will help ensure we can continue providing compassionate, specialist care to those who need it most. 13 Sept Trail live to
the people and places around her.
When Jess met Matt, she knew he was the one. Just months later, they bought their first home and began building their life together.
That life changed suddenly when Matt became unwell. After repeated hospital visits, scans revealed multiple tumours around his major organs.
Following intensive chemotherapy, the family received the news they had hoped for: the cancer was gone. But just two months later it returned, this time in Matt’s brain.
When Matt came home, Jess found herself caring for him while also looking after their young son, Elijah who was just 18 months old at the time.
“We were in constant fight or flight mode,” she says. “I wasn’t just his wife anymore, I was his carer.”
Although Matt had initially wanted to die in hospital, worried home would become a place of sadness, everything changed when Nathan, a Clinical Specialist from Thames Hospice, visited.
Jess’ story
“The
Hospice gave us the space
to be husband and wife again, at a time when everything else was falling apart.”
“Matt instantly felt at ease,” Jess recalls. “He agreed to come into the Hospice, and I felt immediate relief.”
For Jess, Thames Hospice gave them something priceless. The chance to stop being patient and carer and simply be husband and wife again.
“Our world had been turned upside down, but in those final weeks the Hospice team helped us focus on the time we had left together.”
She remembers the small but powerful details - Matt’s room overlooking the lake, the space for Elijah to play, and the kindness of every member of staff.
Matt spent almost three weeks at Thames Hospice. With no visiting restrictions, Jess stayed by his side day and night, even sleeping beside him in his room.
“When Matt slipped away, I was cuddled up next to him, exactly where I should have been.”
Today, Jess remains closely connected to Thames Hospice. In honour of Matt and the care her family received, she is now leading the charge as our Project Manager on Trunks across the Thames, helping raise vital funds so more local families can receive the same extraordinary support.
“After everything Matt and I went through, I wanted to be part of something that reflects what the Hospice gave us: care, dignity and hope in its truest sense. Being involved in Trunks across the Thames feels like a way of honouring that experience, and of helping other families feel supported when they need it most.
“Elephants represent empathy, connection and memory and the importance of not facing death alone. That mirrors my experience of Thames Hospice.” Every story is part of the herd.
Send your story to intouch@thameshospice.org.uk
We’ll be sharing selected stories as part of Trunks across the Thames, celebrating the voices that shape our community. Share your story
Jess, Matt and their son Elijah
Jess pictured with Hope
As Hope moved through the town, she met children playing with delight and people on their way to work.
BIG
Claycots School, Slough
Small trunks, conversations
Across our community, something remarkable is growing.
Around 60 mini elephants are being created by 50 organisations, including 40 nurseries, schools and colleges, representing the creativity of more than 30,000 young people.
Care homes, Rotary clubs, sports teams and community groups are also taking part, each adding their own voice to the herd.
Every small trunk carries a big story, as people of all ages design and share their elephants as part of Trunks across the Thames.
But this is about more than art.
At Thames Hospice, we know conversations around grief, loss and care can feel difficult, especially for young people. That’s why our learning programme, sponsored by Maidenhead Golf Club, works with schools and community groups to gently open up these discussions.
Through carefully designed resources, we are helping teachers and families create safe spaces to explore feelings, ask questions and begin to address ‘the elephant in the room’.
Because this trail isn’t just about elephants.
It’s about giving a new generation the confidence to talk openly, support one another, and understand that even the smallest voices can lead to the biggest conversations.
Derek Smith Director and Club Captain
Our Learning Partner
Maidenhead Golf Club
We see this as being really important because it reaches into the community through schools and children and it’s going to help them to learn and understand more about life-limiting diseases and bereavement. We look forward to this being the first seeds in a programme of education that reaches not just within the immediate area, but something that can develop and resonate across the country.
The largest primary school in the country, Claycots School, is proudly taking part in Trunks across the Thames, bringing hundreds of pupils into the project.
This felt like exactly the kind of project we needed, something that brings our whole community together while supporting the Hospice. It’s such a positive thing for our children to be part of.
Every year group, from nursery to Year 6, has contributed through handprints, and we’ve included our school values, kindness, curiosity and respect, in a range of languages spoken across our community, including Arabic, Romanian, Turkish and Spanish.
Sajida Kauser
Art & Design Lead
Bishopsgate School, Windsor
A leading independent prep school in Windsor, Bishopsgate School is inspiring its pupils to explore creativity, compassion and community through Trunks
the
I think it’s really important for schools and hospices such as Thames Hospice to work together, because we all serve families. It’s important for us to be speaking the same language, so young people can understand and navigate difficult experiences more confidently.”
“The idea of Trunks across the Thames gives enormous accessibility to children. It’s fun and engaging, but it also helps those who have experienced grief feel supported and understood.
Community & Schools map
across
Thames. Peter Thacker Headmaster
ories. Each person had a
Add a name in memory of someone special and create a lasting dedication to your loved one.
Thames Hospice is proud to deliver our very first public art trail across Slough and Windsor this summer, from the 13 July to 13 September 2026.
We are delighted that Daisy the In Memory Elephant, is part of the herd. Add your dedication onto this beautiful sculpture that will return to Thames Hospice after the trail.
Daisy is designed and painted by the wonderful artist Simon Pink. He explains Daisy’s story:
Under a vast blue sky, delicate daisies symbolise hope and renewal. Their gentle presence, wisdom and strength mirrors the uplifting spirit of Thames Hospice, where care and compassion bloom daily.
These symbols weave a story of comfort and continuity, where nature, nurture and humanity meet. The daisies and sky embody peace, while the elephant stands as a guardian of love, dignity and remembrance.
unique story and each story touched Hope’s
How to dedicate a name
You can dedicate a name online at www.thameshospice.org.uk/inmemory-elephant
For further enquiries about Daisy, contact our In Memory and Legacy team on 01753 848924 or email InMemory@thameshospice.org.uk
Did you know?
A group of elephants is called ‘a memory’
We are proud to be working in partnership with Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors
“Supporting Daisy the In Memory Elephant for Trunks across the Thames feels a very natural partnership for us. At Lodge Brothers, remembrance is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to stand alongside Thames Hospice in creating something so meaningful. Following the art trail, Daisy will make a permanent home in the beautiful grounds of the Hospice, offering a gentle and lasting tribute to those no longer with us, with the names of loved ones forming part of this special memorial.”
Crossing the River Thames, she continued her journey,
A trail for the whole community
Just as the trail connects both sides of the River Thames, so too does our care.
This is where Hope crosses from one place to another, meeting people where they are and walking alongside them through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Our Hospice colleagues are proud to be part of this - local people caring for local people, every day.
Creating together
Our Hospice team recently became part of the trail’s creativity when Nelly, one of our herd, came to visit.
Designed by local artist, Luke Crump, Nelly was created as a shared piece of art, inviting staff, patients and families to contribute to her design.
Some of our teams took moments out of their day to add their marks. As they painted, conversations naturally turned to the people we care for, and the wonderful communities we are proud to serve.
Every mark adds a little joy and personality,” Luke explains. “She celebrates creativity, kindness and togetherness. Life is beautiful when we create together.
Care without borders
For our clinical teams, inclusive care is part of everyday practice.
Shirlie Nicoll, from our night team, came in especially to take part. She says the experience reflects the values at the heart of the Hospice.
Our doctors echo this commitment.
“Good hospice care starts with listening,” one explains. “Understanding culture, faith and family life helps us provide care that truly fits the person. Hospice care should feel accessible and welcoming to everyone.”
A community we walk alongside
That sense of connection continues beyond the time we care for someone.
Shirlie speaks warmly about Light up a Life, our annual memorial event, where families come together to remember loved ones.
Be part of it
This is your invitation – not just to visit, but to get involved now.
Follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates.
• trunksacrossthethames
• trunksacrossthethames
• trunksacrossthethames.co.uk
Download the Trunks across the Thames app when the trail goes live to access the map.
“We don’t discriminate in who we care for or how we care for them,” Shirlie explains. “We meet patients and their families where they’re at and walk alongside them, whatever their background, beliefs or circumstances.”
“It’s incredibly special to see families again,” she says. “You can really feel that connection; people we have cared for and continue to support.”
Trunks across the Thames reminds us that care, like the River itself, flows through time, crossing boundaries, reaching across generations, and continuing to offer comfort wherever and whenever it is needed. When care crosses borders, hope follows, and everyone belongs.
• Be part of the excitement as the herd arrives.
• Share your photos. Tell your friends, neighbours and colleagues.
• The more people who take part, the greater the impact we can make, together.
Thames Hospice has been supporting
Shirlie Nicoll from our night team
Left: Some of our Doctors in Hindi meaning we are together
Hope met countless people, each with a new tale,
Meet
some of the artists
Internationally acclaimed artist and author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Charlie Mackesy, is contributing to the Trunks across the Thames summer art trail by designing and hand-painting one of the elephants. His work, known for its compassion and ability to make people feel less alone, reflects the very heart of Thames Hospice’s mission.
Hello. I’ve discovered Thames Hospice plays such a compassionate and vital part of many lives, giving dignified end-of-life care to patients and their families so they never feel alone. They offer kindness, comfort, hope and connection - my favourite things - and need support, which is why I am happy to play a part in their Trunks across the Thames summer art trail.
Meet our mini elephant Miles, part of the project’s schools initiative, designed by Alison Partridge.
Alison’s journey with Thames Hospice began as a customer and volunteer, where her love of creativity and community inspired her to get more involved. Now Head of Finance Management at the Hospice, she has combined her professional skills and artistic talents to make a real difference to the work of the organisation.
I wanted to make something fun and inspiring for students. I was given a little green elephant that was going to be travelling around so I gave him some mismatched trainers with a logo that spelt ‘Kind’ from one side and ‘Care’ from the other. From there, it grew into this colourful design full of hearts, flowers and hidden elephants with big expressive eyes. The messaging was also very important so his blanket was decorated with the words ‘Elephants never forget’ and ‘I will carry you for miles’, symbolising how loved ones are never truly lost, but instead are carried with us in our hearts wherever we go. The experience was as delightful as it was creative. It was an absolute joy to work on, and I feel very proud to be part of such a fantastic event.
The vibrant leaves and flowers on Hope represent a vision of life and the uncertainty we all experience. While the monuments I featured were very neat, life isn’t always like that, and I wanted to reflect this on Hope.
Hope, our striking elephant sculpture, is the star of the trail, brought to life by talented tattoo artist Jess Garrett, a Burnham native with a strong connection to the Hospice. Symbolising compassion and stability, Hope reflects the care we provide while celebrating the shared heritage of Slough and Windsor. Jess wove together local landmarks and history, highlighting favourites like Windsor’s crooked house and Slough’s claim to the modern wheelie bin, using the curve of the River Thames along the elephant’s trunk to unite the design.
Charlie Mackesy
Alison Partridge
Jess Garrett
Hope’s journey became marked by 30 beautiful
The power of the herd
Across Windsor, Slough and beyond, organisations of all sizes are coming together to be part of Trunks across the Thames.
From local businesses to national partners, each one is helping bring our trail to life, supporting the elephants you will discover, the experiences along the way, and the conversations the trail will inspire.
Like every part of the herd, they each bring something different. But together, they are helping create something much bigger.
For many, their reason for getting involved is deeply personal.
“Mum was in the Hospice in early 2025, and they made an incredibly difficult time so much easier. They took away all the worry, the fear, and the anxiety.
When I heard about Trunks across the Thames, I knew we had to be involved. We want the public to laugh and smile when they see our elephant, just like I did during my time with Mum at the Hospice. We shared so many lovely, special moments together, even when sadness and tears could have taken over. That’s the feeling I hope this sculpture brings.”
elephant sculptures across Windsor and Slough.
Amazon and Iron Mountain Data Centers, our headline partners, are supporting Trunks across the Thames, helping bring people together and encouraging moments of reflection and connection.
“The elephant sculptures strike a powerful range of emotions within people, as does the cause behind them. The instant I heard about the trail, I reached out to my colleagues at Iron Mountain Data Centers and said, ‘we need to get involved in this’. They all agreed and here we are!
“We hope the trail will help people of all ages to talk about the elephant in the room and open the door to honest and supportive discussions, whilst shining a light on Thames Hospice and the amazing work that they do”
We’re proud to be working with organisations across our region who are helping bring Trunks across the Thames to life. A huge thanks to our supporting partners - we couldn’t do this without you.
“Creativity has the power to bring people together, and that’s exactly what Trunks across the Thames will do. We’re thrilled to be a headline partner for this incredible public art installation. Thames Hospice does extraordinary work in this community, and we’re excited to help bring their mission to even more people this summer.”
Stuart Ashley
Adam Gilio Senior Partner at Maidenhead Aquatics
Senior Data Center Operations Manager at Iron Mountain Data Centers
Alanah King Head of Major Gifts Thames Hospice
Carley Graham Garcia Principal, Worldwide Community Engagement at Amazon
Get ready to follow the herd - our high streets are about to go wild!
As part of our unforgettable elephant trail, a trunkful of our shops will be packed trunk-to-tail with delightful goodies, perfect for explorers of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a small gift, there’s plenty to discover along the way.
What’s in store?
The welcome face of the Reading Superstore
For many customers, Debbie is the first friendly face they meet at the Reading Superstore, setting the tone for their visit.
She started volunteering a year ago and quickly grew into her role, now working as Booking Line Coordinator and managing furniture donations from the reception desk.
After time as a stay-at-home mum, Debbie was ready for a new challenge. “It felt like the right time to do something for myself,” she said. “The flexibility of volunteering really sold it to me.”
With a background in administration, volunteering helped rebuild her confidence and ease her back into the world of work.
Wander the trail and treat yourself or the little ones to our elephant-inspired treasures at these stores:
Can’t visit in person?
Simply scan the QR code to shop online.
We’re always looking for furniture in good condition including sofas, bedroom sets and tables and chairs. “As soon as items arrive on the shop floor, they sell straight away, so it’s a busy, hectic role but I love it.
If you have furniture, you no longer need, both our Reading Superstore and Maidenhead Homestore would like to take it off your hands and give it a new home. We’re looking for items such as: A whole parade of treasures Exclusive Trunks across the Thames Top Trumps cards ® Sticker books to spark creativity Tea towels with tons of character
Now at the heart of the Superstore’s daily operations, Debbie works closely with the drivers’ team, coordinating daily schedules for collections and deliveries.
She manages all furniture donations, assessing whether items are suitable for resale or upcycling before coordinating collection and delivery times.
Find out more and arrange your free collection here: www.thameshospice.org.uk/ furniture-collection
Upcoming events
There’s plenty to look forward to across our community in the months ahead. Get involved, show your support, and be part of something special!
Royal Windsor Flower Show
Visit our show garden and be among the first to see an exclusive preview of one of the elephants from Trunks across the Thames, designed by internationally acclaimed artist and author Charlie Mackesy.
Thames Hospice Open Water Swim
June
July
It’s not too late to sign up and put your trunks on for a refreshing dip in beautiful Bray Lake.
With distances to suit all abilities, this is a fantastic way to challenge yourself while supporting local hospice care.
An evening with The Royal Harmonics
Join us for a memorable evening of music with The Royal Harmonics, a renowned male chorus as they bring to life favourites from pop, jazz & swing, barbershop, gospel, and songs from the shows.
Trail live to 13 July
The Sunflower Walk brings people together in the most meaningful way, to walk, reflect and remember. This year, seeing the elephants along the route will make those shared moments even more special, so do capture them and share your memories along the way.
Claire Redrup Head of Public Fundraising
13 Sept For those who follow Hope’s path, the journey is a chance to see the world through her eyes,
The Sunflower Walk is stomping back for 2026!
Our Sunflower Walk returns this September and, once again, we’d love you to join us for a walk to remember.
Starting and finishing at the Hospice, this much-loved event invites you to follow your feet (and your trunk!) along one of our scenic routes.
Our first-ever public art trail brings a vibrant herd of beautifully designed elephant sculptures to streets, parks and public spaces across our community, raising vital funds for Thames Hospice.
Whether you choose a gentle 2.5k stroll around beautiful Bray Lake, a 10k stomp around Dorney Lake, or the more challenging half marathon along the Thames to Windsor and back, there’s something for every pace. No need to have a memory like an elephant for directions, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
The atmosphere on the day is always full of warmth and support, and this year there’s an extra reason to feel excited. Walkers will pass some of the elephants from Trunks across the Thames on their final day on display, a chance for a little herd spotting along the route!
So, whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one, taking on a personal challenge, or simply enjoying the beautiful waterside views, we’d love you to be part of it.
Scan to find out more
Get involved
If you’re interested in any of our events, or thinking of organising your own, we’d love to hear from you. www.thameshospice.org.uk/upcoming-events events@thameshospice.org.uk
Tickets here:
After 20 years of running his own business, Michael decided it was time for a change.
Having also spent time caring for a close family member, he was looking for a role with purpose, and Thames Hospice felt like the perfect fit.
He had already built a connection with the organisation as a regular donor. “I’d always donated to my local Thames Hospice store and loved the staff there,” he says. “It just felt like somewhere I wanted to be.”
After a short spell at the Dedworth store, Michael has now taken on the role of Assistant Manager in Maidenhead, where his days are busy and varied.
“One of the key parts of my day is processing donations,” he explains. “That involves meeting customers, talking to them about what they’ve brought in, handling Gift Aid, and then sorting items
is valuable, each experience
Meet
Michael
the new Assistant Manager at our Maidenhead High Street store
ready for the shop floor. It’s constantjust as one customer leaves, someone else is coming through the door.”
He is continually impressed by the generosity and organisation of the local community.
I’m always amazed by our customers, “who donate such good-quality items, from clothing to homeware such as crockery and glassware. So many come in with their Gift Aid labels already prepared, which makes everything much easier.
Michael’s role goes far beyond donations. His day also includes serving customers, creating visual displays, and supporting the 51 volunteers who play a vital role in the store.
But above all, it’s the people who make the role special. “I love the social interaction,” he says. “You meet such a wide range of people every day, and that’s a big part of what makes the job so rewarding.”
What we love to sell in our stores
By donating thoughtfully, you can help us make an even bigger impact.
Find out more of what we can and can’t accept by scanning the QR code a brushstroke in the colourful canvas of life.
You can drop off your donations at any of our 21 stores when they’re open. Find your local store and opening times at www. thameshospice.org. uk/find-a-shop
Paired curtains
Throws & cushions
Modern, contemporary pictures
Electrical items (with the CE mark & still work)
Are you a UK taxpayer? Then say yes to Gift Aid!
When you donate items at our stores, if you are a UK taxpayer, then we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 your items sell for and it won’t cost you a thing.
It’s one small yes that makes a huge difference!
Last year, our stores raised over through Gift Aid, helping fund more than 2,000 home visits by our nursing team.
£400,000 Thank you!
Meeting with purpose
Flexible meeting spaces for every event
Looking for the perfect venue for your next meeting, training session, community activity, or special event?
Our Education Centre, Cafe by the Lake and Reading Superstore are available for private hire and offer a versatile, state-of-the-art space. Inspiring settings designed to help your event succeed, while directly supporting your local Hospice.
Whichever space you choose, we can provide beautiful surroundings paired with delicious, high-quality catering to make your event truly stand out.
Spaces that work around you
From corporate meetings and training sessions to workshops and community events, our flexible facilities can be tailored to suit your needs and are also available to hire in the evenings.
We all had a wonderful session and felt so welcomed throughout. The setting was perfect, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to connect in such a beautiful building.
Corporate Affairs Team Boehringer Ingelheim
Award-winning, modern facilities
Built in 2020, our award-winning Hospice combines contemporary design with full accessibility and functionality, all surrounded by nature to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere for your event. Our Reading Superstore also offers a variety of versatile spaces, suited to different event types and group sizes, ensuring the perfect setting for every occasion.
To arrange a viewing or learn more about hiring our different venues, please contact: Denise Nandan
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
d.nandan@thameshospice.org.uk
01753 848942
Every purchase makes a difference
When you shop with Thames Hospice on eBay, you're not just buying preloved treasures, you're helping us provide vital care for people facing life-limiting illnesses in our local community.
