Scarborough Hospital has received its first 'cuddle bed' to offer comfort and closeness for end-of-life patients and their loved ones, following a successful community fundraising drive.
Scarborough Hospital has taken delivery of its first ever 'cuddle bed' thanks to the dedicated fundraising efforts of the local community throughout the year.
The York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity has thanked its supporters after the specialist equipment was successfully funded, offering comfort and closeness for patients and their loved ones at the end of life.
The specialist Palliative Care Team set themselves the ambitious challenge of raising enough money to fund the bed as part of the Autumn Project. The charity states that this is an initiative focused entirely on improving end-of-life care across the hospital Trust.
According to the charity, cuddle beds are specially designed to allow two or more people to lie together. This unique feature gives patients the chance to stay close to those who matter most to them. The organisation notes that the beds offer a simple but powerful way to provide comfort, dignity, and connection during the final days of a patient's life.
The bed has been introduced as part of the wider Autumn Project, which aims to create calm and supportive spaces for patients nearing the end of their lives, while also improving the consistency of care across the hospital's wards. Funding this initial cuddle bed is seen as an important step forward, with plans already in place to provide more across the Trust.
Costing around £15,000, the bed has already been used multiple times since arriving at Scarborough Hospital. Because the equipment is portable, it can be moved between various areas, including the Critical Care Unit and dedicated Autumn Rooms on the wards. The charity says this flexibility helps more families to benefit from its use.
The achievement has been made possible thanks to a wide range of fundraising efforts across the local community throughout 2025.
Highlights of the fundraising campaign include a skydive by palliative care clinical nurse specialists Cassie Halpin and Julie McHugh, who managed to raise more than £2,000. Meanwhile, student nurses completed a twenty-five-mile sponsored walk from Settrington Beacon to the Yorkshire Coast town of Filey, raising over £1,600 for the cause.
The charity also praised the incredible efforts of local supporters who dedicated their time to the project. Denise Byas raised more than £7,000 in memory of her husband Richard. Furthermore, Annie Sheppard has raised over £15,000 for the Autumn Project since 2020 through a variety of events, art sales, and raffles held in memory of her mum.
Denise Byas recently visited Scarborough Hospital to see the cuddle bed in place. During her visit, she met members of the Palliative Care Team and saw first-hand how the equipment is already supporting patients and their families during difficult times.
Emma Sargent, Fundraising Manager at York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity, said:
"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. If anyone is thinking about supporting a local cause, the Autumn Project is something you can really make a difference to."
The charity is now actively encouraging individuals, community groups, and businesses to get involved and support the next phase of the Autumn Project. The organisation says the next goal is to help fund an additional cuddle bed for wards across York.
Those wishing to find out more about the Autumn Project or to make a donation are directed to visit the York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity website.
Hospital Chiefs Explain Bridlington Care Unit Closure Plans
Deputy Mayor Praises Huge Surge In North Yorkshire Fire Safety Visits
Litter Lottery Sees Fines Vary on The Yorkshire Coast As New Powers Introduced In Scarborough And Whitby
Scarborough Athletic Chairman Warns Of Financial Challenges Despite Return Home
Anti-Fracking Group's Campaign 'Nowhere Near Over' Following Scarborough Gas Rig Rejection
Wild Camping Could Lead To £1,000 Fine On Yorkshire Coast
Scarborough Charity Launches Big Build Appeal For New Learning Disability Centre
Hedgehog Highways To Be Installed Across The East Riding To Protect Declining Species
Scarborough Maintenance Assistant Shortlisted For National Care Award
North Yorkshire Firefighters Meet Response Targets Despite Slower Times
Filey Lions Gear Up For Annual 10K Beach Race
Burniston Anti-Frackers: "The Fight Is Not Over Yet”
