West Yorkshire Business Fundraising for a Second Cuddle Bed at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice

It’s a thought that many people would rather not think about, but what if someone special in your life was nearing the end of their journey? What would truly matter in those last precious moments? Would it be big things, or the simple, comforting touch of a loved one? A West Yorkshire business has been thinking deeply about this, and has now stepped up its fundraising efforts for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, all to provide more special beds that offer immense comfort, closeness, and dignity to patients and their families.

Giving a gift of closeness at the end of life

This inspiring story comes from OPM Group, a local West Yorkshire business. They've seen firsthand the amazing impact of a specialist cuddle bed at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope. In fact, after seeing how much it helped, they now want to fund a second cuddle bed. It’s about making those final days as peaceful and meaningful as possible. Think about it: a cuddle bed isn't just any bed; it's designed to be wider, giving patients the chance to snuggle up with their partner, have grandchildren climb in for a story, or even let their beloved pets curl up beside them.

Susan Ellison, one of the directors at OPM Group, visited the hospice to see the first cuddle bed her company helped fund at the end of 2025. That experience deeply moved her. She mentioned, “It really comes down to one question – how would you like to spend your last week? A cuddle bed gives people the chance to make those last wishes possible, whether that’s having your grandchildren climb in beside you, sharing a bed with your partner, or even having your pets curl up with you. Those moments matter more than anything.” It really highlights the profound need for this kind of support during such a vulnerable time.

More than just snuggles: the practical benefits too

But the cuddle bed isn't just about emotional closeness and comfort for the families and patients. It also offers some very real, practical benefits that help the brilliant caregivers at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. Susan Ellison also pointed out, “Seeing the cuddle bed at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, it was realised how many people benefit alongside the patient and their family and friends. The bed also helps their nurses and caregivers when it matters. They can weigh someone without moving them, give medication more easily, and if a patient is surrounded by family, it frees the care team to spend more time with people who don’t have people around them to support during their last days.”

This means the dedicated nurses and caregivers can provide even better palliative care. Nurse Megan Houldsworth from Sue Ryder mentioned the huge medical benefits. She explained how the larger size means patients have more space to feel safe and secure, and it allows medical staff to weigh patients accurately without needing to move them. This crucial information helps greatly with prescribing medications and nutritional support. It sounds like a simple bed, but its impact on both the emotional and physical well-being of service users is massive.

A personal connection and community commitment

For Susan and Chris Ellison, directors of OPM Group, their support for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice isn't just a corporate gesture; it's a deep community commitment woven with a very personal connection. Chris Ellison was born in Keighley, and the family’s original factory was located there. Because of this, the hospice has always been a significant part of their story in West Yorkshire.

However, the connection goes even deeper, touching their personal lives. Chris Ellison sadly lost two brothers to cancer in their thirties, and one of them received care at Sue Ryder. Susan Ellison also lost her mum to cancer. These experiences have shown them firsthand the difficult journey families go through. Susan reflected, "When the journey families go through has been seen, it makes one realise that if a difference can be made, it should be." This powerful motivation drives their current fundraising for the second cuddle bed.

The idea that sparked it all

The whole idea to fund the first cuddle bed began quite simply, during a chat with Sue Ryder fundraiser Harriet Wood. Harriet had mentioned the idea of a cuddle bed possibly being an auction item at an event called the Coniston Challenge Day.

But OPM Group didn’t hesitate. Susan Ellison recalled, “It was said straight away that the first cuddle bed was something to be funded. The meaning it would have was already clear.” This quick decision led to the funding of the first cuddle bed at the end of 2025, which has since had such a positive impact on patients and their families at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. The success of this first bed has clearly motivated them to pursue the second cuddle bed to extend that vital comfort and closeness.

The ongoing impact at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice

Nurse Megan Houldsworth has seen the positive changes daily. She mentioned, “Working on the IPU for nearly four years now, seeing the impact that the cuddle bed has had on our service users is incredible. Being able to create a larger bed means patients have more space to feel comfortable and safe, as well as the opportunity for their loved one to join them if they wish. Having this option at the end of life brings a sense of normality and comfort.”

This support goes beyond just physical space; it’s about preserving a sense of normal life and dignity for patients at a very challenging time. Nurse Houldsworth expressed great gratitude to OPM Group for their continuous fundraising and support. She stated, “The staff at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice are very grateful to OPM for raising the funds for this bed, and even more grateful that they continue to support us. It has a hugely positive impact on both our service users and the staff here.” It really shows the profound difference one act of generosity can make.

Why donations are so important

Sometimes, people assume that because patients aren't charged for care at a hospice, these places are fully funded. But that's not always the case, especially for those 'above and beyond' touches that make such a big difference. Susan Ellison made a really important point about this. She explained that the hospice still needs to find the money for things that go the extra mile. For example, essential items like a cuddle bed, which offers incredible comfort and dignity at the end of life, rely on external fundraising and donations.

It’s often only when you or someone you care about needs the support of a hospice that you truly grasp how much help is needed. And by then, time is usually short. Sue Ryder is a palliative care and bereavement charity that relies heavily on the generosity of the community to provide these vital services. The money raised for a second cuddle bed directly contributes to this crucial support for patients and their families.

Join the challenge: fund a second cuddle bed!

Because of the enormous positive impact of the first cuddle bed, OPM Group has bravely launched a new challenge. Their goal? To raise £15,000 to fund a second cuddle bed at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. This amazing initiative, announced on Wednesday 18 February 2026, aims to bring that same level of comfort, closeness, and dignity to even more patients and their families during their end of life journey. Every little bit of support helps, making a real difference when it truly matters.

If you feel like helping this brilliant cause, donations can be made online. Just visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/opm-cuddlebed-manorlands. Imagine the impact of giving another family the gift of a final cuddle.