Through the marathon, Kimbilio aims at raising funds to help serve the community in Kipkaren where the hospice is situated and beyond.

Fundraising is a core area for hospices in Kenya and more important to Kimbilio given that all services offered at the facility are free of charge.

Present at the launch was Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA) board who held their board meeting in Eldoret to have a chance of visiting Kimbilio and have a feel of the great services offered at the facility.

The hospice is one of the two in the country that offer inpatient facilities and members of the board wished to witness the great stories told about Kimbilio.

The inpatient facility has 24 beds to offer its patients, both adults and children, with a home away from home ambience, run by compassionate people referring to patients as guests.

Some of the stable patients at the facility assist in taking care of other patients especially children to foster togetherness and support for each other.

Speaking about the hospice, KEHPCA Executive Director Dr Zipporah Ali said that most hospices in the country offer outpatient services and offering inpatient services makes Kimbilio unique.

Dr Ali said that most patients from Kipkaren, Eldoret and even out of the county find refuge in this inpatient hospice and it was important as the board to give them moral support as they launched their marathon.

“The hospice has partnered with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret where patients with life limiting illnesses from the hospital find a home at the hospice as well as the hospice staff carrying out hospital visits.” Dr Ali said.

She said that the community needs to own and support the hospice and not look for donors from outside since our people are the beneficiaries.

“Corporates, Individuals and groups need to come out in support of the care offered in Kimbilio and other hospices in the country.” Dr Ali said.

KEHPCA Board Chair Dr Brigid Sirengo said the work done at the hospice is tremendous and was happy to see the patients receive the care from passionate carers.

Board Member Mr. Faustin Mgendi said that the visit was encouraging given that it is situated in a rural area where palliative care services are much needed.

Mr. Mgendi said the patient stories are motivating adding that this is an eye opener and his prayer is that other hospices would emulate Kimbilio Hospice.

“The patient’s quality of life has changed and the location of the hospice is convenient as it reduces the distance patients would walk in search of palliative care facilities.” He said.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago promised to support the work of the Hospice by sending two government nurses to the facility to address the shortage of clinicians.

Madango said that he would harness the building of a bridge used by hospice patients to facilitate ease of movement of patients to and fro the hospice.

Kimbilio Hospice invites all to join Team Living Room to run and help adults and children at the Hospice to receive hope and freedom form pain.

The event will take place on 13^th October as a fundraiser as well as celebrating this year’s World Hospice Day.

Read more on Kimbilio Hospice Marathon.