Why donate to Mountbatten Isle of Wight in the Big Give Christmas Challenge?

We did it!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! 💛 211 generous donors raised over £38,634 to support Island families this Christmas, and we couldn't be more grateful for your kindness and generosity. 🙏

Your gift helps fund our 24/7 care across the Island.

Donate during Mountbatten Isle of Wight's Big Give Christmas Challenge (2 - 9 December 2025) and your generosity will support our expert teams who care for Island families around the clock: in their own homes, through our John Cheverton Centre community space, and on our inpatient unit in Halberry Lane, Newport.

Mountbatten Senior Carer, Laura Farr, sees the difference your generosity makes every day. “Our job is so much more than the physical care,” Laura explains. “It’s about making people feel like themselves again, even if just for a moment.”

Laura is part of the expert team that supported Theresa at home and on our inpatient unit, in the last months of her life. Theresa had a bucket list she was determined to complete, and Laura helped make it happen.

“It’s not in the job description,” Laura says, “but it’s what we do. We treat people how we’d want our own family to be treated.”

“It’s not in the job description, but it’s what we do. We treat people how we’d want our own family to be treated.”

— Mountbatten Senior Carer, Laura Farr.

One wish was to enjoy a cream tea with a dear friend who lived across the Island and couldn’t drive. Laura made it happen — making all the arrangements and collecting Theresa’s friend herself, so they could share a joyful afternoon together.

“When I told Theresa, she cried,” Laura recalls. “She said it made her feel normal, like she wasn’t dying.”

“When I told Theresa, she cried. She said it made her feel normal, like she wasn’t dying.”

Laura organised a cream tea for Theresa (seated left) to share with her friend.

On another day, when Theresa felt particularly low, the team put on Robbie Williams’ “Rock DJ” at full blast. Soon, Theresa was singing along, hairbrush in hand as a microphone — smiles and laughter replacing tears in minutes.

“We’re not just carers; we become part of their extended family,” Laura says. “I feel proud every time I put on the uniform. I’m proud to tell people where I work.”

For some of those we care for, this Christmas will be their last. With your donation, more people can spend their final Christmas with loved ones, supported by Mountbatten’s compassionate care.

Thank you for helping make moments that matter and supporting Island families this Christmas.