“Heart’s Desire Hospice Mobile” Fulfilling Last Wishes in Bavaria’s Hof Region

From now on, a “heart’s desire hospice mobile” is on the road in the Hof region. The Hof district association of the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) is thus fulfilling visit wishes for people in the last phase of their lives, such as a trip to a family reunion, to a favorite place or to a sporting event. The rides are free and funded by donations.

25 volunteers fulfill wishes

“As sad as these assignments are, they are also fulfilling,” says Anja Walter, the honorary director of the project. So far, the team of 25 voluntary wish-fulfillers has accompanied children and adults to a coffee party or a wedding, for example. Regular ambulances were temporarily borrowed for this purpose.

The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund also operates such mobiles throughout Bavaria under the name “Wünschewagen”. Heart’s desire ambulances are also available from the Maltese.

Feel-good atmosphere in the ambulance

Thanks to the financial support of companies, clinics, doctors and private individuals from the Hof region, the BRK district association was able to have a used vehicle converted specifically to meet the needs of seriously ill passengers. In addition to an emergency kit and an oxygen device, the team attached great importance to a feel-good atmosphere, explains Anja Walte: for example, with a canopy of flowers on the vehicle ceiling, colorful cushions and a radio for the passengers’ favorite music.

Registrations can be made via the website of the BRK Kreisverband Hof. Short-term trips are also possible within a few days. “The earlier the wish is registered, the nicer the fulfillment of the wish,” says Anja Walter.