To get out of the deathbed for a few hours, to meet loved ones again, to fulfill one’s last wish: this is what many people in hospices dream of. The Malteser Hilfsdienste in Singen and Konstanz as well as the Caritas Singen-Hegau make it possible. They have launched the Herzenswunsch-Krankenwagen project – supported by pop singer Alexandra Hofmann.

Ms. Hofmann, why are you an ambassador for Herzenswunsch-Krankenwagen?

The project is particularly dear to my heart for two reasons. Firstly, I hope that together we can fulfill many wishes and dreams. Some people want to go home to see their whole family one last time in their familiar surroundings. Others want to go to Lake Constance again. Or to the football stadium. That sounds simple, but it isn’t. The trips are accompanied by two helpers, at least one of whom is a trained paramedic, so that the necessary medical care is guaranteed in the event of an emergency.

And the second reason?

The Heart’s Desire Ambulance is a valuable service that not only makes the patient’s dreams come true, but also helps their relatives during this difficult time. Nobody likes to deal with this issue. That’s why it’s important that there are such wonderful volunteers who create such special moments. I’m happy to be able to support them.

What are your goals as an ambassador?

As an ambassador, I want to wake people up. People, don’t wait until the last minute to make your wish come true! Fulfill your dreams now! Don’t put life off until later! We don’t know when later is.

What dreams do you fulfill?

It’s been my lifelong dream to see the Northern Lights and whales. This dream could come true because I’m going on a cruise to Norway this month. With a bit of luck, I’ll be able to see the Northern Lights.

Your annual vacation?

No. As always, we were in Brandnertal with the family, including the dog. The cruise will be a fan trip. In addition to my performances, I spend a lot of time with my fans. I have breakfast with them, we go on trips together, do morning exercises together, I explain my five Tibetans and so on. That is something very special for me: spending time with my fans. The daily contact grounds me. And then I might even see the northern lights and whales. Perfect!

Let’s talk about your music. At the beginning of the year you were a candidate for the German preliminary round of the Eurovision Song Contest, but were not accepted by NDR. Are you trying again now?

(laughs) At the moment it’s the opposite of the last time I applied. Back then I really wanted to take part, but my management was against it. Now my management really wants me to apply. I’m still undecided.

Why?

For me it was a fun project. I never thought that the media attention would be so great. I have been on stage for 35 years. In all that time I have never been reported on as much as after the announcement of my ESC candidacy. That was really crazy and fit in perfectly with my last year. I don’t know yet whether it fits in with me now.

Because if you are not taken it could be interpreted as a defeat?

The media might interpret it that way, but for me that wouldn’t be a defeat. Quite the opposite. I say: whoever has the courage to try something new can only win. Even if not everything works out in the end.

So you are running?

I really don’t know yet. I’m a gut person. Last time I submitted my application two days before the deadline. Because I was interested in the project. It could be the same this year.

You released your new single “Ich seh’ grün” this week. In the video clip on YouTube you can see you on a swing in a dilapidated warehouse. Why?

I’m a big fan of lost places. I spent a long time looking for a location that would fit the song. We finally found the location near Krefeld. It’s about breathing new life into an abandoned place and, no matter what life throws at you, just making the best of it.

At the beginning of the year you decided to start out as a solo artist without your sister Anita. How is the order situation?

Turbulent. I was just allowed to record a TV show for the Black Forest series “Die Fallers” to mark their anniversary. There was an event with Otto Waalkes. I performed on the ZDF television garden. All last weekend! The new single has just been released. I’m planning my concert Christmas tour as a solo artist in December. Plus the heart’s desire project, which I’m doing on a voluntary basis, of course. Of course, the performance situation isn’t at the level of the duo yet, but that can’t be the case after such a short time. (laughs) But I’m definitely not getting bored.

Click here to watch the latest video “I see green” by Alexandra Hofmann

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQfpECnl1cE

Contact Herzenswunschwagen:

Anyone interested in the Heart’s Desire KTW can contact:

Malteser Hilfsdienst e. V., Friedrichstraße 23, 78464 Konstanz, Attn: Susanne Robitsch, Project Manager Heart’s Desire Ambulance, E-Mail: (email protected)