My story:

On the 22nd March 2013 my Mum passed away after a long and brave fight against cancer. Diagnosed primarily with ovarian cancer in 2009, over the next 4 years she fought and won her battle 3 separate times, the 4th time it was just too much for her and she lost her fight, though not without her grit and determination showing through right to the end.

Cancer was not something she was prepared to just be beaten by, she would have taken any drug, medcine or treatment if it meant she could have lived a little longer. In the end despite her valiant attempts, cancer sadly claimed her life and devastated our family, as it does thousands of others each year.

Why Saint Michael's?

Between my Dad, my brother, Mum (of course) and I with the help of our GP and the MacMillan nurses, we made the heart-breaking decision that she would benefit from palliative care, we knew that Saint Michael's offered the dignified care she needed so that she had the best possible end to her life. We just couldn't offer that level of care at home, and we could stay with her constantly at the hospice and help to care for her. 

Nurses visit and pop in to check, turn, clean, hydrate, feed and administer pain relief as often as is needed. They would chat if you wanted, leave you in peace if you wanted. Questions, tears, anger, upset, they dealt with it all calmly and sympathetically. All of my Mum's pain relief, medicines, food, bedding & personal care, was provided by Saint Michael's. Without donations & sponsors they couldn't continue this vital work and the benefits it provides to patients and thier families.

A few examples:

It can be hard to understand where fundraising money goes... here are a few examples of where your sponsor money will be used by Saint Michael's.

£2 provides personal care items to help patients in bed feel fresh and clean, £2 provides a few hours, £10 would maybe last for a day, providing dignity for the patient.

£5 provides a patient with essential medical supplies to reduce suffering and improve quality of life for a few hours. In the last week of her life my Mum was on constant pain relief to make her comfortable.

£45 could help fund a one-to-one bereavement session for families or family members in despair.

In the end Saint Michael's gave my Mum the dignity and relief she needed, and the support that we needed as a family.

On behalf of my Dad, my brother and myself - we are eternally grateful for their care and support and for being there when we needed them most.

This year I hope to complete the Great North Run, my first half marathon. Please give all you can in terms of sponsorship in memory of my Mum, Jackie. This will help me to give Saint Michael's something in return and inspire me to achieve my goal. Thank you for your support.

Sarah, (aka Hugs) x

 

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