Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Mum knows how quickly we lost her. 

Mum spent months with shoulder and back pain, going to the Doctors and receiving misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis. These included a Vitamin D deficiency, trapped nerve and 'wear and tear'. She was shockingly also told that "it wasn't anything sinister". The final time Mum visited the GP on Monday 27th January, they suggested that physiotherapy could possibly be of benefit to her. On Friday 31st January 2020, Mum went to A&E when the pain became just too much. After 2 CT scans, a nurse sat us in a room and explained that she had shadowing on her lungs, spine, and shoulders. One week later, Mum returned to the hospital to be told that she had cancer which had spread to her bones, and because of the extent of the spread, was incurable. Pain management and maintaining her quality of life were the only available options. When Mum was given this news her first reaction was "what about my girls?".

After one session of radiotherapy, things went downhill fast. Mum managed one week back at home but after losing sensation in her legs was admitted to St James'. An MRI scan showed that Mum's spine was crumbling and we were told that no further treatment could prevent this. 

Mum's aim was always to come home. She was a fighter and all she wanted to do was get back to see her Grandaughters. She didn't want them to think of her as 'poorly'. She wanted to be home and be the fun Grandma she always was. Unfortunately the aggressive nature of the cancer meant things progressed quickly. The pain was unmanageable and the staff were unable to meet her needs. After 2 weeks at St James', Mum was fortunate enough to be given a bed at Wheatfields Hospice.

The difference in care at Wheatfield Hospice from St James' could not have been further apart. Mum was greeted at Wheatfields by professional, friendly faces who put her needs first. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Whether this was a simple cup of tea, taking her out to the garden or making sure her meal was something she could eat. 

Over the week Mum spent there, she was inundated with visitors. Family could visit whenever they liked and Wheatfields warmly welcomed the four noisy girls, desperate to see their Grandma.  Every single member of staff showed the utmost care and compassion for Mum and endless support for the family. She could not have been in better hands. Sadly, Mum only got one comfortable week here. 

Mum was treated with dignity and respect. In her final hours, the staff made sure she was as comfortable as possible. For this we will be eternally grateful.  On Wednesday 11th March 2020 at the age of 58, less than 6 weeks after her diagnosis, Mum passed away surrounded by her family. 

Mum didn't get the big send off she deserved and restricted numbers at her funeral meant that we were unable to raise a sizeable donation for Wheatfields. The girls have continuously asked to raise money for the place that cared for their Grandma Sandra so well but until now have been unable to do so due to current restrictions. We thought the Memory Walk would be the perfect opportunity.

On Saturday 17th October, Naia, Peggy, Florence and Quinn will be completing the 7-mile Meanwood Valley Trail in memory of their beloved Grandma Sandra. Wheatfields relies purely on charitable donations and due to the pandemic are severely underfunded.

Any donation, however small, could be the difference in this amazing place staying open and providing this special care. Please give what you can.   

"They are helpful, kind and caring people who look after poorly people. I miss Grandma and I think she would be very proud of us doing this walk to raise money. We would make Grandma very happy."  

                                                                                                              Peggy

"They make people feel comfortable and safe when they are ill so please donate."

                                                                                                               Naia