Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Earlier in the year I had my first experience of a hospice; not massive in terms of contact time one which increased my awareness of their dedication to caring those who are about to die but perhaps more importantly supporting those who are left behind.

Brian Perkins my father in law has been diagnosed with prostate cancer some years ago; and he like  most thought ‘ah the disease that we die with; not of’.  But unfortunately last year the cancer leached into his bones with the result of one of the worst types of cancers in that it leaves your organs intact but attacks the structure that contains them.

The purpose of a hospice as we know is to offer sanctuary for those who are in the last few days/weeks of life; but St Catherine’s did more than that for Brian they took him in at a time when other methods of care at home and hospital had failed.  They provided him with the confidence to know that although his time was short it could have dignity and respect.  The staff were welcoming and supporting; and we all consistently giggled his pleasure of his early evening drink selection from the trolley; when his birthday arrived there were no end of friends and staff popping for a slice of cake all of which was fun and light; which is just what he needed.

In the end Brian needed to move on; and he did to another great home however it was St Catherine’s who effectively got Brian back onto an even keel after an horrendous time at the beginning of the year; making the last few months the best they could be; even now they provide weekly counselling to Joy his wife.

 

I am their planning on raising money by running the Great South Run on the 27 October to at least pay a little back to them; but certainly to say thank you. 

Any donation however small is very welcome.