Read 'The Challenge' below 'Our Story'

Our Story

On the 15 December 2011, after nearly a year of pain and suffering from Cancer related ill health, and after a number of short stays in QA, Eileen was admitted to The Rowans Hospice

From the first day in that establishment, we could feel the aura of complete calm and efficiency which only comes from dedication and professionalism. Eileen was immediately settled into her own on-suite room, both of us fussed over and made very welcome.

Visiting is allowed at any time which meant family members did not have to take time off from work to fit into the strict hospital regime. On Christmas Day afternoon, The Hospice allowed all our family (13 plus Tessa the dog) to use their Day Centre room and wheeled Eileen’s bed in for the get-together and present giving. It was a very poignant get-together as our son , granddaughter and our only great granddaughter had travelled from Holland, others from the West Country.

I have opted to jump out of a perfectly serviceable Aircraft at 10,000ft on the 8 September this year to raise money to allow this marvellous establishment to continue to give to other people the kind of care and dedication given to Eileen.

All I have to do is to memorise the name of that Indian ..... Gemolino ... or something, one has to shout as you leap into the void ...... it might take my mind off what will probably be happening below my belt.

Yours aye

Terry

The Challenge - The 8th September was a beautiful day in all respects. Fiona and I completed the SkyDive challenge and raised well over £1000 for The Rowans Hospice between us and the weather was perfect.

The aeroplane ride was a little cramped, no air hostess or mid-flight meals -in fact no seats.

As I fell out of the plane, terra-firma seemed a long way down (about 2 miles) so I was rather hoping someone – or something would slow me down before I hit. I was given some tips ... cross your feet so when you hit the ground you screw yourself in and they can get you out with a spanner.

Once the canopy opened, the harness felt a little uncomfortable but 5,000ft up is no place to slip out of it to adjust. Oh well! Grin and enjoy the descent. The view was marvellous and we did a couple of spirals so I got an all round view.

All day (we took off about 1400) I had been watching perfect, smooth ‘swan type’ landings. Because of the maladjusted harness my landing looked more like a Gooney Bird on speed. It probably dented my instructors pride but no one was hurt –I did overhear another instructor remark “the roller will be needed to flatten out the landing strip”

A dinner at The White Swan Hotel in Eastleigh on the way home ended a perfect day.

Thank you all once again for your generous donations.

Yours aye

Terry

Eileen was finally laid to rest in the Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery,

Clayhall Road. Gosport. (Plot ‘N’)

1600 Tuesday 17 April 2012

Our thanks to all who attended the Crematorium and to the donations given to

Rowans Hospice which finally totalled £750.00

God has called back one of his angels

but you will always be in our hearts.