Martlets

On Monday 3rd February our wonderful Gill passed away. She wanted to make sure the amazing charities that supported her so compassionately were given a spotlight on the work they do. It probably doesn’t surprise you that until the very end Gill was thinking of others. We’ve shared below Gill’s thoughts and feelings on Martlets Hospice.

“ When I was in the latter stages of my treatment Martlets was a service that joined up all aspects of my care which took away a lot of administration for me and Russ. It allowed quick and effective GP access, door stop delivery of drugs, and out of hours support.

It wasn’t just the logistical support they gave me but their primary goal was to ensure I was as physically and emotionally as pain free as possible. Whether that be managing the symptoms I was faced with on a daily basis or helping me determine what was important to me, my biggest fears, and how I articulate them.

At all times Martlets did this with love, care and compassion. I felt respected, safe and my care always felt personal. Nothing was ever too much and there wasn’t a time I met with them that I didn’t leave feeling more comfortable either physically or emotionally. To have this comfort when going through something so difficult made all the difference to my final months.

I have written into my end of life planning that I want to continue to support charities such as Martlets, Sussex Cancer Centre and Macmillan. They were beyond incredible at supporting me to be able to cope with treatment and when the wheels did fall off mine and Russ life, as they inevitably would, all these charities were there to catch us.

I appreciate that charity is also very personal so if there are other charities that you wish to donate to then I encourage that too.”

About Martlets Hospice

Martlets is a charity that cares for people living through a terminal illness in and around Brighton and Hove. Our care is only free thanks to the generosity of local people. Every donation you make will help us change lives.