Dear Friends
Linda's Story...
Linda lives in Leeds. Her Mum was Kate Raymond and she died in
St Wilfrid's Hospice on April 19th 1989 .Linda remembers lots of travelling between Leeds and West Sussex when her Mum had an operation in Midhurst. Sadly Kate's condition became terminal and she wanted to come into the Hospice. Worried about the travelling and desperate to stay with her Mum, Linda was overjoyed to be offered the sofa bed in the quiet room so that she could stay in the Hospice with Kate. She felt it was like living in the most comfortable, homely place, being embraced by the companionship of the staff, who were all so happy
Linda remembers special things like her Mum feeling like the Queen Bee because she'd had her hair done, and the nurses bringing in lace making boards because they'd noticed a lace angel in her room and knew it was special to her.
She laughs at the memory of a particular day when one of the nurses was leaving to go to pastures new. The other nurses on the shift filled up a bath with water, syrup, oats and tissue paper and, having dunked her in it, then pushed her round in a wheelchair for all to see. The joke was enjoyed by all, and especially by Linda and Kate.
When an old friend of Linda's from Bosham came to visit, Matron Pat Camilleri used to say to her, take Linda out for a glass of wine. The little break from her Mum's bedside did her the world of good and when her final night came, Linda slept on the floor in her room and was with her at the end.
Linda will always be grateful for the care that her Mum received at St Wilfrid's Hospice.
Berts Story...
Bert's wife, Meg, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2003. The Clinical Nurse Specialist visited her regularly, building up a good relationship with St Wilfrid's. Meg came into the Hospice for respite care for two weeks in 2004 and again in June 2005, before being admitted in December of that year where she stayed for six weeks until her death on 22 January 2006. Both Meg and Bert got to know the staff very well in that time, as did Jack, their boxer dog, who was allowed to visit and brighten Meg's days. Meg's smile captivated everyone, including Doctor Colin who often remarked as he came into the room – ‘You've got that smile again!' Bert remembers Gloria, the Housekeeping Manger, as being especially fond of Meg, and Brenda, the chaplain, who blessed their golden wedding on Christmas Eve 2005. Meg was delighted when, knowing how much she loved and missed her garden at home, the nurses moved her to a particular room that overlooked the Hospice garden. Bert describes Meg as an empathetic person, always ready to help others. Bert was a policeman for 28 years in York and describes Meg as ‘being in the police force as well' such was her loyalty and support. It was there for him too when he managed two care homes followed by ten years care home management in Midhurst. They spent five years in Spain before moving to Bracklesham Bay in 1997, where they both busied themselves in the local community. Bert is very proud of his family. With his friend Dan Goddard, son Bill raised over £60,000 for four hospices with a 998 mile coast to coast cycle ride from Chichester to John O'Groats (fund-raising manager Sophie received a £15,400 cheque for St Wilfrid's) and granddaughter Samantha Wilson ran three half marathons whilst at Reading University raising £1000. Bert and Jack the boxer miss Meg very much. Jack looked for Meg for six months after her death, and still pricks up his ears if he sees a lady on her own out walking. Bert is a volunteer driver now in the community, helping others as Meg always did. He thanks St Wilfrid's Hospice for looking after her so well.
A relatives story...
"I had harboured a terrible fear all my life of facing the actual passing of a loved one. In the past months knowing this was inevitable as Glyn was now terminally ill, I received so many offers of help, a hand to hold or just to talk, but my helping hand came in the form of St Wilfrid's who gave me all the strength I needed to carry out my promise to Glyn to be with him all the way. Every single person was kind and understanding. I was just patiently and gently guided along through my tears and laughs, yes, I did laugh too, to what was the most serene and peaceful end. Words cannot express the comfort and gratitude for all the wonderful care given to Glyn and me. He was able to put his thumb up and say “Tops” which said it all when he was so very poorly. I know this will help me to face the future. Glyn has been a lovely man all his life and deserved the best which he certainly had. You are a true team and ‘pulled me out of a hole'." With so many, many thanks Glyn and Mags Jones
An attendee of Open House writes...
"If you are grieving it does help to talk and to come to Open House. You are able to open up and be listened to without judgement. You feel understood where you are coming from. Although it is helpful, it also hurts, but you need to release that hurt in order to be free; to be your own person and live again. At Open House we are able to share each others feelings and experiences. You find that when you focus on other peoples hurt and pain it makes you want to help them and so you feel better yourself"
Some comments from patients who have been receiving complementary therapies at St Wilfrid's...
I have been having Reiki at St Wilfrid's once a week now for several months - it makes me feel many different things and on the odd week I have been unable to have it it certainly show it, both body and soul. It relaxes me through the whole of my being. It helps calm my ever working mind. It also gives me an inner strength. It is a non intrusive therapy which could suit people who don't like 'touchy feely'. It is just wonderful and I and I'm sure others would miss it very much.As an inpatient and day hospice patient I find all the therapies well worth looking forward to. I got very tired and don't go out much. Reflexology is great; I get company and someone to talk to. Indian Head Massage I find wonderfully soothing and totally emptied my mind of worried thoughts.Aromatherapy beats any painkiller! Total body relaxation, great for painful muscles.
