Carol and Nikki brave the shave
Fundraising Stories
Late last year, as a family we were devastated to learn that our fun loving, caring, compassionate and prim and proper Momma had gall bladder cancer. From going to hospital with a bout of abdominal pain, just four short weeks later Momma grew her angel wings and passed over to meet her beloved husband, Terry who had passed unexpectedly in the summer.
During those short weeks, Momma’s health deteriorated rapidly and within two weeks, the Rotherham Hospice team were involved, firstly at home where Momma was living with my Ma’s and then in the last week at the Hospice itself.
The care and compassion the team provided to not just Momma but to all of us cannot go unrecognised. Each and every person who we came in contact with, from the domestics, volunteers, health care assistants, nurses and medics were absolutely outstanding. To think that in this day and age they solely rely on fundraising and donations to keep providing the outstanding care they do, baffles me.
During the final week when we were sat round Momma’s bedside in the Hospice, I said I was going to raise money for the Hospice, Momma said it had to be something drastic – typical Rita, a sponsored walk wasn’t enough for her. I said I would do a skydive however, even though I’m 32 years old my Ma said that I wasn’t allowed (quite possibly the only time I have listened to her!) as it was too dangerous. Typical of me, without thinking before I spoke, I said I would shave my hair off. For those that know me, I love my hair!! Momma was delighted at the idea of me raising plenty of money to help support the Hospice in what they do.
Not thinking much of what I said, a couple of days later when Momma was sleeping most of the time and had become quite incoherent I was sat at her bedside, with only the lights of the Christmas tree I had put up in her room, holding her hand listening to Christmas music, she turned to me and said ‘you will do it won’t you?’ Now I was thinking she was talking about making the meat and potato pie which she had repeatedly told us all how to make. So I said yes I’ll make it just how you told me to. She said, ‘No, shave your hair’, realising these would be the last words she ever said to me, I agreed.
The following day with most of us all around her, she closed her eyes one final time. In those dark hours, the team at the Hospice cared for us as you would never know and we cannot thank them enough for all they did for Momma and us. So please, I ask, can you donate to this wonderful cause, like us you just never know when you may need them. No matter how big or small the donation, every little helps.
On Wednesday 14th August, myself and my Ma braved the shave in Tesco, Drummon Street, Rotherham, with the help of the lovely ladies Wendi and Amy from The Cutting Edge Salon, Maltby, raising an amazing £1,348.06 for the Hospice.
How can you help?
There are many ways you can support us, whether it be through holding an event, playing in our lottery, volunteering, or donating!
