Malcolm and Kelly's story
Patient and Family Stories
For Malcolm & Sue and their daughter Kelly May 2018 – one year ago this month – was the month their World was turned upside down. May 2018 was the month Sue was given a terminal diagnosis. Soon after Sue’s diagnosis, the family thought about the Hospice but didn’t know what to expect. It was Sue’s daughter Kelly who strongly advised getting in contact with our team here, having had the experience of the care & support given when her husband’s Nan’s were looked after.
“It’s a place you think you’re going to go into and never come out” Malcolm says. But Sue took the leap and popped into our Day Unit and Malcolm tells us she absolutely loved it.
“Just to see the smile on Sue’s face knowing she was coming to the Day Unit at the Hospice was great”. The Hospice’s pick up and drop off service was a big help to the family, and Kelly tells us it allowed the family to have a break whilst knowing that Sue was being well looked after.
Eventually after a particularly stressful period, and a time that Malcolm says almost broke him, the family got in touch with the Hospice at Home team.
“From the first day the Hospice were brilliant. I found that if I had problems with medicines, the Hospice were always available and always helpful”.
The Hospice at Home team visited up to three times a day and provided necessary resources to ensure Sue’s comfort. Malcolm recounts how surprised and grateful he was that our Hospice at Home team popped round to the family home on New Year’s Day 2019 just to make sure everything was alright, and for a tea and a natter.
“Just knowing someone was coming round and the support we got was always amazing. Right up to the day that Sue passed away, the first place I thought to ring was the Hospice and within an hour, they were here, and had made sure Sue was comfortable.”
Sadly Sue passed away on the 2nd January 2019 surrounded by her loving family.
Since Sue’s diagnosis, Malcolm has been a wonderful supporter of the Hospice. You may have seen him at The Santa Dash, or at the Tree of Life open afternoon. If not, you will see him at this year’s Glow with the Flow…. He’s even taking on the Sky Dive later in the year.
Kelly still likes to visit the Hospice, visiting the nurses who cared for Sue, and even small things like seeing items in the shop that Sue had bought when she popped into Day Unit, all help Kelly to feel close to her mum.
It is because of our wonderful supporters like Malcolm & Kelly that Rotherham Hospice is able to keep providing the services that we provide.
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!
