Pauline's Zoo Crew
Patient and Family Stories
Pauline's Zoo Crew bring the animals to her at Rotherham Hospice!
When Pauline came to Rotherham Hospice, her one wish was to take her whole family for a day out at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Sadly Pauline wasn’t well enough, so her family brought the zoo to her!
Pauline’s family set up a secret ‘Zoo Crew’ chat group to make sure the whole family could come and make Pauline’s wish come true. Everyone got involved in organising the big surprise, including Pauline’s 4 children and spouses Gavin & Katie, Simon & Donna, Craig & Paula and Steph & Lee, brother Paul, wonderful friend Lynn, plus the grandchildren!
For one sunny afternoon, the Rotherham Hospice Gardens were transformed into an ‘animal’ wonderland, complete with a zookeeper, polar bear, zebra, monkey, panda, snake, butterflies and more.
There was a surprise around every corner as Pauline toured the Hospice Gardens, followed by a picnic for the whole family.
Pauline: “I was very emotional and overwhelmed, that everyone did this for me.”
The family were hesitant at first about Pauline coming to the Rotherham Hospice In-Patient Unit. Son Gavin explains
“I thought it would be very clinical, and it would be difficult for us all to visit with the kids. But actually, the Hospice is a welcoming and peaceful place. And we’ve been able to make mum’s wish come true!”
Craig agrees, “The staff all do an amazing job, and we can’t thank them enough. In particular Kieran who has helped Mum with her anxiety by taking the time to sit with her and reassure her”. Staff at Rotherham Hospice were more than happy to help bring Pauline’s wish to life, and a little surprised themselves. It’s not every day you see an elephant in Rotherham!
Katie, Pauline’s daughter-in-law summed up “it’s been a special day our family will always remember.”
Rotherham Hospice is an independent charity and relies on the generosity of our supporters to raise the £3 million needed each year to keep providing vital end-of-life care to our local community. Find out more about how you can help Rotherham Hospice here.
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