Angela’s Story: Give the Gift of ‘Cherished Memories’ This Christmas
Give the Gift of ‘Cherished Memories’ This Christmas: Angela's Story
This festive period might be the last for people in our care. Please donate today to help us fulfil their final wishes and add more life into every single day for our patients and their loved ones.
Our team at Rotherham Hospice make it their mission to give the gift of comfort and joy to those in our care every single day, but this Christmas they went above and beyond for Angela and her family…
Angela is a social butterfly, lovingly described by her family as ‘glamorous, crazy and funny’. Her life has always been full of colour and creativity – from her love of holidays, to being in the garden and crafting with her grandchildren. She treasures her trips to Filey, keeping her house pristine and eating cakes and egg custards. After running her own crafting business for years, she started working at Rotherham Civic Theatre where she became an invaluable member of the team. Her energy was infectious and her zest for life continues to inspire everyone around her.
This is why, when Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, it came as a huge shock to her and her family. She underwent treatment for the cancer and made a full recovery, but then in early 2024 she found out that the cancer was back, but this time it was CUP (cancer of unknown primary) and that it had spread to her lymph nodes. Determined to fight, she spent seven weeks receiving treatment at Weston Park and her family was relieved when the chemotherapy and radiotherapy seemed to have worked. But then in September, a routine check-up delivered Angela devastating news. The cancer had returned, this time having spread, and her diagnosis was terminal.
In October, Angela caught a sickness bug and by the end of the month, she arrived at Rotherham Hospice to manage her symptoms and build back her strength. From the moment she arrived, it was clear to the team at the hospice that Angela’s greatest wish was to continue enjoying special moments with her family. So, our staff got to work straight away. They made sure that the whole family could be together to watch the fireworks on bonfire night, and even managed to set up a special meeting with Santa so that Angela could share in the Christmas magic and joy with her treasured grandchildren.
And there was still one more wish for the hospice team to fulfil. For Angela, seeing her daughter Harriet get married to her partner Lee was non-negotiable. She was determined to be there to celebrate with her family and to walk Harriet down the aisle.
Lee had always planned to propose to Harriet towards the end of 2024 but when Angela received her terminal cancer diagnosis in September, he knew that it had to be sooner rather than later. He popped the question in October, and they set a wedding date for just four weeks later. That didn’t stop the pre-wedding festivities though… Angela, Harriet and their family enjoyed some fizz, cakes and games at the Hen Party thrown by the hospice team.
The following week, they were treated to a pamper session in our therapy room with massages, treatments and some much-needed tranquility as our kitchen staff created a decadent afternoon tea for Angela and Harriet to finish off a relaxing day before the big event. “We cannot express how thankful we are for the amazing experiences we’ve been given by the Hospice staff; spending quality time together and creating cherished memories.”
Thanks to the efforts of the staff at the hospice, Angela’s wish was fulfilled, and she was able to attend Harriet’s wedding on Sunday 17th November. She was right by her daughter’s side as she walked down the aisle, and nurses made sure that Angela’s pain was managed and that she had the correct accessible equipment to enable her to attend the whole day. After a beautiful ceremony and a day full of love and happiness, the family arrived back at the warm and welcoming hospice.
“We have never experienced care like it. We are so appreciative of the support given by every single member of staff. From the moment we stepped foot in the Hospice, we were made to feel so welcome and part of a loving family. The staff have ensured mum has spent her final days happy and we have created the most amazing memories.”
At Rotherham Hospice, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our patients, making every day as meaningful and fulfilling as possible. However, it is only because of generous donations from our supporters that we are able to ensure that the wishes and dreams of those we care for are not only heard but lived, creating lasting legacies of love, joy, and cherished memories.
This Christmas, please donate and help us give the gift of care to those we support both in the Hospice and at home.
Thank you so much for your support!
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Together we can ensure nobody faces terminal illness alone.
Santa’s Grotto – due to high demand this is by reservation only. 
