Vicky’s Story
Vicky Hick’s husband, Mark (known as Gigsy), was cared for at St Gemma’s during the coronavirus pandemic. Vicky shares her story:
“Mark was the life and soul of the party and loved by everyone who knew him. On the the 19th January we got the blow that Mark had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, it was terminal. The doctors said with palliative chemotherapy his prognosis was between 6-12 months.
“Mark was 44 years old, fit healthy, daddy to Olivia (13) and Charlotte (10) and my amazing husband. Our life was turned upside down in a minute. We tried as a family to make amazing memories but COVID-19 had other plans, so we hid ourselves away together as a family.
“My brave strong warrior put up an amazing fight against a cancer that was to be unbeatable.
“He was admitted to St Gemma’s Hospice on Wednesday 2nd September. I was allowed to stay by his side. The care and support we both received was so lovely. He was well cared for with dignity till his last breath. We only spent 2 days in the hospice. Mark passed away on Friday 4th September with me, his mum and his brother by his side.
“We collected at his funeral and raised £1,200 for St Gemma’s in memory of my amazing man.
“Me and the girls know we can get support from St Gemma’s along the way if things get too tough. I can’t thank them enough. God bless everyone who works there you are all angels.
“Mark is missed by so many but his memory will live on forever in his daughters. In a world where you can be anything #bemoregigsy. Stay strong, be positive, don’t moan or complain and love everyone like your best friend.”
To share your experience of St Gemma’s care, please visit www.st-gemma.co.uk/hospicestories/create