Josie’s story
Hello, my name is Josie and I’ve experienced first-hand the difference St Gemma’s makes to local families, especially over the festive season. I’ll always be grateful for the wonderful care my husband Graham received at the Hospice.
Graham was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 68. To begin with, he attended the Hospice Day Services once a week to help him manage his symptoms – that was a huge help to us both. Eventually, when Graham became very ill he was admitted to St Gemma’s In-Patient Unit. This was on 10th December, and it would be our final Christmas together. I’ll never forget the care and support my husband and our family received that Christmas.
Christmas Day at St Gemma’s started with a visit from Santa who brought Graham some lovely warm socks. Margaret, the cook, served a delicious Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, and the staff sang carols. With this story I’ve shared some of the photos we took, and you can see Graham in the pictures having a lovely time. Although he didn’t remember any of it on Boxing Day, those precious memories stay with our family and still mean so much to all of us today.
Graham passed away in the New Year at St Gemma’s with his family and dearest friends around him. During a very sad time, St Gemma’s helped our family to make the most of the festive season together. Eight years on, my grandchildren still have special memories of visiting Graham at St Gemma’s that Christmas. They loved the trees sparkling outside, the little elves from the gift shop, and taking Grandad for a walk round the gardens. The support we received was amazing, even after Graham passed away. Each of us still remembers how St Gemma’s helped us all.