Bo’s Story
As soon as Bo’s mum visited St Gemma’s for the first time, she was reassured that being admitted to the Hospice was the right choice for her. Bo shares her story of the care her mum received and the support that helped her and her dad through such a difficult time:
“When my mum was diagnosed our lives were shattered but St Gemma’s Hospice was there.
The first time we went to be shown around we couldn’t believe how friendly and cheery it was; Mum decided this was the place she wanted to pass.
Mum was only admitted to get on top of her sickness but St Gemma’s began to realise that it was more and advised us we didn’t have much time with her, so my Dad and I moved into a family room with a bed and a shower so we could rest and clean up while keeping a bedside vigil.
Without St Gemma’s we couldn’t have gotten through this dark time.
The night mum passed we just had a sixth sense that it was going to happen and instead of taking turns on a two-hourly basis, we both sat by her bed and held her hand. Mum passed that night. Although unbearable, St Gemma’s made it tolerable and was there for us every step of the way including a year of grief counselling for both my Dad and I.
Without St Gemma’s we couldn’t have gotten through this dark time and we still visit and take part in fundraisers five years on. We have copper leaves on the Tree of Life and glass bricks in the Wall Of Light and have been to Afternoon Teas, Summer Fairs, Midnight Walks and Exhibitions. My Dad was even in the exhibition celebrating 40 years of St Gemma’s in the community.
All I can say is: we love you St Gemma’s – you are part of our familiy now and that we can never thank you enough for what you did.”
To read more about the care St Gemma’s has provided to local families and to share your story, please visit www.st-gemma.co.uk/hospicestories