Remember someone special this summer
We invite you to take part in our brand new Remembrance Ribbons appeal, to celebrate and remember someone special this summer.
Summer is a season of colour and joy, of bright skies, golden sunsets, and time spent with family and friends. For some, this summer will mark the first without their loved one. Below, Ellie shares the story of her beautiful mum, Susie, and why she is supporting our Remembrance Ribbons appeal.
Ellie’s story:
“Mum was joyous about everything. Giggly, goofy, and full of beans, she had the best giggle. She was endlessly kind, always putting others first, and had a passion for colour. She adored nature and animals, embarking on epic adventures including a donkey walk and alpaca trek. Although, as my brother Matthew reminds me, she was often dressed in totally inappropriately pretty outfits for muddy hikes!
“She loved music and dancing, sharing joyful moments with Dad, a professional musician she met in 1984. Together, they enjoyed spending time with friends and family.”
In 2010, Susie was diagnosed with cancer, she had treatment and went into remission in. But in 2019, her cancer returned, it was now a secondary incurable breast cancer.
“Despite life’s challenges, Mum embraced joy, even in the darkest times, we found humour, but the last two years were hard.
“When her treatment became unbearable, we reached out to St Michael’s Hospice. Mum began a Wellbeing course in early 2024, and we will forever be grateful she did.”
Last summer, Susie’s condition worsened, and she was admitted to hospital.
“Watching her decline on a hospital ward was horrific – we were restricted by short visiting hours and she didn’t want to die on a ward, but getting her home wasn’t a possibility. Dad, also living with secondary cancer, was overwhelmed, we were all in denial after the many years of her being so responsive to treatment.
“When we got the call to say there was a bed at the Hospice, we all cried with relief. The paramedics smiled telling us, ‘She has a beautiful garden room.’ And there she was, sitting in her wheelchair, listening to birds, eating an ice lolly. We’ll never forget that moment.
“We made Mum’s room feel like home, surrounding her with photos. She loved the garden so much and seeing the sea from her room sparked magical memories of her life by the sea. She had a little radio, which in her last week she’d dance to with her arms, even when she couldn’t talk. I was able to take her for a walk to the chapel to pray, find peace and express our gratitude for being at the Hospice. We felt her relax into what was to come, and we didn’t feel so frightened. We knew it was the end, but we all felt safe, loved, understood and at peace.”
On August 23rd 2024, surrounded by her family, Susie died peacefully.
“The Hospice team cared impeccably for Mum, but they also cared for us. They ensured dad, Matthew, Sarah (Matthew’s wife), and I had the precious moments we needed with her.
“One year on, being part of the Remembrance Ribbons appeal this summer, is our way of remembering our colourful, beautiful mum, with her ribbon blowing in the sunshine, in the gardens she loved, raising awareness and funds for the Hospice who made such a difference to us all.
“Without your support, the Hospice wouldn’t be there for people like my mum, and our family and all those they care for every day, who just like us, would be lost without them.
“If you can, please donate this summer to celebrate those you love and have lost. Lets ensure this magical place is here for us all when we need them, for years and years to come.
Thank you,
Ellie”
