Judy has included a gift in her Will, in recognition of the care given to her mother, Betty, in 2001.
“Betty was a very lively and outgoing person, she was always warm and very active. As one of six children, she grew up on a farm in East Sussex with a lifelong passion for sport. She was a skilled Lacross player, which saw her represent England. Betty’s career was in education, as a PE teacher, ending at Hollington Park School, she’s still fondly remembered by many of the girls she taught.”
In 2001, when Betty was 76, she became increasingly unwell and was eventually diagnosed with lung cancer after living for several years with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). After several home visits, her GP referred her to the Hospice. She spent her last ten days under the care of the In-Patient Unit team (IPU).
Betty’s daughter, Judy, remembers the wonderful care she received, “It wasn’t just medical, but they cared for her as an individual – a foot massage, manicure and hair appointment.” Judy was able to spend two nights at the Hospice with her mother, there she was able to keep up to date with Betty’s condition, and spend precious time with her.
Initially, Betty hadn’t wanted to come into the Hospice, but she soon relaxed after meeting the IPU team. Judy reflects, “The nurses always knew the right things to say, and the right questions to ask.”
Judy was sitting by her mother’s side, holding her hand when she noticed her breathing change. A nurse, also in the room, came to sit by Betty, holding her other hand. The two of them were with Betty as she took her final breath.
Whilst sitting at her mother’s side, Judy had read about how the Hospice is funded, she immediately made a donation in her mum’s memory, but still felt she wanted to do more.
Following her own retirement from teaching in 2010, Judy was asked by an old schoolfriend, who was, at the time, a Trustee of the Hospice, whether she’d be interested in becoming a volunteer. So, in 2011, Judy joined the team of Open Garden volunteers and has continued volunteering to this day.
In 2015, as Judy was updating her Will, she decided to include a gift to St Michael’s Hospice. “I wanted to give something back, to thank the Hospice for the care given to us all those years ago.” Her gift will also help to ensure that anyone needing hospice care in the future will be as well looked after as her mother.
As a volunteer with the fundraising team, Judy saw how much hard work goes into generating the funds needed for the Hospice to continue providing care. Leaving a gift in her Will to has given Judy comfort knowing that part of her estate will provide the care and support to others that she and her mother received 25 years ago.
1 in 4 patients are cared for thanks to the generosity of a gift left in a Will, ensuring we can be there for those who need us, both now and in the future. Find out how you can make your lasting legacy one of compassion and care, or call 01424 445177.
