"I'm regularly reminded what a special place St Michael's is"
This Christmas will be the first without my daughter.
Wendy was incredibly special, a real people person with the most wicked sense of humour. Sadly, she fell ill with COPD and Osteoporosis and died at St Michael’s in April.
Despite everything, I’ll remember with fondness her two stays at St Michael’s. Wendy wanted to be there, and it meant so much that she was able to go into the hospice and receive such incredible support. The first stay was amazing. We all thought that we were saying goodbye but quite the opposite. She improved so much that she even cooked dinner for her life partner Pete one night. The hospice set up a romantic table in the cafe for the meal. The happiness on Wendy’s face has left me with one of my most favourite photos. She improved so much, that she was able to return home.
I’m regularly reminded what a special place St Michael’s is thanks to my own visits to its Day Hospice as part of my terminal Myeloma diagnosis. At one point, Wendy and I were both here at the same time, so the nursing team arranged for us to have lunch together.
Those memories are so special. Recently, I paid a visit with my son, Andrew, to the beautiful Hospice gardens to lay a stone for Wendy in the Stream of Memories.
She is always in our thoughts, particularly as we approach Christmas, but of course we’re not alone.
Many people have experienced the warmth and compassion provided by St Michael’s, yet they need your support to enable future families to receive the same loving care.
We warmly invite you to join us for Light up a Life this year.
Your dedications will sparkle and shine throughout the festive season.