Kathy's story: Inspiring journey of support for our hospice

One of our wonderful Wellbeing Centre patients has turned into a fantastic fundraiser! Kathy has taken part in numerous fundraising events in the past including our 'Step up for St John’s' challenge in 2021 and more recently she helped to support our 40th Anniversary Appeal. We’re incredibly grateful to Kathy for all of her support. She’s shared more about her experience below.

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I started coming to the hospice about 10 years ago, I was referred to the Day Centre as it was called at the time. It was completely different in appearance then compared to now. I was able to take part in various activities and received numerous complimentary therapies which helped so much.

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Having the support of the hospice means a lot to me. A while after I started coming to the hospice myself, my husband Eddie then became ill himself and was referred to the hospice. He was already disabled from a car accident that happened when he was 5 and then developed motor neurone disease.

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Eddie loved the hospice and was a real character. He wasn’t able to speak much later on but one of the Healthcare Assistants Maria would call me when he was in the Inpatient Unit and she would sing to me on Eddie’s behalf, telling me how much he loved me. She said Eddie’s face would just light up when she did this. I will never forget the kindness she showed Eddie.

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When the hospice launched their 40^th Anniversary Appeal and began selling their new jasmine pin badges, I wanted to support however I could, so I decided to help sell the badges. I have raised over £500 from my bed! I’ve gathered donations from my friends and neighbours just by speaking to people on the phone. They all know about the hospice and are happy to support.

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To anyone who is interested in doing their own fundraising for the hospice, I’d say just do it. The hospice will appreciate your support and be really grateful. There are so many ways you can help. I have one friend who called to wish me happy birthday and I straight away said I had a surprise for them, a donation opportunity for the hospice and he’d get a lovely pin in return!

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I’d like to say a huge thank you to the hospice for what they’ve done for me. I have always felt supported, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

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We’d like to thank Kathy for all of her amazing fundraising efforts and for sharing her story with us. Fundraise for St John’s in your own way, or with your school, work or community group and make a difference to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families in our community. Find out more here.