This year, Jules is supporting our Christmas appeal by sharing her story of how Willen Hospice helped her, and her parents, when they were cared for by Willen Hospice.
“My name is Jules, and both my Mum and Dad were cared for by Willen Hospice at the end of their lives. It’s become a very special place to me.
Mum was cared for at home, and I really felt like the nurses loved her almost as much as I did. There was so much care taken when they washed her, and every time they’d been to see her the room was filled with the smell of Chanel No 5, her favourite perfume, where they’d gone to the trouble to spritz it on her. It was amazing that they’d taken that time to make her feel as lovely as they could.
Just three years later around Christmas time, my dad went into the Hospice, having been diagnosed with leukaemia. He was predicted to be there for probably seven, maybe at the most, ten days, but he ended up being there for four weeks, which is testament to how amazing Willen Hospice is. When Dad arrived he was given a room at the back of the Hospice which overlooked the car park, which doesn’t sound great, but it was warm, cosy and private. I knew straight away that there was something special about the Hospice. I went home feeling relieved and knew that I had done the best thing for him.
The following day, a lovely room became available which overlooked Willen Lake in all its glory. Dad thought it was marvellous and told everyone that he now had a room with a sea view! He went on to say that it was the best hotel he had ever stayed in. It’s going to be great when the refurbishment and extension of the Hospice is complete, and every room will have a ‘sea view’.
Dad had a beautiful energy, always with a smile and aiming to please. Most mornings when I arrived at the Hospice he would have a group of nurses gathered around his bed, listening to him telling stories. Dad at his best during his last days. It was such a lovely atmosphere, and everybody had time to come and speak to him, have conversations with him, and that was just so lovely. Everything about the Hospice, everything they did, was just wonderful, especially considering the difficult time we were going through.
I lost dad at 4:56am on 2 December 2015. But just because dad was gone, it didn’t mean that the support from Willen Hospice was too. I was offered counselling bothbefore and after dad died, it was so comforting just knowing that somebody was there who really cared about me. Whenever I need it now, Willen is there for me, for life.
This message is to help you understand how important every single penny is, that you raise for Willen Hospice. Your donation makes such a difference, not only to the lives of the patients, but to the families that are there, and left behind. I hope that you’ll be able to support Willen Hospice this Christmas, to help families who, right now, are finding comfort from Willen when they need it most, just as I did this time six years ago, and still do.”
Please donate today to help other families like Jules’. Simply donate here, or call us on 01908 664196 and we’ll be happy to take a payment by phone. Thank you.
