In August 2004, my was diagnosed with Lung Cancer and secondary brain cancer, which was terminal from the outset. However, we managed to have 15 more months together as a family before she passed away in St Oswald's Hospice. And I can say two things with great certainty: firstly, that those 15 months were some of the hardest, but most magical times we had as a family. And secondly, that it was because of St Oswald's Hospice that my mum lived as long as she did and as well as she did at the end of her days. 

My mum was placed in St Oswald's Hospice on two occasions. The first was quite soon after diagnosis when the worst was expected. But after a couple of weeks, they patched her up, sorted her medication out, helped my dad get everything he needed to help care for her at home, and she was back with us in time for a glorious Christmas of everything a M&S Card could afford. 

The second stay came in 2005, and was to be where her life ended. It's probably a ridiculous thing to say, given that she popped her clogs, but what St Oswald'd did for my mum in that final 6 months was SAVE HER LIFE. With their care and support and kindness, my mum was as happy as I had ever seen her. 

Not only did St Oswald's save my mum's life, I think it save mine, and it saved my dad's too. Firstly, to see my mum, who was in life an occasionally and very understandably troubled soul,  overwhelmed by a kindness I don't think she believed existed in the world, meant that I saw side of her I'd never known. And that changed my memories of her forever, and made me see what kindness can do to a wounded soul. 

Secondly,  my father and I never really had a relationship before all of this happened, not in a bad way, just in a "sons don't talk to their dads" way. But in that place, where there was so much love and kindness and time, something happened to help build a relationship, without which I would now be lost. 

The work that St Oswald's does affects everyone who it touches, patients and families, and the people who work there. It is a magical and necessary place. 

Anything you can give to help this place, and help a hairy chubby lad get to South Shields, will make a huge difference. 

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS

Here's how your money can help

• Three course meal for a patient - £5
  It always tastes better when someone else cooks it. Our
  catering team provide freshly cooked meals throughout the
  day, catering for specialist, complex dietary needs for our
  patients. Our patients can have whatever they want, whenever
  they want and in any form! Many of our patients use feeding
  tubes or have dietry requirements, our team will happily create
  tasty food suitable for their needs.
  
  

• Hairdressing - £8
  How good do you feel after getting your hair done? Here at
  St Oswald’s we have our own onsite hairdressing salon, where
  a team of skilled professional hairdressing volunteers are able
  to give patients a haircut, colour, or set during their time here.
  Confidence is key and enjoying some ‘me time’ can have very
  positive effects on our patients.
  
  

• Household products - £12
  It may not be glamorous but it’s a necessity, toilet paper
  doesn’t grow on trees you know… Our dedicated team of
  housekeepers work around the clock to maintain a welcoming,
  homely, clean and hygienic environment, creating a safe place
  for people to enjoy.
  
  

One hour of nursing care - £20
The biggie. 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Combatting
loneliness, listening and laughter can bring so much to a
patients wellbeing. It isn’t just medical needs that our nurses
meet, it’s a friend and someone to be there through every
emotion our patients face.




PPS

Keep checking for updates and videos. And 

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