SUE RYDER - DUCHESS OF KENT HOSPICE - TILEHURST

My family suffered our worst nightmare in Sept 2018 when my beautiful Mum was diagnosed with terminal Lung Cancer.  Whilst she was dealt the most devastating news, she did not once complain and got on with her treatment and continued with her life with such bravery and dignity. 

She was admitted to the Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst who looked after Mum for the final few weeks of her life.  The care from the nurses & even the volunteers who took fresh flowers to Mum's room each day & chatted to her.  The hospice was not a sad place like I always imagined it to be. All rooms had doors out into their beautiful grounds which Mum enjoyed going out into, when she could.  Me & my dad stayed at the hospice with Mum in her final days & the nurses ensured we were comfortable & looked after our wellbeing too.

My reasons for running for Sue Ryder is that until Mum was diagnosed I had no idea about hospices & the fact they are purely funded by charitable donations from the public.  Their care, advice, guidance & bereavement counselling proved invaluable to me in my expectations of end of life care and helping me with my grief afterwards & to carry on Mum's legacy.