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In 2007 at the age of 34 my twin sister was diagnosed with breast cancer whilst pregnant with her son. He was bought on prematurely in order for her to start chemotherapy treatment to treat the disease. Whilst on treatment my sister was supported by a St Giles Hospice community nurse and provided with complimentary therapy treatment for her and her husband. She came in as an inpatient on numerous occasions for symptom management and felt well supported by the hospice right through until her final visit, where she passed away 18 months later at the age of 36. This was in November 2008.
During this time I was currently studying my midwifery degree at Birmingham City University. At the end of my degree, I took the decision to not practise as a midwife and after leaving a reliable job at Land Rover to start studying I suddenly realised I didn’t know where I would go next. During this time I decided to come and give a little bit back to St Giles because they had made my sisters journey through her illness a smoother one and it felt right to follow my heart at that time.
I started at the hospice as a volunteer nurse’s aide in the Lymphedema clinic before applying for a job with the St Giles Care Agency. While with the care agency I worked on the Compassus unit for 3 months, providing care for the inpatients. A real career change from my previous employment at Land Rover for 12 ½ years and then my midwifery degree.
I then applied for a job as Health Care Assistant in the Day Hospice. I was lucky to be successful and have been working here for nearly 5 years.
I absolutely adore my job, feel like I have finally found my vocation in life and am privileged to be a part of such a wonderful team and organisation.
I have been running now for about 13 years and 2 years ago joined a running club in Tamworth. The Peel Road Runners. I have been saying for years that I will take part in a marathon but always made excuses. I applied last year for London marathon and was unsuccessful in the ballot, as a lot of people are. But this year to my surprise I applied again and got a place. I also applied for the new Birmingham Marathon in October just in case I didn’t get in, so this year I now have to complete 2 marathons. Scary thought! But with the support of my fellow runners at my running club I feel it is my time and feel confident that this will be possible. I will be raising funds for St Giles Hospice so that I may continue to help in providing the amazing care and support that other patients, carers and their families can receive the same as my sister.