gary Swift
Two fat old men walking the Camino
Fundraising for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity
Story
My wife was called Diane Jennifer Swift and she was outgoing with a real zest for life. She loved the outdoors and in addition to being a Beaver Scout Leader for 15 years she was also a talented artist.
A few weeks after her 50th birthday, Diane suffered a massive stroke which left her permanently paralysed down her left side and blind in her left eye. This was a doubly cruel blow because Diane was left handed and she never mastered painting right handed.
Through all the pain and struggles, Diane never lost hope or her sense of humour. But unfortunately she never recovered and her health slowly deteriorated. She passed away at Rotherham Hospital age 54.
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has just three Purple Butterfly rooms at Rotherham Hospital and unfortunately they were unavailable when Diane passed away. It would have been wonderful to have access to a place which offered privacy and dignity in her final hours.
In September 2018, my friend David Critchlow and I will be walking the Camino Portuguese, a long-distance pilgrimage and walking challenge. We will be starting our route in Valenca, Portugal and walking at least 125km to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
We hope to raise as much money as possible for the Purple Butterfly Appeal in memory of Diane.
Thank you!
