In Loving Memory of Carol

We were fortunate to experience first-hand the incredible care and compassion provided by both the Hospice at Home team and the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull. These amazing people supported not just Carol, but all of us as a family, through one of the hardest times of our lives.

When Carol’s health began to decline, the Hospice at Home team helped us care for her in the comfort and privacy of her own home. Their visits, guidance and support made a huge difference and allowed Carol to stay at home for as long as possible, just as she wanted.

When caring for her at home became too much, we were so grateful that a room became available at the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull, the one place Carol said she would want to be if she couldn’t stay at home. The hospice team kept her comfortable around the clock and were always there when we needed them. We were able to be with her 24 hours a day, and her daughter Katie could stay overnight, something that meant a great deal to them both. Every nurse, doctor and consultant showed kindness, compassion and professionalism that went far beyond what we could have hoped for.

We were incredibly lucky to have that level of care and support, but we know not everyone does. By raising money, we want to help make sure that other families can access the same kindness and dignity that we did when it matters most.

Carol faced her 14-year battle with cancer with strength, dignity and positivity. She was always there for everyone else, never letting her illness define her. Family and friends were amazed by how well she coped with everyday life and the challenges she faced, she simply got on with it, with her usual warmth and smile.

During those 14 years, Carol experienced so many of the things she once feared she wouldn’t live to see. She proudly watched her son Rich, marry his wife Katie, who became as close to her as her own daughter. She married “her Rock”Ray, surrounded by family and friends, saw her children buy their own homes, and became a very proud Nanny to her grandchildren, Austin and Mollie, who she adored. Those were the moments she fought so hard for.

In May, we received the devastating news that Carol’s cancer had returned, this time in her bladder, and that it was aggressive. At first, we were told she would need her bladder removed, but by August we learned it had spread beyond treatment that could cure her. Although she didn’t want to leave us, we knew she had been through enough.

We’ll always be grateful to the Hospice at Home and Marie Curie teams for helping Carol stay comfortable and cared for right to the end, surrounded by family and love, exactly as she wished.

If you can, please consider donating to the Hospice at Home service and the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull so they can continue their vital work for other families in need.

Thank you,

Carol’s Family 💙💛