Yorkshire 3 Peaks fundraiser in memory of Sue

Well done to this group of amazing fundraisers who took on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks on 7th July. Michelle, her family and friends wanted to give back to Willowbrook following the care her mum, Sue, received.

Michelle wrote, “Our beautiful Mum passed away from oesophageal cancer on 29th December 2023, after suddenly showing symptoms just seven weeks before. Her symptoms soon became very complicated and were not under control at home, but we were absolutely blessed that Willowbrook Hospice found a bed for Mum and made her so comfortable in the last two weeks of her life.

Nothing was too much trouble for the staff there, from chats and laughs to making her favourite meals, from getting her a ‘tattoo’ that she wished she’d had to pouring her a glass of ‘white wine’ and lemonade.

Mum passed away peacefully and in no pain and the care she was given was absolutely beautiful. We will never forget it and will be forever grateful.

Myself, my brother Stephen, two of my children Dan and Phoebe, plus friends decided to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in aid of the hospice and in Mum’s memory. We would be so so grateful if anyone felt they could sponsor us for this amazing cause, they truly are incredible.”

https://www.justgiving.com/…/michelle-price…

Here is Michelle’s full story:

“Our beautiful Mum passed away from oesophageal cancer on 29th December 2023, after suddenly showing symptoms just seven weeks before.

Her symptoms soon became very complicated and were not under control at home, but we were absolutely blessed that Willowbrook found a bed for Mum and made her so comfortable in the last two weeks of her life. They rescued us, at a time when we were in a really upsetting and scary situation that had knocked us for six and wasn’t remotely expected, we were all in shock.

From the moment we arrived at Willowbrook, our mum was cared for so beautifully. It was quite incredible. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, not only for Mum but for us too, checking we were ok and supporting us all as a family. It felt like being part of one big family being there.

Mum was always so full of life and full of fun. We were able to still laugh and be ourselves, and with the staff too. If you’ve never been to a hospice, it isn’t what you would expect – it’s not a dull, dark, gloomy place, it’s a place you can spend quality and special time with your loved ones in the time that you have left together; a chance to make more memories together. The children were able to come and see her, there’s a playground for them, and they liked popping into the cafe for something nice to eat – it was comfortable and just incredible that Mum was at the heart of everything to do with her care and they respected and honoured all of her decisions.

She was able to experience her last couple weeks of her life as positively as could be in this situation – from chats and laughs, to ice lollies or her favourite meals being prepared for her, we even had the nicest Christmas dinner ever (we would have happily paid for that in a restaurant!), and Mum enjoyed a ‘No-Secco’ and lemonade! Little things like that makes a real difference when someone is at their end of life.

One of the staff members who cared for Mum had tattoos, Mum said “you know what, I wish I had got a tattoo now!” That lovely lady went and ordered tattoo transfers for Mum! She gave one to mum, myself and my daughter!! Mum was absolutely delighted, she was excited to show it off, as she had always wanted one but never got round to it. We loved it that much, that I had the design permanently on my wrist, which now serves as a nice memory of a sad time.

You just never know when someone that you love might need the kind of care that Mum needed. We were just so lucky that this incredible hospice is in our area and that’s why I promised myself once Mum passed away, that I would do something to give back to the hospice as a token of our appreciation and gratitude .

Mum passed away peacefully and was in no pain. We will never forget it and will be forever grateful. The hospice has been there for us during the time Mum was a patient, but afterwards too. I am accessing bereavement support, which Mum also received after we lost Dad. It made a big difference for her to have someone to speak to who had been in the similar situation.

To date, Michelle, her brother Stephen and with family and friends, have raised just under £1500 for Willowbrook through fundraising and donations, and are continuing to fundraise! This is a fantastic amount, it is thanks to our incredible supporters like Michelle and Stephen that we are able to continue to provide our first class care.