Hospice
Fundraising
John, Anne’s husband, said, “Anne had developed breathlessness in the autumn of 2015, and it took a while for her eventual condition to diagnosed. By the time the lung cancer was discovered, it was too advanced for treatment.”
Anne was cared for at home by John but by the New Year of 2016, he was struggling to get out and about, and to manage her care on his own.
One evening, Anne became very ill during the night and an ‘amazing’ lady doctor came out to attend to Anne. During this time, the doctor spoke to John and suggested Anne needed extra support, such as that offered by St Oswald’s Hospice.
John had recognised he was no longer able to provide the care Anne required on his own and, after a phone call by the doctor, Anne was able to be admitted.
“If it hadn’t been for that doctor, we may not have made it here. She made such a good case for Anne and was a huge support to us. We knew hospice services would be in demand however Anne had had enough of hospitals; she wasn’t afraid to come to St Oswald’s Hospice.”
Prior to her diagnosis, Anne, together with John, lived a full and exciting life. Having first met in Scotland when holidaying with their respective friendship groups, the couple exchanged details.
A year later, in 1972, John relocated to Newcastle for his work at Proctor and Gamble. Before getting his living accommodation sorted, John stayed in a hotel in Jesmond and despite initially thinking he didn’t have any connections in Newcastle, he soon remembered Anne’s details.
John said, “I looked up Anne’s address and realised her flat was just around the corner from my hotel. So, I walked around to her place and was eventually invited inside to join the party they were having. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Anne spent many years working as a school teacher at Church High, Newcastle (now known as Newcastle High School for Girls). With an avid interest in theatre, Anne took the opportunity whilst on a career break, to apply for a job with the TV production of ‘Super Gran’, where her role was to supervise the children on set.
Anne thrived in this role, meeting lots of actors and enjoying ‘amazing’ production catering which often meant John was left to have beans on toast for tea as Anne had eaten so well during the day.
Together, the couple had one daughter, Kate. Over the years, they enjoyed many fun weekends and Eurocamp holidays to France, Spain and Italy, and to their holiday cottage in Weardale.
Kate is now a successful lawyer in London, with three children: Grace, Jack and Tom.
John reflects, “I have fond memories of our family visiting Anne at the hospice, especially Tom, who was just a few months old at the time. He would sit on the bed and the nurses would often ask after ‘little Tom.’
As Anne’s health declined, she was moved to a single room, overlooking the gardens. This enabled John to pop outside whenever he needed to, providing peace and comfort to them both.
“The hospice is not just a benefit to the patient; it’s a huge benefit for the whole family, too. The relief to me was fantastic and I felt almost uplifted in a way.
When I went home each night, I knew Anne was being cared for and if anything happened, they would ring me. Anne could see that my own physical and mental worries were reduced, and that lessened the tensions on her.”
Since Anne’s death, John has continued to support St Oswald’s Hospice, setting up a tribute fund in her name, which has raised over £12,000 in Anne’s memory.
In addition, John has chosen to leave a gift in his Will to St Oswald’s Hospice, giving something back to a cause that is important to him.
John explained, “The medical care and attention Anne received was incomparable. The doctor would spend time discussing Anne’s care and including her in the conversations. It was wonderful and Anne was able to thank them.
During Anne’s time at the hospice, I remember it occurring to me more than once that her marvellous care hadn’t cost us a penny. Anne was able to enjoy the company of friends and family at any time. Even little things, like a gin and tonic, were available.”
When asked what he’d say to anyone considering hospice care for themselves or a loved one, John said, “If the medical needs are too difficult to administer at home, or if family and friends cannot manage the care themselves – even with help – then the hospice can be transformational.
All this is given free of charge to all patients irrespective of personal circumstances. It gave Anne and me real quality time together which I will never forget.”
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