In 2014, I sadly lost my Nana Ada to a short battle with cancer.
When I was little my Nana’s freezer was full of ice lollies, homemade apple pie and blackberry picking over the back wall. There was piano playing, very bad drawing, draughts and dancing often.
As I grew up she was my greatest admirer, loved the bones of me and my children and made sure to tell me stories of her life growing up in the North East.
St Mary’s Hospice gave me the opportunity to relive all these beautiful memories before my Nana fell asleep. Arriving there was so scary for her, but she was happy looking out onto the fields and being taken to the garden when she could.
It was peaceful, quiet and the staff were helpful, honest and caring.
Nothing seemed like too much trouble and the staff were fantastic in taking time to talk and explain to all members of my family. I often brought my young children to sit in the garden or go down to the café and they were always welcomed.
Because of the love St Mary’s showed my Nana and my family, I feel it’s important to support St Mary’s personally and professionally. Lakeland Retreats will donate £1 from every booking in order to help raise much needed funds for the hospice, allowing my company to show its sense of social responsibility as well as raise awareness of the important work St Mary’s does. I’ll never be able to fully repay the debt of gratitude I feel towards St Mary’s, but I want to do as much as I can.
There was no darkness or loss in that building, only light and love.
Thank you St Mary’s Hospice x