Patrick led a life filled with poetry, fell walks, music and love. A much loved husband father and grandfather, Patrick suffered from Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Bodies Dementia and latterly Multiple Myeloma. Patrick attended afternoon day care sessions and respite care. As his health deteriorated, Patrick entered the Hospice for end of life care. Being here …
Barbara kindly shares her family’s experience of coming to St Mary’s … After a hospital stay in August 2017, Barbara’s husband Gerry changed his mind from wanting to die at home. He decided to visit the hospice with Barbara, after which he was very clear about where he wanted to be. Gerry came into St …
When the role of Appeals Coordinator came up in 1986 it was suggested Shirley apply for this vital position – which was St Mary’s first ever paid role to help make the hospice’s dream become a reality. Shirley talked to local businesses, potential funders, started activities including the raffle, mail outs, tea dances every Wednesday …
Starting 1st December 97 as a Health Care Assistant Dora has worked at St Mary’s for the past 17 years. She’s done a variety of different roles over the years, from working on our In-Patient Unit to being out in the community fundraising. “St Mary’s have supported me when I’ve had to change job roles …
I’d like to tell you about my dad. When you hear the heart-breaking word “terminal” it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, when you hear them in the descriptive context for your dad, you just want the world to stop turning and swallow you up. Your life changes forever …
This summer will be seven years since starting in my role and it has been such a privilege. My background as a teacher, minister, school and workplace chaplain has given me a lifetime experience of drawing alongside people, ideal for my role at St. Mary’s. I come in to visit patients, their relatives, staff and …
Jean spent all her working life, 42 years, nursing in the area. At one point she was a Ward Sister at High Carley for those of you who can remember it! After that Jean worked as a relief District Nurse working in Coniston, her home village, Broughton and then eventually getting a permanent job in …
I have been volunteering at St Mary’s for about 6 and a half years. I also volunteer in the night shelter in Kendal as it is local to me, I cook there, often soup and chocolate cake, if the recipe says 1 spoon of coca powder I always put 2, which seems very popular. I …
I retired from my full time job within the NHS six years ago and returned on a part time basis, working two days a week. As well as working I had spent 14 years taking care of my grandchildren one or two days a week and during the school holidays, also visiting my elderly mother …
Since July 2011. I used to volunteer for Marie curie cancer care, but they closed the local office so I chose St Mary’s as I had connected with the hospice earlier. My main role is as a driver bringing patients to “day-care” it gives patients an opportunity to chat on the way. However I volunteer …
