My Mum, Wendy, was so caring and never asked for much. She was such a good Mum and was always there for me.
Mum was living with pulmonary fibrosis, which slowly got worse over the years. She came to live with me when she became more poorly because I wanted to look after her like she’d always looked after me.
This turned into five and a half very special years filled with fun, laughter, and love. And even towards the end of her life, she was still looking after me and being the amazing Mum she always had been.
Mum’s illness developed and the last eight months were especially hard. During one appointment we were told she wouldn’t get better, only worse. She was in and out of hospital constantly during this time and then for an eight-week period before coming home for the final time.
I knew Mum wanted to be at home, and I wanted that for her too. We managed to organise an end-of-life care package, which meant she could come home, but once she was here we really quickly realised we couldn’t give her the care she needed.
One day, a nurse who came to visit said to me, “Let’s get the Hospice @Home team in to help.” That’s when Helen and two other Hospice @Home nurses came into our lives.
The moment they walked into our home, everything changed. It was as if a weight had been lifted. They were like angels.
I felt comforted, cared for, supported, and it was such a relief that I finally had somebody to lean on.
They spoke gently to my mum, who was asleep, and treated her with tenderness. They just completely took over with such calmness and compassion. They made Mum comfortable, washed her, and dealt with her medication.
I hadn’t seen Mum looking so calm in such a long time, and she was more peaceful in her final days than she’d ever been.
It was my Mum’s wish to be at home. It meant the world to her. And to me too. Her final moments were so peaceful with me and our dog Esther by her side.
When Mum took her last breath, I didn’t know what to do next. The first call I made wasn’t to my husband or the undertaker – it was to the Hospice @Home team. Helen was so calm and reassuring: “We’ll be with you in half an hour,” she said.
When they arrived, I was deeply touched. They comforted me and gave me a little bunch of forget-me-nots. Then they said, “Let us take care of Mum.”
I’d been worried about this moment for so long, but it was calm and serene – a beautiful moment I’ll never forget. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing. It was peaceful in a way I’d never felt before. I felt safe and secure with the nurses beside me.
I feel privileged to have experienced this care and support. I’m so grateful I was able to be there with Mum. I would have struggled so much more if she hadn’t had such a peaceful and dignified end of her life.
Even after Mum was gone, the Hospice team didn’t forget about me. They checked in and called to say, “We’re here for you, any time you need us, no matter how long it is from now.”
Right now I feel strong, but I know that could change one day. You never know from one day to the next. And knowing I can reach out to the Hospice for support is such a comfort.
Their support wasn’t just for Mum – it was for our whole family. And that’s what’s needed. I wasn’t on my own trying to deal with it. The nurses truly understood the hurt I was feeling.
I’ll never forget the care the Hospice @Home team gave to my Mum and to me. They’re such special people and what they did will stay with me forever.
This Christmas, please help us bring choice, compassionate care, and cherished moments. Your gift will make a real difference for families facing the hardest of times.
If you would like to make a donation, find out more about how you can get involved, or if you have any questions about the Christmas Appeal, please contact our fundraising team on 01625 433477 or fundraising@echospice.org.uk
