“Vince and I were together for 48 years. But the moments we had together at the hospice are some of the most precious times in our lives.
“I’d become his carer – but for three weeks the hospice let me be Vince’s wife again. That time was so precious to us both. The nurses freed him from the worst of the pain his cancer caused him, and he returned to us.
“We all delighted in the broad smile that returned to his face, we loved the gospel songs he sang to us. We’re a large family, and everyone was able to come in most days.
“We had a birthday party for our daughter out on the patio, in the sunshine, with all our grandchildren running around and playing. That’s such a strong memory I have of him, sitting smiling, happy, surrounded by us all.
“It was the hospice’s incredible care that made these moments possible. The nurses were always there for him. “Press the buzzer if you need us, it’s never a bother!” and it never was – they were always there within seconds. They looked after me, too – fussing after me, making sure I always had something to eat. They cared like they were family too.
“When Vince passed away, I was with him, holding his hand. A nurse sat with me, told me what was happening – and let me know when his time came. It is so important to me now to know I was there with him.
“I never realised just how important the hospice was to us until we needed it ourselves – I don’t know where we would have been without them.
“We are all so lucky that we have this wonderful, homely place, staffed with friendly people who are so expert in the compassionate care they provide. Their care gives us time with the people we love – and that is the most precious gift; and we need to support them today so that they can make Time to Care for others like us tomorrow.”
In her own words, Debbie tells us how her beloved husband Vince was able to spend time with her, their children and grandchildren at the end of life, thanks to Birmingham Hospice.
Debbie is supporting our latest fundraising appeal to ensure we’re here for families like hers in years to come. By 2048, the need for palliative care will rise by 25%. The decisions we make today will shape the care families receive tomorrow.
Together, we can make sure no family is left behind. Please donate today: www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/give-the-gift-of-time/
