Born out of a passion for fashion, a special bond has developed between a Weston Hospicecare patient and the charity’s Family Support Team Manager.
Jen Wakefield has been in post for more than two years as the Family Support Team Manager and, along with her team, plays a key role in helping patients.
She visits people being cared for by the hospice. This is to gauge what their needs may be to ensure the right level of support is offered.
Jen has shared the following words about Cheryl, a Weston Hospicecare patient.
Jen writes “Cheryl was referred to the hospice following a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. In her early 40s, and with children at home, she was understandably anxious, shocked and devastated.
“At home, Cheryl received regular care from hospice community nurse Lucy. Last summer, her symptoms became difficult to manage at home, and Lucy suggested she might benefit from an admission to the hospice inpatient unit. Cheryl says she was ‘absolutely terrified’ of coming in to the hospice. She felt afraid of it, and like many others, thought it was a place where you go ‘at the end’.
“In Cheryl’s own words ‘within the first day, I realised it wasn’t like I expected at all’. Cheryl stayed for a couple of weeks, before being discharged home with her symptoms under control.
“During this first stay on the inpatient unit, Cheryl met Family Support Manager Jen Wakefield.
Jen recalls their first encounter “I introduced myself, and Cheryl looked at me with her bright eyes, giving me the once over. After a pause, Cheryl said ‘I’m having your dress!’
“I remember I was wearing a leopard print dress and Cheryl was delighted to find out it only cost a tenner from the supermarket!
“It was the start of our bonding over clothes, and was always one of the first conversations we had with each other.
“I’ve got lots of other little stories about Cheryl – she is truly one of life’s characters and not someone you can easily forget when you’ve met her.
“Cheryl has an enormous parrot at home, he’s given the freedom of the living room. I’m petrified of birds, so home visits to Cheryl have been interesting!”
At the time of writing Cheryl’s health has deteriorated and she is being cared for in the inpatient unit. Jen visited Cheryl wearing a rainbow coloured top, and Cheryl’s first words? “I’ll have that top!”
The hospice endeavours to help patients with their wants and wishes and Cheryl was no exception. The very same top was duly sourced and purchased as a surprise for Cheryl, who was delighted to receive it. (As pictured).
Jen says “I’m often asked how I do my job. It’s easy really. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing someone has allowed you into a little bit of their life. It’s a true privilege to do what I do, and to capture these little bits of sunshine in what can feel like the darkest of times.”
“Cheryl continues to face each day with her unwavering good humour – she has recently decided to rename herself each day, just for a bit of fun and variety. This week she has been ‘Daffodil’, ‘Buttercup’, ‘Bounty’ and ‘Rainbow’. Cheryl has captured our hearts and we’re honoured to care for her.”
Jen’s story is illustrates the cherry on top value of hospice care. Intertwined with expert care which is given to people who have a life-limiting condition is an ability to connect and support at one of the scariest time of life.
Connections like this allow for people to be guided through their illness, relieving pain, stress and anxiety while providing critical support to families.
It costs £4.5 million to run the hospice each year with only 20% funded by the NHS.
The kindness and generosity of hospice supporters and volunteers are critical in find the remaining 80%.
To find out how you can help your hospice, explore westonhospicecare.org.uk.