In memory of Tamara Cooper

Hi, my name is Shona. My family and I would like to raise funds to help contribute towards facilities in the Swan end of life care and family room at Northampton General Hospital

Tragically, on 11th August my beautiful sister Tamara passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by her family.

Tamara had spent a week in the critical care unit fighting her hardest but unfortunately we were given the devastating news that despite the greatest of care and treatment, sadly there was nothing more that could be done and we had to make the almost impossible decision to withdraw the equipment that was helping to keep Tamara alive.

We were told that Tamara’s passing could take minutes, hours or days and she was moved from critical care to a Swan room, an end of life care room. Ever the fighter, Tamara held on and fought some more for four long days. This period was the toughest physical, mental and emotional challenge we have ever had to endure.

However our experience in the Swan room eased the pain and desperation of what we were going through. It provided us with a private and tranquil environment that gave us time and space to say goodbye properly. These rooms are equipped with chair beds where people can sit or sleep by the bedside, and comfort cabinets containing toiletries, information resources, phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers, LED candles, blankets and pillows. There is also a hospitality tray and an assortment of hot drinks so visitors do not need to leave the ward or worry about disturbing ward staff when in need of a drink. We used the speaker to play favourite songs to Tamara and was able to reminisce, laugh, cry and support each other whilst ensuring that someone was always by her side. We were also given access to the Swan family room and adjoining bedroom. This is a tailored space to support the needs of caregivers, families and friends visiting dying loved ones, allowing them space for quiet reflection, to take a break away from the bedside and help themselves to a drink and use the kitchenette facilities. This space allowed us to snatch moments of respite and sleep so that we could continue to keep vigil at Tamara’s bedside.

The Swan and family room made all the difference in the world to us, along with the nursing care from the end of life team. Their efforts at keeping Tamara comfortable and dignified were second to none and we could never thank them enough for their outstanding compassion and service they provided Tamara and our family. The responsibility of the upkeep and running of these rooms lies solely with them. They rely on donations to provide amenities to keep families like ours in comfort.

We truly never imagined we would be in the position we was and have to be using these facilities. As a thank you to them we kindly ask that instead of gestures of flowers for Tamara’s funeral, donations are made instead to our gofundme page which we will then present to the end of life team which will enable them to be able to replenish and replace equipment, furnishings and stock and continue their outstanding service for patients like Tamara and families like ours.

Thank you x