For the past 2 weeks the staff at Rowcroft have cared for my mum, and supported me as I’ve stayed by her side as she prepares to leave this world. As I write this, she is hanging on, but I know for not much longer. The kindness and compassion that we have had wrapped around us here will stay with me forever. Every single staff member/volunteer has gone out of their way to check in, cheer up and of course care for, not only mum, but our whole family unit as we’ve navigated this difficult time. There are no words that could convey the difference they have made, nor will I ever be able to thank them enough, so this page is just my way of doing something to try to demonstrate the immense gratitude felt and to help them out a little in return, because although I never knew we’d need them, Rowcroft has always been my favourite charity.

A sweet 98 year old in the bed next door summed the nursing staff up perfectly when she said she believed they must have been previously taken from this world to heaven and put back in Torbay as Rowcroft angels. I couldn’t agree more. And it’s not just the nurses and doctors….

Rowcroft care started for mum months before this, even years before, as an outpatient. From the lymphatic outpatients clinic pre diagnosis, to the community team’s amazing Emma B, to the OT team who helped organise what we needed to make my house a safe space for mum for the past 6 months, to darling Dr George who has cared for mum since admission and not forgetting everyone in between, thank you for your dedication to making the most difficult and heart breaking time as dignified and comfortable as it could be. To every Rowcroft volunteer, thank you for the hot cups of tea, ice cold water, kind words and most importantly your time. David the music therapist and Elizabeth the massage therapist - you both brought joy back to mums life before she was even admitted and there are way too many wonderful nurses working on the wards to name, but you have made the biggest impact and your kindness and care will stay with me forever.

I couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful place for mum to spend her last weeks. You took mum outside on her bed, surrounded by the smell of lavender, allowed me to play piano to her in the Sanctuary, nothing was too much trouble for the chefs and the food served was made and served with love every time. The cleaners working away to keep the place safe and spotless, always taking time to speak to us - nothing here was ever too much trouble. Debra the resident hairdresser, you made mum look and feel a million dollars (see pics) THANK YOU all xx

So please folks. Dig as deep as you are able. This time it was my mum and my family needing Rowcroft, sadly statistically there may come a time when you and yours might be needing them too, and without fundraising, there is surely no way that this vital facility can remain. So please help me to continue to support Rowcroft Hospice. You can donate here, hold your own fundraiser, or even sign up to their lottery. I’ll share the links. Over the coming weeks/months we will be raising funds which I will pay in through here as we think of fun things to fundraise to honour not only my mum, but Dad, Grumpy, Sharon, Wendy, Lou as well as sweet Jane, Margaret and Barbara, who we had the honour of meeting on Willow ward, all of whom have battled or are still battling crappy cancer. I don’t ever want another birthday or Christmas card, or gift from anyone, I just want this facility to keep being able to do the work is does and over the next few days, as mum peacefully slips away under their watch, the only comfort I’ll have is knowing she couldn’t have had a more beautiful and dignified end to her life, surrounded by people who dedicate themselves to making that possible. Please help me give back in this way if you are able, or consider volunteering if you have time. It would truly mean the world and make such a difference to those who will need this place in months and years to come. Thank you x