Gary Pearson raises money for the Hospice, hear why…
My mother struggled with a disease called ‘body inclusion myosotis’ until she sadly passed away on Wednesday 24th March 2016.
Her condition was not classed as a terminal disease but it completely took away her muscle function. Mam’s fingers were virtually useless, her muscles weakened and the weight began to drop off her but despite all this she carried on regardless, with a smile most of the time.
It affected the muscles around her throat and her swallowing mechanisms which meant she couldn’t eat properly. Mam was fitted with a stomach peg which worked for a few weeks keeping her weight stable but complications set in and she suffered with vomiting and diarrhoea so she wasn’t getting the calorie intake that her body desperately needed.
After several trips between North Tees and Hartlepool Hospital, Mam decided that to get home she would eat what she could and see out her remaining time as she wanted. She spent Christmas and New Year at home, which she had been craving to be in, but in January of this year a fall meant she was back in Hospital.
Mam eventually moved to Alice House Hospice at the start of March where she felt at home immediately. The care of the staff was exemplary and nothing was ever too much trouble. Our Mam’s condition deteriorated rapidly on 23rd March 2016 and the absolute dedication of staff in the next 24 hours amazed me. Their compassion was that of a family member, even kissing her forehead as they went off shift and when the next person came on they would come in and say hello to her and comfort us a family.
These are special people. If you took time to read this you will understand just how much of a difference they make. Please donate as the Hospice runs on donations and charitable gifts and without this place I dread to think what the people of Hartlepool would do.