Treasured moments at Leeds hospice

We all want our mums to have an extra-special Mother's Day.
Jackie Barlow and her mum Ann.Jackie Barlow and her mum Ann.
Jackie Barlow and her mum Ann.

But the team at Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds are hoping to create some truly treasured moments for the families they care for.

They are looking to raise money to support the work of the Headingley-based service to provide support to hundreds of people living with life-limiting conditions.

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Jackie Barlow knows only too well how vital their support can be.

The team helped to provide care for her mum Ann who died from colon cancer.

Ms Barlow said: “Our mum was an incredible woman – strong and independent.

“After she was diagnosed with colon cancer, she had three months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“Unfortunately the treatments had no effect.

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“Chemotherapy in particular affected her really badly and made her feel sick and weak.

“She didn’t like the idea of a hospice.

“But as soon as she walked through Wheatfields’ doors, everything changed.

“She had her own room which meant privacy and dignity, and we decorated it with pictures.

“We felt much better when my mum was at the hospice.

“I knew staff would have called us any time of the day if there were some significant changes in mum.

“I loved how they always made sure mum looked lovely.

“At the end mum wanted to die at the hospice.

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“It was a peaceful, dignified death. We could have not hoped for a better place for mum to end her last days.”

It costs £11,000 every day to keep the doors open at the hospice.

In a bid to boost funds, the hospice is launching a new fundraising campaign throughout February until Mother’s Day.

Vicki Burnett, head of hospice fundraising at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “Whilst most of us will be celebrating Mother’s Day at home with their families, others will be spending their last days at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

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“Cards and flowers will be exchanged and everyone at the hospice will work hard to ensure it’s a day full of happy memories for everyone to treasure.

“With the help of Yorkshire Evening Post readers, we can make sure this Mother’s Day will be a special one for all the mums we are caring for.”