Kathryn's Story

My first experience of Overgate Hospice was in 2005 when my Mum started to attend the Day Hospice. She visited once a week and particularly enjoyed the sewing and various crafts she could join in with during her visits. Mum also stayed on the Inpatient Unit for two periods of respite to give my Dad a rest from caring for her. When I came to visit her, I was unsure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by the homely feel of the Hospice. When Mum was admitted to the Inpatient Unit for her third time, she had deteriorated, and she passed away peacefully after receiving wonderful care from the Hospice team.

Not long after this, my daughter Faye joined the Hospice’s fundraising team and the whole family was soon involved in all sorts of fundraising events and activities. We’ve done everything from running the BBQ at the Garden Party to creating the table decorations for the annual Ball. It makes me very proud to watch her and her team work tirelessly to raise the money needed so the Hospice can care for local families.

In 2014, my family were once again in the care of the Hospice as my Dad was admitted to the Hospice as he battled prostate cancer. We were again surrounded by the loving care of the Hospice team. After months of being in and out of hospital, arriving at the Hospice was such a relief. The difference in the environment was incomparable.

In the last two years, since my retirement, I have been volunteering at the Hipperholme charity shop. This has been such a great experience and I feel the shop helps me as much as I help the shop; it gives me a purpose each week to have somewhere to go and meet people.

The Hospice continues to be a big part of my life. I am so grateful for the care that my family have received, and I’m pleased to be able to give something back in my own way.