Overgate made our last family Christmas a truly special one
HI, I’M Felicity and I spent last Christmas at Overgate Hospice while they cared for my mum Barbara.
My mum was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in November 2019 which came as a huge shock to the whole family. On December 18 she was admitted to Overgate Hospice to help with symptom management and pain control. The minute we arrived the staff could not do enough for us. Wayne was the first nurse we saw and he was so warm and friendly and immediately made us feel at ease. Mum was made comfortable in her bed and the doctors and nurses took the time to talk to us both. Since her diagnosis Mum had barely left the house other than for hospital and doctors appointments but four days after she arrived at the Hospice, we got wrapped up and headed out to the gardens for some fresh air. We were able to spend time together as a family in the peaceful and beautiful gardens and it was truly a special day. I will be forever grateful that the Hospice made this possible.
On Christmas Day the whole family came to the Hospice to enjoy the day together. The kitchen staff made a delicious Christmas dinner for us. I will never forget seeing her eyes light up when the drinks trolley appeared and watching her sit in bed sipping her vodka through a straw made the day.
We will always be so grateful that mum was at the Hospice and comfortable in her final days but also that we got to spend one last Christmas together.
Overgate made it a truly special one.