Taking positive out of sadness
AS we celebrate our Pearl Anniversary and 30 years of providing compassionate care for local people with life-limiting illnesses, it is also a time to reflect on the positive impact that Queenscourt has had on the lives of our patients and their families.
Over the past 30 years, Queenscourt has provided exceptional care and support for thousands of patients across West Lancashire, Formby and Southport. Here we share the memories of two of those families whose loved ones were cared for by #teamqueenscourt.
JACKIE Cockwill’s daughter Kayleigh Hayes was just 23 when she died of bowel cancer in June 2013. Kayleigh had initially visited the hospice as an outpatient for help with her pain management but was later admitted and spent her last 24 hours in Queenscourt’s care.
“Everyone at Queenscourt really went above and beyond, not only to help Kayleigh, but to support our family and friends,” said Jackie. “Even after Kayleigh passed away they were always there for me.”
Jackie subsequently became a dedicated fundraiser for Queenscourt – organising six Dragonfly Balls, taking part in Star Trekk walks and supporting the Forget Me Not and Lights of Love campaigns each year as well as organising smaller events. She has raised almost £23,000 and has also volunteered for Queenscourt.
Why does she do it? “I know what it feels like to lose somebody you love,” she said. “Losing a child is really hard and you need somebody you can lean on, fall back on and Queenscourt was there for me when I needed them.
“I just want to give back to say thank you for that. If we don’t do these things to help them, they are not going to be there when others need them.”
THE wonderful care given to her son Bob Parry by the team at Queenscourt led to Pat Buck raising thousands for our charity – and volunteering at one of our shops.
Bob spent time as an inpatient at Queenscourt and was later treated as an outpatient before being readmitted in 2018 after his liver cancer spread to his bones. He spent six weeks in Queenscourt before arrangements were made for him to return home, where he was under the care of the
Queenscourt team.
“I cannot explain just how wonderful everyone was at Queenscourt,” said Pat. “I was absolutely amazed at what a serene and beautiful place it is and they were so lovely to Bob – everything he
at Home wanted, he got.
“They couldn’t do enough for him. Bob was always laughing and joking with the nurses and other staff. It is hard to describe just how special it is.”
Pat has since taken part in our Star Trekk night walk with 20 friends and family, raising over £10,000; and, with her sister Janet Currie, also took part in our To The Moon and Back initiative, raising a further £1,400.
As well as fundraising, Pat has also become a Queenscourt Volunteer and, along with her sister Janet, has been helping out at the Chapel Street shop.
For more on Queenscourt and its services visit www.queenscourt.org.uk where you can also read our special Pearl Anniversary newsletter.