TV’s Justin: now my mum is the star
Amazing care helped Claire bounce back from cancer
her physical prowess and she was getting weaker and weaker. She was supposed to get four of five sessions but they stopped at three because it was just too damaging.
“They did a CAT scan and the chemo had performed so well she didn’t need any more.”
But instead of bouncing back, this time Claire was floored with fatigue. Fiercely independent, she soldiered on until she could barely get out of bed.
Justin said: “We were told she needed hospice care. I didn’t know anything about hospices. I thought we were on a hiding to nothing.
“But once she was there she rallied and rallied and rallied.
“She’s never going to Highland dance again or be kicking up her heels, but she just got better and better and better. She didn’t need any palliative care. She didn’t have and has never has had any pain.
“She was in for 19 weeks then they called us and said, ‘Look, this is tricky as it doesn’t happen that often. Your mother is really proving to be quite a miracle and she’s no longer in need of hospice care.’”
Claire no longer wanted to go back home as she didn’t want
The difference in Claire after her time in the hospice was remarkable. anyone living with her round the clock. So she made the decision to go into a retirement home, from where she keeps close tabs on her family and friends.
And while the cancer will never leave her, she has her spirit back – and a twinkle in her eye again.
Justin said: “She moved in to the home about eight weeks ago and loves it. But it was the hospice that gave her back her life. I get emotional when I think of the warmth, humour and care, not just mum, but all of us received there.
“They are an amazing group of people who go out of their way and what’s really nice is how lovely they were to us too when we went in.
“Their care to everyone is otherworldy. They deserve to be sainted. I’m so proud of mum for becoming an unofficial spokespersons for the hospice and its appeal.”
In the video, filmed as she relaxed in bed at the hospice, Claire says: “It’s wonderful how kind everyone is. I don’t suppose I gave my fellow man that credit, just the people I knew.
“But it’s the people I don’t know who have shone for me. I feel safe and there’s always someone to talk to.”
For more info or to donate, visit www.highlandhospice.org/donate