‘It’s wonderful to give back’
Having found such comfort from her local hospice during her husband’s illness, Christine Grew says she’s now so proud to volunteer and help others
Cups of tea, laughter and lots and lots of smiles. That’s the scene Christine Grew says welcomes her every time she walks into Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice. She began visiting when her husband became terminally ill and now volunteers every week. A far cry from the sad image some of us may have of hospices, Christine says this place has been a lifeline to her and her family. Husband Dave first became unwell in 2004 when seizures were later diagnosed as resulting from a brain tumour. “My immediate reaction was shock,” says grandmotherof-four Christine (67). “We’d been married 31 years and he’d always been fit and healthy.” Following six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, it became clear that, sadly, Dave’s condition was terminal. When his health deteriorated and he was unable to walk or feed himself, a Macmillan nurse mentioned to Christine about the possibility of a hospice. “My first reaction was no, as I said if he goes in there he’ll never come out. But then they asked again and I decided to go and look round. I’m so glad I did – the nurses were so friendly and when I brought my husband along he enjoyed the chance to chat and meet new people.” Christine agreed to bring Dave one day a week, giving her time to get jobs done and have a rest, as well as for one-to-two week respite periods. Palliative nurses from the hospice also started visiting their home to help Dave get up in the morning. “I felt so included in the whole thing and the nurses looked after me as well as Dave. They were so caring.” Sadly, Dave then developed prostate cancer which spread and 12 months before his passing Christine was given counselling by the hospice to help her come to terms with his condition. Two days before Christmas in 2013, Dave (67), sadly passed away. Hospice staff came straight over to help Christine, showing a compassion she’ll never forget. That’s why, 12 months after Dave died, Christine decided to return their kindness by becoming a volunteer. Three years on, Christine helps in the hospice cafe and volunteers in the day hospice. “We make the patients laugh and talk to them about everyday things. It’s absolutely wonderful. “I wanted the best for my husband and I got it because of the hospice. It’s lovely to give something now that I was so grateful to receive myself. I know Dave would be so proud of me.” Christine is supporting Hospice UK’s Open Up Hospice Care campaign. It is raising awareness that hospice care is available to everyone and can provide effective symptom relief for people approaching the end of their life as well as spiritual or psychological support for patients and their families. For more on the Open Up Hospice Care campaign visit www. hospiceuk.org or call 0207 520 8200. For John Taylor Hospice visit www.johntaylor hospice.org.uk