Poignant cards keep memory of inspirational doctor alive
THE INSPIRATIONAL Dr Kate Granger, whose campaign to get more compassionate care for patients in the final years of her life continues to be felt across the world, has made sure her memory still lives on for her husband every year, too.
She penned birthday cards for husband Chris Pointon before she died – complete with special messages – to open every year into the future on April 11.
Posting the latest card on Twitter as he turned 41 yesterday, Mr Pointon said: “Such an emotional birthday card to open from my beautiful and inspiring wife.
“She is always with me and wrote cards for me well into the future. Miss her so much. I hope I’m doing you proud, my beautiful angel in heaven.”
Dr Granger, from East Ardsley, near Wakefield, died aged 34 on July 23, 2016, after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer in 2011.
But while battling the disease, she set up the #HelloMyNameIs campaign, to encouraging medics to introduce themselves after her own experiences as a patient when many staff looking after her did not introduce themselves.
Last year, to mark the first anniversary of her death, thousands of NHS staff members and healthcare workers across the world observed an international #HelloMyNameIs day in her honour.
The latest birthday card message featured a comical jab from Dr Granger about her husband’s hair loss.
“To my dearest humpty dumpty,” it read.
“Into your 40s now gorgeous. Has all the hair gone now?! I love you and always will so much. K”
Mr Pointon said opening the cards is emotional, but he hopes that by posting the messages it may inspire others who are fighting illness to consider what they can leave behind for their loved ones.
He said: “I knew that I had the card because she had written them before she died.
“It’s a way of keeping the memories alive.”