A young woman marked her 21st birthday with a donation to St Richard’s Hospice in memory of the charity’s care of her mum.
Danni Perrins, a care assistant from Bewdley, Worcestershire, asked guests to her 21st birthday party to donate in memory of her mum Nikki who had died at St Richard’s Hospice aged just 40 in 2012.
Danni said, “I was 18 when mom passed away after a very tough three year battle with cancer. My mom was the strongest person I know, when she was at her worst, she still had her beautiful smile on her face and was always there for everyone else let alone how she must have been feeling herself. She did a lot of fundraising, from head shaving events, to running even when she was feeling so poorly. She was amazing!”
“When she was admitted to St Richard’s Hospice, we were all terrified, we knew that mom wasn’t coming home and that was the worst feeling ever. The journey to the hospice was just me and mom, by ambulance, it felt like a lifetime, but straight away the staff put us all at ease and what a lovely calm environment it was there. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but St Richard’s were amazing at this time. Mom said it was our job to continue fundraising for this worthwhile cause. “
Danni added, “While mom was in the hospice, myself, sister Jade, Nan and Grandad were also looked after so well and the care given to my mom was incredible. I don’t know what we would have done without the care we all received from the friendly staff at St Richard’s Hospice. We were there just two days before mom passed away, with us holding her hand as she took her last breath. The staff were incredible. I didn’t think I could be so brave to be with my mom as she passed away peacefully, but the staff and my family made this possible. I will forever be grateful to St Richard’s Hospice for this and I want to thank them. My mom’s last wish was for us to continue fundraising, this is only the beginning! “
Friends and family raised £100 for St Richard’s in party donations and Danni added, “ I can’t thank my friends and family enough helping me to support something so close to my heart.”
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.
Photos: Danni and her mum after the school prom
Nikki and Danni and boyfriend Harry Burns at her 21st party