The life of an Evesham mother of six has been celebrated with fundraising for St Richard’s Hospice, the charity which helped care for her at the end of her life.
Mrs Christina Swann, 80, was cared for in the St Richard’s In-patient Unit at Wildwood Drive, Worcester for two weeks before she died last summer.
Her daughter Angie Swann works as receptionist for Birmingham firm JS Wright which has fundraised for St Richard’s and raised close to £3,000. The firm chose St Richard’s as their Charity of the Year and fundraising activities included Directors and staff running the Birmingham 10k. At the company’s 125th Anniversary Garden Party recently Directors were splatted in stocks with wet sponges by guests who paid for the privilege, as well as a holding a raffle and tombola stall to boost funds.
Miss Swann said, “Mom had a short illness and spent almost two weeks at St Richard’s with wonderful caring staff on hand 24 hours a day. Nothing was too much trouble for them. We were able to wheel Mom out whilst lying in bed onto the patio overlooking the garden watching the ducks. It truly was a perfect place.
“I cannot put into words how wonderful everyone at St Richard’s were, not only did they care for Mom but supported each and every one of us, allowing us to have our last precious moments as children, grandchildren, sister and aunt. We can never repay St Richard’s for our final loving memories so by fundraising it helps give a little back so that others can have the precious memories they deserve. “
Mrs Swann’s family have previously fundraised for St Richard’s by taking part in the annual hospice Waterways Walk last year and Angie, who lives in Birmingham, ran the Worcester 10k.
Miss Swann added, “I have worked for J S Wright for almost six years and everyone I work with are so supportive. I was really touched when they decided to adopt St Richard’s as our Charity of the Year 2015. “
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 2,600 patients and family members in Worcestershire with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
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.