In 2021, Shelly Ross from Wigton, along with friends and family took part in our Scafell by Sunset event in memory of her beloved dad, Terry Stevens.

Shelly and her family have been great supporters of our charity, and through fundraising for our Scafell by Sunset event, local supermarket Morrisons match funded Shelly’s fundraising amount, to bring the total to over £3000!

Shelly’s mum is an employer of Morrisons, and by hearing about their fundraising plans, they kindly match funded the initial amount raised.

Our nurses supported Terry, or Tex as he liked to be called, and provided care for him and his family following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Tex wanted to remain at home, so his wife and daughter Shelly began providing 24-hour care. Looking after a loved one at home can be draining, and as Tex’s health deteriorated, the family reached out to Hospice at Home West Cumbria for help.

Shelly said “It was physically exhausting for me and my mam to care for dad round-the-clock, whilst also trying to mentally prepare for the inevitable. Hospice at Home West Cumbria provided nurses to sit with dad some nights so we could rest, which allowed us to gain much-needed energy to get through the next day.

Trying to care for someone when you are running on empty is hard, especially when you’re punishing yourself for not being super-human and unable to function day and night to give the care he deserved. Towards the end the nurses made sure dad was comfortable and peaceful, and it was a godsend to have them around so we could help to prepare ourselves. I cannot thank Hospice at Home West Cumbria enough – the support they gave to me and my family was invaluable.”

We are so grateful to Shelly, her family and Morrisons for all their contributions. This will help us continue to provide our vital services in West Cumbria.

If you have any queries about our Home Nursing services, please contact us on 01900 705200, or email us at info@hhwc.org.uk