“Keech gave us a gift I can never repay”: Husband shares wife Ellie’s story in Christmas Appeal
Keech Hospice is sharing the story of Gary and his wife Ellie this Christmas, highlighting the care Ellie received from the hospice and the support given to Gary and their family.
Gary said: “Keech gave us a gift I can never repay.”
Gary and Ellie were referred to Keech because Ellie’s cancer had become unmanageable at home. She was constantly feeling sick and they were unable to keep on top of her pain.
Ellie went to stay at Keech at the end of September last year. Following her initial assessment, Dr Huma turned to Gary and told him: “Gary, we can help Ellie.” Gary said: “I can’t tell you what a relief that was.”
A place of comfort. Before Ellie came to Keech, Gary had a very different impression of what a hospice would be like.
He said: “Before coming to Keech, I had the impression hospices are all doom and gloom. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a place of hope, joy, love, laughter, empathy, sympathy, dignity and caring. I could go on and on.”
The hospice garden became a special place for the couple. Gary and Ellie would walk along the Path of Life nearly every day after lunch. Ellie loved her garden at home and also loved the garden at Keech, which Gary says gave her peace.
Can you support the Christmas Appeal this year?
Gary is sharing Ellie’s story as part of the Keech Hospice Christmas Appeal. People can support the appeal by making a one-off or monthly donation. £55 could pay for one-hour of specialist nursing care on one of our in-patient units. Any gift you can give will help us Wrap more families in care, and be here for them whenever and however they need us.
To hear more from Gary, watch the Christmas Appeal video or make a donation.
· Donate: https://keech.org.uk/christmas-appeal/