Staff at Beaumond House have been described as angels for the way they helped two members of the same family.
Zoe Picker of Balderton said Beaumond House Hospice Care had stepped in to help her mum Tracey Edlin and her grandma Margaret Edlin at a time when they really needed it.
“Beaumond House will always have a very special place in our hearts,” she said.
Margaret was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago but it was being kept under control with medication.
But then in November 2019 she needed to be admitted to hospital and she and her family were told the cancer had spread.
She was allowed home with a care package but Zoe said that despite that help and the loving care provided by the family it was not enough especially as they were also caring for her mum. So Zoe rang Beaumond House to ask for help.
“We didn’t know what else to do so we were so relieved when they said that gran could come into the hospice,” said Zoe.
“She loved it and felt so well cared for.”
Margaret died in Beaumond House on Christmas Eve with her son Jon and grandchildren Zoe and Zak with her. She was 86.
“She was so peaceful; she was not in any pain,” said Zoe.
Tracey was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2019. She was prescribed medication and had been due to have chemotherapy but that had to be delayed because of other problems.
By the time they had cleared up the cancer had spread.
Tracey was determined to remain at home cared for by her family. She was reluctant to have help from Beaumond House but after meeting a nurse from the Hospice at Home team she changed her mind.
“She and nurse got on so well, she was always friendly and jolly and became her friend” said Zoe.
“Beaumond House were absolutely brilliant. Just like gran they gave her comfort and made her feel safe.
“She uplifted her and gave her umph back.”
Tracey died in January 2020 peacefully at home with her family and her best friend by her side. She was 55.
In the spring Zoe put together a moving Facebook video speaking of her family’s experience.
“It was really hard to do but I wanted to do it,” she said. “I wanted people to know just how much Beaumond House helped my family.”
The video was seen more than 3,000 times and as a result more than £1,500 was donated to the hospice.
Zoe has also raised money for the hospice in the past with medium and fashion shows. Her brother Zak has raised £600 through singing on Facebook to a live audience and had planned a football event which had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.
In January Zoe will continue with her fundraising when she plans to go all month without an alcoholic drink.
“I want to prove to myself I can do four weeks if it’s for my mum and gran,” she said.
“I can do this for mum, grandma for myself and for Beaumond House.”
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