As Gary approaches Christmas without Ellie, he reflects on the care and support they received from Keech when they needed it most.
When Gary’s wife Ellie became seriously unwell, life changed quickly. As her symptoms became harder to manage, they were referred to Keech for specialist care. What followed was not what they expected.
After Ellie’s assessment, Gary remembers the moment everything changed:
“After the assessment, the doctor turned to me and said, Gary, we can help your wife. I felt so relieved.”
A place of comfort
Before coming to Keech, Gary didn’t know what to expect. What he and Ellie experienced was very different to what many people might imagine.
“It’s not a place of doom and gloom,” he says. “It’s a place of hope, joy, love, laughter, kindness and dignity.”
Ellie quickly made Keech her own. She continued to get up, get dressed and spend time with her family, making the most of each day.
One of the places she felt happiest was in the gardens.“She loved her garden at home, and she loved the garden here,” Gary says. “It gave her peace.”
Even as the seasons changed, the gardens offered them both somewhere to step outside, take a breath and spend quiet time together.
Over the following weeks, Keech helped bring Ellie’s symptoms under control, giving them precious time to focus on what mattered most, being together as a family. When Ellie left the hospice, she was comfortable and ready to make the most of the time she had left.
Reflecting on their experience, Gary says:
“Keech bestowed upon us a very precious gift…the gift of time.”
Can you make a donation?
Any gift you can give will help us wrap more families in care, and be here for them whenever and however they need us.
Could give a child with a life-limiting condition the chance to play in a safe, caring space.
Could pay for a one-hour of specialist nursing care, on one of our in-patient units.
Could pay for a number of reiki, massages or mindfulness sessions with our complementary therapists.
Could provide bereavement sessions to support families and loved ones.
If you experience any issues while making your donation, our Supporter Relations team is here to help. Call us on 01582 707940 or email letmehelp@keech.org.uk, and we’ll be happy to assist you or take your payment.
Light Up a Life
Join. Reflect. Remember.
Join us for Light Up a Life, our annual service to fondly remember and celebrate the life of a loved one during the festive period.
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