Kerrie Kavanagh - Walking in Memory of Mum and Dad
Kerrie Kavanagh and her family took part in the Saint Francis Hospice Memory Walk on Sunday 8th September in memory of her mum Jean and her dad Terry who were both cared for on the ward. Here Kerrie shares why the Memory Walk was such a special day for her family.
After my mum passed away in October 2018, I knew I wanted to give something back for the amazing care the charity had given my mum and our family.
We are a close family, and being able to visit and spend time with her meant so much to us.
The following year I applied for a job and in April 2019 I started work as an education coordinator in the education centre at the hospice. Up until then, I was a stay-at-home mum and had not worked for 18 years.
I am so passionate about hospice care and I am so proud to work for an organisation that delivers outstanding care and support to people and their families.
Our family needed the hospice’s services again in December 2023 when my dad, who had been living with Parkinson’s disease, was admitted to the ward for pain management.
Once again, the care he received was wonderful. The nurses and all the staff went above and beyond to care for him. He also had an opportunity to go on a special trip to London to see the Christmas lights with some of our family in a jumbulance ?" a specially adapted coach with medical equipment.
While at the hospice, his mum, who is 100 years old, was able to spend time with him and be a mum to him before he died.
Many people do not know about the incredible care the hospice gives to children and young people. My niece and nephew received counselling from the hospice’s Child and Family therapists. Counselling helped them to process their grief, and they now see the hospice as a happy place, not a place to be feared.
As a family we have been supporting the hospice for many years. My brother Keiran ran two London Marathons and even organised a ball.
The Memory Walk is our most recent fundraising effort. It was a perfect opportunity for our family to come together to remember our loved ones and support the hospice. It was such a special day. There was a wonderful atmosphere, and it was so well organised. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!
