Leamington and Whitnash Trees of Light: Myton Hospices makes appeal for donations to campaign following damaging effects of the Coronavirus pandemic

The Trees of Light, an annual fundraiser organised by Leamington Rotary Club, allows people to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, while also raising much-needed money for the charity which has hospices in Warwick, Rugby and Coventry.

Barry Andrews, chairman of Leamington Rotary Club’s fundraising committee, said the charity must raise more than £9 million towards the £12 million which is needed to continue providing its services free of charge.

Myton provides care for patients with life-limiting and terminal illnesses and without support from the community, the hospice would not be able to deliver vital support throughout the pandemic for patients such as Jean Williams.

Jean, 91-years old, had terminal cancer and was referred to Coventry Myton Hospice towards the start of the pandemic, where she stayed for almost seven weeks before she sadly died.

She described feeling safer at the hospice than at home and talked of “never having met such wonderful, compassionate people” in all her life.

Jean’s husband of 68 years, Sid, died three years ago and her son Clive and his family live in Canada.

To keep connected with her family, Jean would speak to Clive twice daily and Myton’s doctors and nurses would provide him with constant updates on her health.

During her short time at Myton, Jean said: “The staff are so wonderful, kind, caring, attentive and very professional.

“Not one person could be nicer, from the doctors to the cleaners, and everyone in-between. I have a gorgeous room and garden and everyone is so attentive. You just have to ask and it’s there.”

Jean had previously spent most Wednesdays since being diagnosed at the Coventry Myton Day Unit and felt reassured by the quality of care.

This wasn’t her first experience of Myton, as Jean’s father died more than 20 years ago at the Warwick Myton Hospice and mentioned the hospice “opens your eyes to the goodness in the world.”

Despite being in the grips of a global pandemic, the dedicated team at Myton were able to give Jean the care and support she needed, and the dignified death she deserved.

To donate to the Tree of Light and dedicate the name of a loved one to be remembered, visit http://www.mytonhospice.org/TreesOfLight.