Leamington and Whitnash Trees of Light: nurse recalls her experience of Myton Hospices to show people how valuable their donations are to the charity

Myton Hospices nurse Helen Siddaway has reminded people about how valuable their donations are to the Leamington and Whitnash Trees of Light campaign.
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In 1998 Helen's husband Mark was admitted to the Warwick hospice for end-of-life care aged just 42.

Although she was a registered nurse she had not been trained to cope with this sort of personal disaster.

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What she did discover was way beyond all her previous experience.

Helen Siddaway and her husband Mark.Helen Siddaway and her husband Mark.
Helen Siddaway and her husband Mark.

The staff were so friendly, nothing was too much trouble, the care was to a really high standard, and everything was focussed on Mark's wellbeing.

Even the chef would come each day to discuss what he would like to eat. And it didn't stop there, Helen and her children aged 9,10 and 13 were included, being fed and given accommodation in the hospice as Mark neared his end.

The doctors talked openly and helpfully, and the staff would go into the garden to play ball with the children.

Just two and a half weeks later, Mark lost his battle.

The Tree of Light outside Leamington Town Hall in 2017.The Tree of Light outside Leamington Town Hall in 2017.
The Tree of Light outside Leamington Town Hall in 2017.
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For a long time Helen couldn't see how her life could be good again, but that was not to be the end of Myton for her. She had been so impressed that when she learned that she could become a Myton nurse, she leapt at the chance, and is now one of the caring compassionate nurses that leads the Myton At Home team.

"The pebble had been thrown into the lake and the ripple goes on and on," she said.

To donate to Myton and remember a loved one through the Leamington Spa Rotary Club's Trees of Light campaign people can complete the coupon attached to the print version of this article and post it to Kathryn Metcalfe, Trees of Light, Myton Hospice, Myton Lane, Warwick CV34 6PX.

Alternatively, they can donate online at mytonhospice.org/TreesOfLight