Leamington and Whitnash Trees of Light: still time to donate to fundraising campaign to support Myton Hospices

The annual campaign, organised by the Leamington Rotary Club, allows people to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, while also collecting vital funds for the hospice.

Money raised will help the hospice deliver its vital services to life-limited and terminally-ill patients such as Wendy Minshaw, who sadly passed away from a brain tumour.

Following the diagnosis, Wendy slipped into a coma while in hospital and her husband Peter gave permission for surgery to remove some of the tumour. Initially, Wendy recovered well and was able to return home for Christmas and to see in the New Year.

Despite Wendy’s initial reservations about Myton being a place “where people go to die”, she and Peter visited the hospice to alleviate any fears they had and were pleasantly surprised.

After suffering a fit and being admitted to hospital, Wendy asked to be referred to Warwick Myton Hospice. During this time, Peter was able to learn from staff about how best to care for Wendy at home when she was discharged.

Peter said: “I had worries with my care role at home and staff nurse Carolyn often found time to sit with me to discuss it all. She became a bedrock in helping my confidence grow.

“All the staff were so professional and friendly and there was always time found to talk, which made us feel so very welcome.

“They also helped to get Wendy a specialised wheelchair without which she would have been housebound, and she was also provided with a walker which let her happily roam the hospice gardens.”

That July, Wendy returned to Myton for a week of respite care, which gave both her and Peter some much-needed time to recharge.

Peter added: “During the year, Myton had offered us day care once a week. This meant Wendy got to enjoy games and quizzes, chat with nurses and even sang chart songs, which I was told ‘raised the roof.

“This allowed me to go shopping or walk along the canal for my own respite, which was just as important.”

Wendy was scheduled to spend some time on the Inpatient Unit the following January, however the day hospice team referred her earlier. Very sadly, she never returned home as she deteriorated during Christmas.

Peter added: “Christmas Day came and her father and I were with her. The hospice gave patients a Myton Teddy as a gift and he still sits in pride of place in my lounge to this day.”

As Wendy’s health deteriorated and she was nearing the end of her life, Peter was given the option to sleep in the relatives’ accommodation so he could be close the Wendy to say goodbye.

“Myton never forgot about me throughout all of this. I joined a bereavement group supported by Myton’s counselling team and we all realised how similar our experiences were. Everyone took solace from hearing each other’s stories.”, said Peter.

To repay Myton for all they had done for him and his family, Peter later decided to volunteer for the hospice, taking part in events, fundraising and even sharing his story to support other families in similar situations.

He added: “If it was not for Myton, her last few months would not have had the happiness it did. Their help was incredible and the reason why I wanted to become a volunteer.”

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

You can also donate using the coupon which will appear in the printed version of the paper on Friday (December 11).

Coupons should be sent to Kathryn Metcalfe, Tree of Light, The Myton Hospices, Myton Lane, Warwick CV34 6PX.