Thank You to the Amazing Nurses

Kathy Kelly

The care provided to Kathy Kelly and family prompts daring uptake of abseil challenge

Kathy Kelly has supported Bury Hospice for many years now, from shopping at our retail shops across the borough, to donating to our many fundraising events.

Kathy’s connection to Bury Hospice goes back to the year 2000 when her sister-in-law, who was a patient at the hospice, died at the age of 29. 

A year later in 2001, Kathy’s father-in-law also sadly passed away at the hospice, and in 2008 her Nan became a patient.

Kathy also experienced the care Bury Hospice provides when she lost her mother-in-law, Sheila, in 2020. 

Kathy said: “I've seen first-hand the level of care provided, and the support given to us when visiting loved ones during their final moments.”

“My husband and I cared for Sheila 24/7 at home and although it was only for six weeks from diagnosis to her passing, we got to see what the hospice does 365 days-a-year.”

“I can honestly say it was the hardest job, both physically and emotionally that I've ever faced.”

At Sheila's funeral the family asked for donations to the hospice instead of flowers.  

Kathy said: “When we brought the donations into the hospice, we came in via the rear of the building having never been there before, and given that there were still Covid-19 restrictions – the nurses didn't turn us away but allowed us to hand over the donation.”

“We shared some information about Sheila which reduced us to tears, and even though Sheila wasn't an inpatient at the hospice, one of the nurses gave to us the time to talk about her, which was very endearing.”

Kathy and her husband were able to express their thanks and gratitude to the nurses for the hard work they do.  

Kathy said: “In some way the time we spent at the hospice helped us in our grief. I still feel humbled that during the pandemic, we were given that time to sit and talk about how sad we were.”

“I’m grateful that we had that moment and that it wasn't rushed in any way.”

“I wish I could remember the name of the nurse that day, to be able to give her credit; she probably doesn't know how much her time and empathy was welcomed and needed – it still touches me to this day.” 

“My husband and I were blown away by the compassion shown to us and the gratitude for our donation which just humbled us even more.”

This year, Kathy has decided to take on the Bury Hospice abseil as a way of recognising and supporting the invaluable resource the hospice is to those who need it in their most vulnerable times.

Kathy said: “This challenge is going to be a huge achievement for me; my friends and family know it will take a lot of physical and emotional endurance for me to complete it.”

“I have health ailments and a fear of heights but I’ve sought advice from my health team who say I will be able to do it as I’m training to make the experience less strenuous.”

Kathy is working hard by maintaining her wellbeing despite her utter fear of heights.

She said: “I will be able to complete the abseil because I'm doing it to raise money and awareness of what Bury Hospice does, and the act of taking myself way out of my comfort zone, is hopefully what will encourage the donations to come rolling in.”

Head here, if you would like to take part in a fundraising event for Bury Hospice:

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