Hospice team inspired daughter to be a volunteer (From Wharfedale Observer)

Hospice team inspired daughter to be a volunteer

8:10am Saturday 26th May 2012 in Local news

Judith Spenceley knows more than most how Wheatfields Hospice can help people with serious illnesses and their families.

When Judith’s mother, Edna Clough, was diagnosed with terminal cancer a team from the Sue Ryder home supported her and the whole family, enabling Edna to stay at home with them.

Like many people, Otley resident Judith was not sure what a hospice did or how they could help someone who wanted to stay with their family, rather than being admitted to a hospital or care centre.

But her fears were soon allayed.

She said: “The community nurse specialist from Wheatfields came to meet me and quickly put me at ease.

“I was told I would be supported and I was. She took the time to find out what we as a family wanted.

“My mum wanted to be at home with us and they did everything possible to support our family.”

The excellent care her mother received encouraged Judith to become a volunteer for the Otley Support Group for Wheatfields Hospice after, by chance, attending one of their coffee mornings and finding out they were seeking help.

Now a dedicated member of the team, she’s looking forward to helping the group hold a fundraising fashion show at Otley Rugby Club on Monday, May 21.

She said: “The show is going to be a great evening.

“This is a new event for us and it is lovely that one of the community nurses will be modelling.

“We hope to see Otley Rugby Club full of ladies enjoying the show and the shopping.”

To buy tickets for the fashion show, which cost £5, of find out more about supporting the hospice call Sarah Jane Meyers on 0113 203 3302 or send an e-mail to sarah-jane.meyers@sueryder.org.

Doors open at 6.45pm with the show beginning at 7.30pm.