Adele Luckham’s grandad, Tom Rowe, was cared for by Herriot Hospice Homecare at his Northallerton home in his final weeks last May. Adele is now organising several events, to raise funds in memory of her grandad and support our care…
“My grandad was living with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia, but the Herriot HOME team staff were amazing and so caring, and talked to him like a human being, and not like he was dying. They didn’t rush when they visited the house, they showed so much respect and genuine care. I know the team must see so many people through their job, but they never made it seem like we were just one family of many, they cared for my grandad and us as though we were the only people on their minds.
Adele’s grandad, Tom Rowe:
“My grandad and grandma had been together 70 years, and the HOME team would ask her questions about when he was younger and their life together. In my grandad’s last week, my mum unfortunately contracted Covid-19, but the HOME team remained calm, professional and supportive in helping her experience the final few days precious with her dad.
“Years before grandad needed HOME care but was still poorly, Herriot volunteers would visit him to sit with him and talk (as part of our befriending, sitting and driving volunteer-led services) – someone even brought their musical instrument to play to him!
“My grandad was my male role model growing up, and it was special for me to be with him and see him being so well cared for in his final days. I know that Herriot will always be there for me should I need any further bereavement support, and I’ll always support them.
“I’ve recently held a charity football match and raffle in my grandad’s memory, with funds going to Herriot Hospice Homecare. We had so much going on that day, including a live singer and DJ, and we raised a fantastic £1,700! I can’t thank enough all the people who turned out and donated.
Cakes and balloons in Herriot colours at Adele’s fundraiser, with people turning out wearing t-shirts with ‘TOM’ on the back:
“I have lots of ideas for more fundraising events I’d like to hold, such as an auction, black-tie ball, walking up Mount Snowdon, and supporting my son with a white-collar boxing event.
A signed football shirt with ‘GRANDAD’ on the back is an auction prize:
“I will forever support Herriot in memory of my grandad, and because our family will likely receive their care again in the future. After seeing how Herriot HOME staff cared unbelievably for my grandad and us, I would want them to look after my family if they needed care in the future.”
Our HOME service offers practical, social and emotional support to help you live at home with confidence, independence and dignity, as well as personalised, compassionate care at home at the end of life. To find out more, visit https://www.herriothh.org.uk/how-we-help/living-with-terminal-illness/care-and-support-at-home/.
If you would like to do your own fundraising in memory of someone special, get inspiration or tell us about your plans by visiting https://www.herriothh.org.uk/support-our-work/fundraise/do-your-own-fundraising/.
And if you would like to share your story with us to help us illustrate the difference that our care makes, we’d love to hear from you and would be so grateful. Please email admin@herriothh.org.uk.
