Lorraine Bradley’s father, Roger Procter, was cared for by Saint Michael’s in 2022, after becoming ill and diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“I couldn’t fault the care Saint Michael’s gave us – and nothing we asked for was ever too much trouble. For example, when Dad found swallowing difficult, they changed his medications and pureed his food to make life easier. Everyday, small things which we might take for granted, like having a bath, was very difficult for him, but it was made possible at Saint Michael’s, and this was unbelievable for Dad.”
“Kate Adams, Saint Michael’s MND Clinical Nurse Specialist, became a family figure for us. She would help and support us at any time we needed it. And every time I visited my dad at Saint Michael’s, the staff didn’t just focus on him as the patient, they would always ask me how I am too.”
“I accessed Saint Michael’s pre-bereavement support and counselling from Just ‘B’ to learn coping mechanisms whilst he was ill.”
“Being at Saint Michael’s made him feel safe, and this felt good for us as his family. He loved to sit outside on the veranda and look out at the peaceful view.”
“When he returned home following the respite care, the support from Saint Michael’s remained. I had lots of questions and things to put in place, but Saint Michael’s helped me through all of the unknowns.”
“My dad had been my constant, and after he died, I really needed someone there for me who was a constant. Just ‘B’ were always there for me and really got to know me. They helped me feel like my feelings of grief were normal, and gave me tips to cope which I still do to this day, like writing letters and texts to my dad. They always said, you tell us when you feel like you can cope, and until then, we’ll be here for you.”
“I recently came back to Saint Michael’s for a drop-in support session, and I was surprised by how differently I saw the hospice to when I was visiting my dad. I used to see Crimple House as a place of sorrow – it would hurt when I went in. Now, I see the hospice in a different light – I see this amazing, beautiful place, and I think it was such a privilege for my dad to stay here.”
“Saint Michael’s was there when we needed help. I’m now giving back for all the care we received – the best way to say thank you is to give back. My dad would want me to give back. Whatever I can think of doing, I’m going to do, to raise as much money as I can.”
“From February 2023 to February 2024, I’ve challenged myself to a ‘Year Full’ of events in aid of Saint Michael’s, which I’m undertaking with the support of friends and family. The Muddy Boots 10k run kicked-off my calendar of events, and plenty of activities like a coffee morning and pie and peas quiz night are planned.
“Although I’ve already exceeded my fundraising target, my motivations are not just about raising money. This fundraising challenge is helping with the grieving process – I’m putting my mind onto something else.”
Image below: Lorraine at Muddy Boots
If you wish, you can make a donation to support Lorraine in Roger’s memory here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lorraine-bradley2
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 info@saintmichaelshospice.org.
