Rachel (left), pictured with her sister Leanne Holdsworth
For Leanne Holdsworth, being able to stay by her sister Rachel’s side while she was with us at our Crimple House Hospice was so important. Rachel died from cancer this January.
“Rachel had bravely pulled through cervical cancer and lymphoedema ten years before she received her breast cancer diagnosis. When she found out the cancer had spread to her brain, we knew she had very limited time left.
“Rach had heard great things about Saint Michael’s and really wanted to go there. The morning before she left for the Hospice, she was beaming. After a lot of anxiety around hospital stays, something had changed and she looked so relaxed.
“She had a lovely big room at Saint Michael’s with two windows where she could see the views. She was so happy there.
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“Rachel was a big family person- the seventh child of eight and two of her own children, Caitlin and Taylor, who were her absolute world.
“The Saint Michael’s team welcomed our many family members to visit when they liked and we took turns staying overnight with her.
“Our family has 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren who she idolized and completely loved.
“It was so lovely just to spend time together chatting and having music or the TV on in her room.
“The nurses were absolutely amazing. They were so gentle, would address Rachel by name and explain everything to her. The housekeepers who came to clean her room were brilliant and friendly, and having been a cleaner, Rach especially appreciated this! The ladies on Reception were so lovely.
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“A couple of days before Rachel died, her daughter Caitlin’s partner Pau came in and proposed in Rachel’s room so she could be there with all our family around. The staff went above and beyond giving us a cake and flowers- it was so special.
“Everyone who works at Saint Michael’s are absolute heroes. They are so passionate about what they do and don’t see it as work. They really make it.
“As Rachel took her last breaths, the sun was rising and shining through the window of her room. It was so peaceful. So beautiful.
“The staff looked after us all so well and gave us the time we needed before leaving. They were so kind.
“I have never been to a place for such a difficult time which is so lovely. It didn’t feel like a place where poorly people go- it felt like a tranquil retreat.
“Our family was really shocked to find out how much it costs to run Saint Michael’s, and how much you rely on donations. Our family have decided to make Saint Michael’s ‘our charity’- we’ll be attending the Midnight Walk, which takes place on Rachel’s birthday, and helping raise money in lots of different ways.
“We’re very lucky to have Saint Michael’s and Just ‘B’, who are also amazing, in our area. We’re so thankful for all the support we received.”
