Yvonne Ive was still working almost full-time with her daughter Simone Markham in their thriving independent ladies clothing store, MyBoutique, based in Farnham Common, when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Christmas Eve 2020, aged 75.
Yvonne Ive was still working almost full-time with her daughter Simone Markham in their thriving independent ladies clothing store, MyBoutique based in Farnham Common, when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Christmas Eve 2020, aged 75.
Yvonne was referred to Thames Hospice after 18 months of gruelling chemotherapy and numerous hospital admissions, and accessed a wide range of services, both at the Hospice and at home to support her physical, spiritual and social needs.
Simone and her mother so appreciated the compassionate care they received at Thames Hospice that Simone knew she wanted to repay the charity that made the end of her mother’s life as good as it could have been, and the vital support from the Hospice’s Bereavement Counselling Team who are helping Yvonne’s family through their grief.
“My Mum was so, so grateful to be there,” says Simone. “That is why I am proud to be an Ambassador for Thames Hospice. I want to raise so much awareness of what a happy and beautiful place it is. My Mum’s last days were looking out at the stunning lakeside views and being cared for so amazingly.”
Simone remembers the huge lift that Yvonne got in her new surroundings, and after regular sessions with the Hospice’s Physiotherapy Team in the Rehabilitation Centre.
“All of a sudden she started to get stronger. I’ve got a video of her in her room at the Hospice, and Glastonbury was on TV. Diana Ross who was her favourite singer was on stage, and there was my Mum up dancing with her!”
When Yvonne’s condition improved sufficiently, she was discharged home, with a hospital bed and other equipment arranged by the Hospice. “That’s what is so amazing about Thames Hospice,” said Simone. “Everything was organised for us.”
When Yvonne’s condition deteriorated again, Simone phoned the Hospice’s 24-hour telephone advice line and the nurse reassured her, saying a bed would be available the next day and nurses would come out as soon as possible.
“That night my Mum and I were petrified, and I realised how amazing it was having care from the Hospice and how grateful I was to have people to help keep my Mum out of pain.”
When Yvonne was readmitted to the Hospice she and Simone enjoyed cherished moments together, especially out in the Hospice gardens.
“She loved that feeling of the sun and we were able to take her outside in her bed or the chair with the access to a private terrace from the amazing rooms here. Everything was so accessible to make her life easier there.”
Determined to create a fitting legacy for her mother, Simone wants to continue raising awareness and vital funds for the Hospice, building on the success of their fashion fundraiser last year that raised more than £20,000.
“I’m always going to keep spreading the word about what an amazing charity this is. I don’t want other families to have to go through the pain and the hurt of losing someone they love. Unfortunately, that’s life and it happens but what better place to be cared for and supported than Thames Hospice. I want everyone in our community to know about their work and support this incredible charity, if they are able to, so it can continue to be there for more people like my Mum.”
Our services are free of charge to all those in our community who need vital hospice care but this is only made possible through the charitable support and generosity of our amazing community. We need to raise £34,000 each day to fund our services 365 days a year to the people who need us most.
We’ve never needed you, our wonderful supporters, more than we need you today. Please donate what you can to help keep hospice care available for those in desperate need.
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