Joyous family occasion as patients grandsons christened at the Hospice

Thames Hospice hosted a very special surprise event at the weekend for Paula, currently being cared for on the Inpatient Unit, whose gorgeous grandsons, Timmy (aged 6) and Jamie (aged 4), were christened in the Hospices Sanctuary on Saturday 13 February 2021.

Paulas daughter Rebecca Bailey said: "One of mum's wishes has been to see her two grandsons christened. We planned it in July 2020, but due to the coronavirus it was cancelled. Since we received the news about mums declining health, and she thought she wouldn't be around to see it happen, with the amazing help and support from Thames Hospice staff, they made it a reality for us all. It really has meant the whole world to mum and all of us as a family."

Paula, aged 53, is terminally ill but bravely fights for precious time with her loved ones. She and her husband Dave live in Cippenham, with her daughters and their families close by.

Paula Bailey said: "I don't know how long I have left now so it's one thing I have wished for to see my grandsons get christened.

"It was very emotional and I really wasn't expecting this to happen at the Hospice. No one was telling me what was going on and everyone including the Hospice staff were in on the secret! I thought I was going to have a Valentine's treat or something!

"I was very emotional and so taken aback by what everyone has done for me. My grandsons were as good as gold and listened to the Reverends every word during the service. I'm so proud of them. It has meant everything to me seeing them get christened."

The christening service was presided over by Reverend Andrew Parry in the Hospices Sanctuary and was the very first official event to be hosted at the Hospice since the charity moved to its new home last October. The occasion was meticulously planned around current coronavirus restrictions, including the administering of lateral flow tests for the guests ahead of the service.

Lisa Church, Director of Nursing, Thames Hospice, added: "It was an honour to create such a memorable and magical moment for Paula to witness her grandsons christening last Saturday, together with the family and godparents. The event took some very careful planning but it was wonderful to see the surprise on Paulas face as she entered the Sanctuary; there wasn't a dry eye in the room!."

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