Young mum tells how the final moments of her husband’s life were made bearable thanks to the priceless care of staff at the Arthur Rank Hospice
The Bradbrook family. Mike was diagnosed with cancer and spent his last three months at the new purpose built Arthur Rank Hospice. His wife Kirsty said the care given by the charity was priceless. - Credit: Archant
A hospice celebrating its first year since moving to new premises is asking people to consider holding a ‘no presents event’ at their own birthday parties to raise money for end of life care.
The Bradbrook family. Mike was diagnosed with cancer and spent his last three months at the new purpose built Arthur Rank Hospice. His wife Kirsty said the care given by the charity was priceless. - Credit: Archant
It is 12 months since The Arthur Rank Hospice opened its doors at its purpose-built state-of-the-art new home in Cambridgeshire.
As the hospice continues to help hundreds of patients at its new facility, at the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in people’s own homes, they are asking people to support them.
A spokesman said: “When you break it down to a cost of £20,410.96 per day this still feels vast, yet this is the cost for the Hospice’s vital services across the county 365 days a year, to thousands of patients each year.
The Bradbrook family. Mike was diagnosed with cancer and spent his last three months at the new purpose built Arthur Rank Hospice. His wife Kirsty said the care given by the charity was priceless. - Credit: Archant
“Remarkably the care remains free of charge thanks to the incredibly generous support of our local community.
“Everyone can play a part. When you breakdown the entire daily costs’ still further, it equates to £850.46 each hour, £14.17 each minute and 24p a second - figures that are more relatable.”
Around £2 million is needed to reach the £10.5 million target for the build project itself, while the hospice needs £7.45 million annually, to support adults with a life-limiting illness or condition.
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One woman has told how the hospice supported them when her husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with renal and metastatic bone cancer in January 2017.
Mike Bradbrook was cared for at Arthur Rank Hospice for his final three months.
His wife Kirsty said: “Despite the torture of that situation, there was still something positive. Without a shadow of a doubt it is what we got from the hospice.
”There are certain minutes and certain hours. Mike’s last hour, having Debbie, one of the healthcare assistants sat with us in the room for that hour.
“She was there ready to step in, when the time came. There were a lot of those minutes.
“Just those little tiny things, a nurse who stood with him and did breathing exercises at night, to help ease his pain, to help calm him .
“There’s not a financial value you can put on that,”
• To find out about fund raising email fundraising@arhc.org.ukor or donate on JustGiving.
