“The Opening Doors Programme is making a huge difference to the quality of lives of our patients”, were the words used in the conclusion of a previous article about an innovative Day Programme run at Mercy Hospice Auckland New Zealand. During the first weekend of October, a small group of people was privy to a truly magnificent display of humanity. It would be an injustice if the greater community was to be deprived of the knowledge of such a display of love.
The story begins with Martin (39), an immigrant from the UK 10 years ago, who has recently been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour,and was anticipating the celebration of this 40th birthday. Unbeknown to Martin, his wife Gemma had secretly planned a surprise visit of four of his school mates to coincide with his birthday. Gemma passed on this information at one of our Opening Doors sessions. When asked about Martin’s real passion, she stated that it was unquestionably MOTOR SPORT!! Gemma was taken aside and given a rundown of our annual Race for Life event at Hampton Downs Raceway. This is an occasion where patients are given a choice to ride in racing cars, a helicopter, trucks, luxury cars and on a Harley. All is provided freely by a local community who has remained faithful to this event since its inception. The idea was mooted that a mini Race for Life be staged for Martin’s Birthday.
However there were just a few minor difficulties:
- Hampton Downs Raceway is very heavily booked throughout the year.
- Martin’s overseas friends were in New Zealand for only 6 days.
- The short time frame made things seem impossible (but of course: “Impossible is Nothing”).
The first phone call went to the manager of Hampton Downs, Claire Roberts. Martin’s story was relayed to her, and without hesitation she disclosed that the Twilight Session on Saturday 5 October from 5-7pm was perchance free!! The opportunity was grabbed with both hands and the question of price was raised. “Absolutely for free” was Claire’s response, forming a sequence of events that would demonstrate an incredible compassion shown by all who were asked to be a part of what would become an extraordinary affair.
An email was sent to race car drivers who have been involved in Race for Life. The response was overwhelming. Ten drivers responded positively. Catering was taken care of by donations of two huge pieces of beef from the local butcher, NZ$200 worth of groceries by the district Supermarket and 50 bread rolls and scrolls from the neighbourhood baker. The community, overwhelmed with Martin’s story, was ready to do all they could to make a difference. Even the luxury car business who continue to support Mercy Hospice whenever possible, offered the use of their mobile BBQ for the occasion.
A special touch was the offer by a young professional photographer to give his time and expertise in creating memories of the day for Martin, his family and friends.
Gemma, for her part, was completely impassive, giving no hint of the turmoil within, as arrangements progressed. She kept the secret not only from Martin, but from all of his friends.
An incredible evening transpired, one that will remain in the hearts and minds of all those privileged to witness the surprise, excitement and pure joy on the part of Martin and his friends.
Dame Cecily Saunders would have reiterated her own words had she been privy to the benevolence shown at Hampton Downs Raceway, Waikato, New Zealand, this early October.
“Hospice is indeed a place of meeting, physical and spiritual, doing and accepting, giving and receiving, all have to be brought together. The dying need the community, its help and fellowship. The community needs the dying, to think about eternal issues and to make it listen.”
Not one person left the grounds of Hampton Downs Raceway without a lighter heart and a feeling that they had received a very special gift.
Viv James is the Coordinator of the day stay programme: Opening Doors at Mercy Hospice Auckland.
Viv can be contacted at: viv.james@mercyhospice.org.nz
Refererences
Dame Cicely Saunders: The management of Terminal Disease, 1st edition (1978).
Leave a Reply