The family of a patient at Princess Alice Hospice gathered together in the early June sunshine to release some beautiful butterflies into the grounds of the Hospice in Esher.
Sue, who has been receiving palliative care at the Hospice, was keen to release the butterflies herself as she had reared them from eggs. Sue’s husband arranged to transport the butterflies and Hospice staff organised for Sue’s bed to be moved out onto the terrace so that she could be part of the release. Sue wanted her grandson present so he could see them fly off and the whole family was involved.
The Hospice has always tried to accommodate the wishes of patients and families, encouraging pets to visit, allowing puppies to be born and now butterflies to be released. Senior Health Care Assistant at the Hospice, Gill Samsun, said, “It was lovely to watch the whole family get together in the sunshine and release the butterflies that Sue had raised. Her grandson loved it. There were lots of squeals of delight, a real family memory for them all to cherish.”
———————————————–
Princess Alice Hospice: For Compassion. For Excellence. For People. For Living. Princess Alice Hospice has, for more than 30 years, provided free, high-quality,
specialist end of life care to tens of thousands of people across a large part of Surrey, south west London and Middlesex. Today, at any one time, Hospice nurses, doctors
and other specialist staff are looking after more than 800 people in need. The Hospice’s mission is to reach out to even more people by delivering outstanding care
to those that need it. To enable us to do this, we will rely on the commitment and support of our communities who help us to raise vital funds.
£10.1 million is needed each year to provide these vital and much-needed services. With limited NHS funding, 76% must be generated by fundraising, retail operations,
donations and legacies.
Leave a Reply