Gemma - A Woman on a Mission

Gemma marched into the hospice reception yesterday.

It was a definite march, not an amble or a saunter, a march like soldier with the air of “let’s crack on and get things done.” Having last seen her in March I was expecting a warm greeting and a good long catch up – no chance.

This was a woman on a mission.

Gemma is our miracle Hospiscare patient who is much loved by staff and volunteers. Despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour six years ago Gemma is still with us, but as a volunteer fundraiser rather than a patient. The chemotherapy worked!

During her recovery she has devoted herself to raising money for Hospiscare. She strode into our Exeter hospice to plan our PR campaign for next year’s GemFest, her fundraising mini festival – details in the main news story here on the Daily.

It’s always a huge pleasure to spend time with Gemma; she’s dynamic and fun with a wicked sense of humour. She was trying to persuade me to wear wellies to GemFest; apparently it’s the “thing” to do.

Sorry Gemma, I’m very happy to cough up an extra £2 so I can wear my dancing shoes – last year’s silent disco was fun.

Every year here at Hospiscare my colleagues and our volunteers meet hundreds of patients, some straight from being diagnosed with a terminal illness, others are further along the journey and some as they reach the end.

It is a huge privilege to help them and their loved ones but we all know our relationships will come to an end. So watching Gemma, our former patient (it feels so good to write those words!) getting better and stronger is wonderfully uplifting.

She is a miracle and now more than ever we need miracles.