Exeter College student's Hospiscare surprise
Exeter student Paige Furzer had a lovely surprise when she started volunteering for us here at Hospiscare.
She discovered her Great Nan was the first patient at Hospiscare’s Exeter hospice and even met the Duchess of Kent who opened the hospice in 1992.
Paige, 19, who is studying journalism at Exeter College, said: “It’s a quite amazing coincidence. I’m thrilled to be helping the charity which provided so much support and comfort to my Great Nan and our family.
"I had no idea my Great Nan, Doris Quick was the first patient. I’m told there used to be a picture of her with the Duchess of Kent on display in the hospice.
“When I heard there was an opportunity to help Hospiscare I jumped at the chance. It motivates me to do well during my work experience knowing that all my effort and hard work will be helping a charity that does so much for other people and it's nice to give something back to them."
Paige is regularly visiting the hospice, which is based on the RD&E site, volunteering with the communications department and is helping make a video about the hospice.
Her Great Nan, Doris, who had cervical cancer, spent three weeks at the hospice, returned home but was re-admitted a few weeks later and died there.
Doris’ daughter Sybil Lloyd said: “The care my mother received was outstanding, absolutely fantastic - I couldn’t fault it. It was so relaxing there for my mum and me, and the lovely positive staff made her last moments special.
“It’s wonderful that Paige has chosen a place to volunteer that was such a blessing to me. It was an important place to my mother as it created joy and happiness for her - giving us both a chance to spend quality time together."
In remembrance of her mother, Sybil and her husband donate to Hospiscare every Christmas through its Light Up A Life fundraising appeal.
“We write a message in remembrance of my mum and then hang it on the tree on the Cathedral Green, it is also displayed in the memory book in the hospice’s chapel. To me, it keeps my mum’s memory alive.”
The family also support Hospiscare by doing the Hospiscare Weekly Prize Draw.
How you can help Hospiscare
There are lots of ways you can help Hospiscare:
• Make a donation
• Leave Hospiscare a gift in your will
• Join us for a Hospiscare event or organise your own
• Support our charity shops, buy or give us your unwanted items to sell
• Use our highly acclaimed House Clearance services
• Play our Weekly Prize Draw
• Become a volunteer.
