How Hyde's Hero's Happened…

My experience of The Wisdom Hospice started at an early age

Sarah and her mother pose together on holiday at disney. Sarah has micky mouse ears on and a painted on nose. Joyce wears a pink patterns silk scarf around her neck.

Sarah with her late Mother, Joyce

Before Hyde's Hero's, I lost my dad under their care when I was fourteen. I remember the feeling of it being a welcoming place. Such care was taken with my Dad. He was always comfortable and well looked after.

Twenty-five years after losing my Dad, my Mum saw an advert for stallholders at The Hospice Fayre and said, “why not?”. We always attended but had never been involved. I felt it was now that I could give something back. I was welcomed like an old friend when I met the Friend's Fundraising Team. Joining in with their fayres and I have held a stall, Twinkle Toe’s Hair Accessories, every year since 2018.

Last year the unthinkable happened

Sarah's Mum and Dad, the inspiration for Hyde's Hero's, sit together smiling for a photo

Sarah's Mum & Dad

My Mum became poorly and very quickly needed Hospice care. I found myself back there, now with children of my own. In this familiar place going through this as an adult. From the moment we arrived; nothing was too much trouble. Experiencing this with Mum you see what lengths the staff go too to make your loved one comfortable. I gained a new understanding of the care that my Dad received. As well as an endless appreciation for what they did for my Mum.

Every visitor she had was welcomed in like family. People we had never met before cared for her like she was their own mum, they even cared for me. Making me up a bed so I could sleep by her side. There was always a friendly face checking on me. If I was awake or unsettled during the night. They were shining lights during those dark hours.

"They gave me, and my family something that was invaluable to us. Love, respect and dignity were so effortless shared. They spoke so highly of her and her well-mannered ways. My mum would have given her last penny if it was helping someone else. "

Now I want to help make a difference

Sarah's daughters and her mum out for a sweet treat at Creams

Sarah's Daughters, Sophie & Mille with their Nanny Joyce. Sarah calls them her three Musketeers out for a sweet treat at Creams.

So now, I am doing the same. I cannot thank the Hospice enough. Words aren’t enough. But every penny I can raise will help. Knowing the difference it will make, to another family like mine. Hyde's Hero's is my way of giving back. It started by just taking part in Wander for Wisdom in 2019 and getting some sponsorship. That was a struggle, but I got through it with Beth and Clare cheering us on at the end.

Then I held a cream tea for what would have been Mums birthday that year. I raised some money from that and said, “what’s next”. That November I held a Christmas Party at a local scout hut. I organised some stalls and games for the kids and a raffle supported by donations and prizes from local businesses. I raised just over £900 for both events.

What's Next for Hyde's Hero's

For me, I want to keep going and keep giving back what I can. The Hospice is a place I hope no one would ever need. But if you do, it’s the best place to be. I cannot imagine going through this without their support. The nurses and cares assistants are truly angels walking the earth.

When lockdown ends, I am planning on my next Hyde's Hero's fundraising event: Wisdom Wonderland. An Alice in Wonderland themed event! As my eldest is mad for it and wants to help remember Nanny in the best way we know-how. To Fundraise with The Friends!

If you would like to know about Sarah's next Hyde's Hero's event, make sure you drop a comment below or subscribe to our email mailing to stay up to date with our events.

How Hyde's Hero's Happened...