Andrea Rigby often reflects on the time her dad, Keith, spent at Eden Valley Hospice before he died on 9th February 2015. Keith was at Eden Valley Hospice for 17 days, and throughout that time, Andrea and her mother, Susan, never left his side. They slept in his room every night, with his grandchildren and other family members visiting daily. Even though Keith slept for much of that time, they always talked to him, involving him in every conversation. Susan would often say with a smile, “Right, Keith, you need to wake up now, and Andrea will bring the car round to take us home.”
For Andrea, the care her dad received in the hospice was unlike anything she had ever seen, “My dad’s care in the hospice was like nothing I had ever experienced before, after his hospital stays in the years before. It was exceptional care, and the staff became like friends to us and were always there for a chat or advice when needed. It is a very special place to be in.”
The hospice quickly became a very special place to their family, somewhere full of compassion, gentleness, and warmth.
One memory that still makes her smile is hearing the Chase theme tune at 5 pm, echoing along the corridor as every room tuned in. The sound instantly transports her back to those moments.
When Andrea saw on Facebook that the Memory Tree was being created in 2019, she felt it was a beautiful idea, somewhere her dad’s name could be placed, marking that he had been there and had meant so much to so many.
“Having my dad’s name engraved feels like a permanent reminder of him. Even though he’s remembered every day by us, it brings comfort knowing he will always be there.”
“I like to have memories around me and my mam likes to have them in her house along with lots of photos of him, he is a huge miss to my mam, and I know they spent many happy years together and she misses him dearly now.”
Since then, Keith’s leaf has shone so brightly throughout the years, and with the tree being in the main Reception area, the heart of the hospice, Andrea, Susan and her family can visit him throughout the year.
Anyone can dedicate a leaf and create a lasting tribute, with the funds raised helping the hospice continue providing compassionate care.
