Much-loved Great Grandmother Shirley spent her final days at Katharine House in the spring of 2024 after being diagnosed with lung cancer in July the previous year. Her daughter Lynnie shares memories of her mum, how the hospice supported their family during her illness and why she’s decided to jump out of a plane in her memory.

"Mum was a feisty but very funny and genuine lady," said Lynnie. "She was a true Yorkshire lass and a real grafter – working several jobs and always happy to turn her hand to DIY. When Mum turned 80, and newly single, she came to live with me and my hubby Mark. But she was adamant to be independent, so we agreed together to build an annexe in our garden.

"It wasn’t always easy, as sometimes our opinions clashed, but for most part we had such laughs together. During lockdown, she became quite popular amongst our immediate neighbourhood when Thursday nights clapping for the NHS became the highlight of her week. She loved to sing and belted out many songs accompanied with saucepan and wooden spoon in hand."

A life-limiting diagnosis

Following a period of ill health, Shirley had a series of appointments and investigations and was diagnosed with Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive asbestos-related lung cancer – in July 2023. "Mum took the news like a trooper," explained Lynnie.

"She was very matter of fact and immediately started to put things in place. We were passed onto HASAG, an organisation that supports families with this condition. We were also contacted by the Palliative Care Team coordinator from Katharine House and Mum was invited to go and visit the hospice and the Living Well team. She attended a few times, which helped her to understand and become more adjusted to the environment and the hospice team."

Katharine House care at home and in the hospice

As Shirley’s condition worsened at the start of the year, the Katharine House Community Palliative Care Team started making home visits.

Lynnie said: "They were such lovely people – nothing was too much trouble. It was like the cavalry coming to save the day as things got harder for Mum and us as a family. It was exhausting to say the least. Twice a week Marie Curie nurses also visited during the night just so I could sleep.

"In late January, Mum was admitted to Katharine House Inpatient Unit. Our world changed from that point. The help, the love and care and professionalism that Mum and our family received was nothing short of astonishing. We were then able to be her children again and visit as often as we liked and for as long as we liked. For me it felt like my safe place because I knew Mum was safe, and it was my sanctuary. They understood how we were feeling. 

"Just two weeks before Mum died, she was desperate to come home. The team got onto it and organised everything. Nothing was too much trouble. She managed two days at home before returning to the hospice, just as the daffodils blossomed. Over the following days, Mum deteriorated and passed away peacefully at the hospice on 5 March, aged 87, surrounded by family."

Giving back to the hospice

"I was so impressed by the dedication of every staff member that I wanted to give back and show my appreciation. So I signed up to do a skydive taking place this September. It’s the very least I can do to say the hugest THANK YOU!” 
But it’s not the first time that Lynnie has taken on a BIG challenge to support the hospice.

She told us: "Back in 2001, I was asked by my lovely friend Sally to help her raise money for Katharine House in memory of her friend Marie, who had been supported by the hospice. We decided on a skydive and were scared and excited, but we did it and were so proud that we had raised a good amount to donate. So – almost 23 years later – I got in touch with Sally and jokingly said, 'Fancy doing it again?' and to my delight she agreed!

"So here we are just a few weeks away and going for it again. We’ll have friends and family along to support us from the ground. Hopefully it will be an amazing day! That feeling when you’re free falling is incredible and knowing it is for such a wonderful cause is very uplifting and rewarding."

Feeling inspired?

If you’ve been inspired by Lynnie, why not take on one of our events to help raise vital funds for our hospice?

Click here to find your challenge today