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Dark times for daffodil charity
CHARITY is one of the first things to go when cash is tight – and the crunch is already costing Marie Curie Cancer Care dear. The charity's specialist nurses provide free care to cancer patients and those with other terminal illnesses in their own homes, although the charity is also the UK's leading provider of independent hospice care.
Research shows that 75 per cent of people seriously ill with cancer would prefer to be cared for at home.
Every year, Marie Curie Nurses make that wish possible for thousands of cancer patients in cities, towns and villages across the UK.
They now care for around 50 per cent of all cancer patients who die at home, including many who live on the Fylde Coast.
They work through the night or during the day to provide care for patients in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of their own home.
They are also there for families and carers, providing practical and emotional support at what can be an exhausting time.
It's always free of charge to patients and carers, although some, such as Valerie Hadwin, of Bispham, who lost her husband Derek to cancer, choose to support the charity in practical ways, helping raise funds to ensure the good work goes on, after the death of a loved one.
Valerie empties all the collection boxes in Blackpool, helps on the Daffodil Appeal and takes part in events on the Fylde by way of thanks.
Derek was 62 went he passed away in the comfort of his own home. Valerie admits: "I would not have had a night's sleep without the help of the Marie Curie nurses. I would have had to look after Derek on my own if it hadn't been for them. To say they are angels probably isn't enough."
However, as the charity celebrates its 60th anniversary next Saturday, it faces a crisis. A fundraising dance, planned for 12 months, has been cancelled in Blackpool, next Friday, because of poor ticket sales.
Money-raising initiatives across the county, from dances to walks to sponsored abseils, have also been called off because of lack of take-up.
For the first time ever, this year's sponsored Marie Curie Morecambe Bay walk failed to muster sufficient numbers.
Fundraiser Lyn Fenton, who covers the Fylde, explains: "It's the current situation. Everything is being cut back. Fuel prices have gone up so people are also staying at home. Usually we get about 400 for the Morecambe Bay walk. This year there were very few. The rest is just down to people tightening their belt. But it's costing us dear. And this area isn't faring as badly as some other parts of the country."
Now she's hoping big-hearted Blackpool may work its magic. A 5k sponsored walk starts at 1pm today on the Promenade opposite the Big Blue Hotel.
"We've only got about 30 walkers but hope locals and visitors will give generously," adds Lyn.
The cash crisis comes at a time when the charity celebrates its 60th anniversary, sharing a birthday with the National Health Service.
It costs 20 an hour to provide the service: which is free to patients and carers. Terminally ill and other cancer patients get frontline nursing care in their own homes, which also gives their carers a break from round the clock care.
Former district nurse Pauline Wilde, who lives in Blackpool, has worked for four years as a Marie Curie nurse since her parents-in-law both required the charity’s nursing assistance.
“As a district nurse I went in when needed, but as a Marie Curie nurse I’m there, with them, day or night depending on the shift worked.
“I prefer nights and my shift usually lasts nine hours, although I work an extra shift by day, from 3pm to 8pm, to help provide cover.
“We ring the home of the patient who is poorly and chat to carers and relatives to make them feel more at ease about our arrival.
“We are usually there because the condition is not getting any better. The sooner we get called in, the better. It’s all about providing the patient with rest and dignity.
“Often carers are at their wits’ end, as it’s near the end of a loved one’s life. They need someone to help, and are suffering lack of sleep.
“Emotionally it can be hard for them to let go some responsibilities to us, but physically they are ready, exhausted by it all. It means the family can have some peace of mind and a rest.
“Patients can be a little bit apprehensive but on the whole accept it, often faster than their carers, because they know we are there to help .
“They often open up to us and say things they couldn’t say to their family, about how they feel, and it takes their minds off things.
“Most people simply wish to stay at home. No matter how ill they become they want to be in their own home at the end.”
The charity is campaigning across the UK to boost services for terminally-ill cancer patients so that they can make the choice to die at home.
Pauline added: “I’m very aware of the weight of history with this charity. But what matters most is how we respond to modern needs. And the patients’ interests must be paramount. We build up a relationship with them so it’s never easy when they go. Some of us have a good sob, and I’ll go away and think about it .
“But you know that you are doing a good job and that you are desperately needed – and the generosity of fundraisers helps us to help others. I just wish more would help them.”
l For an ideas fundraising pack, or to support a charity event, ring Lyn Fenton on 01772 749 797, contact her at Marie Curie Cancer Care, 5 New Mill Street, Eccleston,PR7 5SZ, or hit www.MarieCurie.org.uk
jacqui.morley@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
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Monday 13 February 2012
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