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We’re Stephanie and Kristina, and four months ago we lost our mum, Claire.
It’s not been easy, especially with the added stress of the Covid-19 pandemic but thanks to donations from people like you, our family were supported during the most difficult time of our lives.
In 2016, mum had not been feeling well, she was very tired and had spent the week in bed. This was completely out of character for her, so we decided to take her to A&E as a precaution and they ran some tests. We’ll always remember hearing the words “your mum has incurable ovarian cancer”, and in a matter of seconds our world completely crumbled, mum’s eyes filled with tears and she cried “but I want to see my grandchildren grow up”. We were heartbroken.
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But then we were referred to The Beatson, where the amazing doctors and nurses made us realise that we could manage this journey and mum could continue to live her life, even with cancer.
She would often describe The Beatson as her ‘safe place,’ where she could relax, knowing that everyone was doing their absolute best to ensure she was happy. Mum loved Beatson Cancer Charity’s complementary therapies; she would get her nails painted during clinical treatments and would talk about how good the shoulder massages were, soothing the side effects that would develop from her clinical treatments.
When mum lost her hair, she had a wig fitted by Beatson Cancer Charity’s wig specialist; they made her feel so loved and special. That meant so much to us both - we found ourselves beginning to relax, knowing that she was happy and content, despite the circumstances.
But none of Beatson Cancer Charity’s Services are possible without your continued support. This is why we are asking you to send a donation along with a special message on your Bauble to Beatson Cancer Charity today. We know first-hand how valuable the care, love and support provided by specialist staff and volunteers is, and we want to do everything we can to ensure that this care can continue for those in need through these extraordinary times.
We spent days sitting beside mum in Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre, enjoying unlimited cups of tea and talking about our next family adventure. The first year mum was diagnosed, we went to Aviemore. We were quite cautious, she wasn’t in the best place physically, but The Beatson doctors assured us that they
could make this happen.
Within hours, they had spoken to a nearby hospital to ensure that mum could go on her holiday and still attend necessary appointments over the week. This was honestly, the most special Christmas we have ever had, and we owe everything to The Beatson for giving us those special memories that we will hold in our hearts forever.
And that’s why this year, we will be hanging our Beatson Bauble, to remember our mum but also to give hope to everyone facing tough circumstances, because that is exactly what The Beatson did for us. Unfortunately, after Kristina’s daughter’s first birthday, mum passed away.
Although our world has been turned upside down, we are so thankful she had the opportunity to spend time with her three grandchildren together, they were her world. All of the doctors and nurses went above and beyond to ensure that mum continued to live her life; from trips to Ibiza with her two best friends, Morag and Marlyn, to our special Christmas trip to Aviemore and continuing her coffee dates with her two sisters, Anne and Janet. She left this world content, soothed and relaxed, and for this we are beyond grateful.
So, this year, we will be asking everyone in supporting Beatson Cancer Charity’s Bauble Appeal. Like us, you will probably have your own reason to hang a Beatson Bauble on your tree. You may want to remember someone special or say thank you to The Beatson for looking after a relative or friend. It’s also a really special way to show your support for those facing cancer through such difficult times. Perhaps, after such a challenging year, you could hang your Bauble and give hope to those that need a little bit extra this Christmas.
But most importantly, although Christmas might be slightly different for you this year, keep safe and continue the Christmas spirit by hanging your Beatson Bauble, it really does make a huge difference to families like ours. From the deepest depths of our hearts, we want to say thank you for your continued support. Without your help in funding Beatson Cancer Charity’s services, we simply would not have been able to cope.
We hope you have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
By donating and hanging your Beatson Bauble, you will be supporting thousands of people affected by Cancer this Christmas, just like Kristina and Stephanie and their family.
Find out more about our Beatson Bauble Appeal here.
