Amanda Garrett from Grantham, 46, and her friends were treated to a gifted Bell Tent Sleepover Experience by local businesswoman Lisa Westwick. She was inspired by a social media post by BowelBabe, Dame Deborah James, who enjoyed a similar experience before her death on 28th June.
Lisa reached out to St Barnabas and asked if she could offer one of our patients this exciting experience. Her company, Lisa’zzz Sleep Retreat, offers sleepover experiences and wanted to do something similar for a St Barnabas patient going through a tough time.
Amanda said “I couldn’t believe it when I received the call to say Lisa would like to offer the experience to me! I was having a rough, emotional week suffering with pain, but this opportunity has really lifted my spirits and I can’t wait to have chilled night in with my girlfriends.”
The gifted Bell Tent Sleepover Experience took place on Saturday 9th July, and Amanda, along with four friends, had a great time.
Amanda says: ““I had an absolutely fantastic night! Great friends, good food and a perfect setting. The Bell Tent was such an amazing gift and the memories I made with my friends are priceless.
“Thank you to St Barnabas and Lisa for giving me this wonderful experience.”
Amanda was diagnosed in May 2020 with primary breast cancer and given the all clear in May 2021. However, just a few months later in September 2021 she was diagnosed with secondary stage 4 breast cancer which had spread to her liver, lungs, spine and pelvis.
Amanda describes understandably feeling ‘devastated and very angry’ after the diagnosis and reached out to St Barnabas Hospice straight away for support after a Macmillan specialist nurse explained what St Barnabas could offer Amanda.
Amanda is 46 with two children, and Chloe, our Welfare and Benefits team lead, was able to guide Amanda through what financial support she was entitled to and helped claim her disability badge to make trips out more comfortable and stress free for Amanda and her family.
“I’ve used the relaxation classes and counselling services at St Barnabas in Grantham. They’ve been amazing. I am feeling “reasonably well” now, but my life is full of appointments, so I want to cut them back and have some more normal days. However, I know these free services are there waiting for me when I need them in the future and that is comfort.
“I can honestly say St Barnabas have been amazing, they have helped me so much. There is always someone at the end of the phone, and they just have advice and a listening ear. Chloe even came to my house, sat down with me and went through the forms, applications and supported me. I really feel like I’ve got someone on my side helping me live better.”
If you or someone you know is affected by a life-limiting or terminal illness and need help with finding out financial support that may be available, take a look at our Welfare and Benefits services on our website here.
Below: Amanda and her sons
