In 2002 Sharon’s Mother was diagnosed with having a Meningioma non-cancerous brain tumour. The tumour was successfully removed twice before returning again in 2013 when the family learned the devastating news that medically nothing more could be done. Sharon’s Mother is now receiving hospice at home care from St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.
This is Sharon’s story in her own words:
Team Shirley’s Girlies had a fabulous time at the One Night in a Onesie walk on Saturday 7th June in Lincoln. The atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to see so many people taking part in such an important fundraising event for such a worthwhile charity.
We decided to have a team ‘theme’ and went with Winnie the Pooh. The tallest member of the team, my very good friend Catherine Forbes was Winnie the Pooh. I was Tigger, my daughter Beth Roberts was Piglet, my sister Jane Lowe was Eeyore and her good friend Charlotte Batty was Owl. My son Harry Roberts, 16, and nephew Sam Lowe, 13, were ‘honorary’ members of Shirley’s Girlies, although they declined the team theme!
During the few months leading up to the walk we had many donations to our justgiving pages, and were up to around £700. On the day of our walk we received the utterly amazing news that cousins of ours who have a charity foundation, The Street Foundation, linked to their business in Herefordshire had made a donation in our mum’s name for a massive £10,000. As you can imagine we were totally stunned and thrilled at this news. To date, and after adding gift aid, we expect that our grand total will be in region of £11,000.
Over the last eight months since mum left hospital St Barnabas has been a great support both practically and emotionally for us as a family. My dad George has been mum’s carer for a number of years following previous operations and treatment for her brain tumour and is utterly devoted to her. Jane was able to move in with them when mum left hospital and helps share the care with dad, which has been a godsend, especially in recent months when mum’s condition has started to deteriorate and become more unstable.
Mum wants to be at home and there was never any doubt or question that she wouldn’t be. She is the most family orientated person you could meet. She’s devoted her whole life to her family, especially her grandchildren Jack 22, Beth 19, Harry 16, Sam 13 and Tyler 9. She’s right where she belongs at the heart of her family.
St Barnabas are now visiting mum once a day and we know that the coming days, weeks and months are going to be very hard. St Barnabas along with Marie Curie have supported my Mum, Dad, sister and I and knowing that they are always there and on the end of the phone is a huge comfort.
Team Shirley’s Girlies will definitely be taking part in future fundraising for both St Barnabas and Marie Curie and will continue to support both these fantastic charities in whatever way we can.