Wendy Cundy from Wragby, remembers her dad, Ron Shaw, a real family man who she describes as a first-class Husband, Dad, Brother, and Grandad.
Ron lived in Billinghay all his life, in the village he loved and where he worked as Transport Manager for AC Gilberts for over 30 years. He loved going on coach holidays with friends and ballroom dancing with his wife, Margaret.
Wendy said: “He met the love of his life Margaret when they were both teenagers and married in 1957, having me and my brother in 1960 and 1963.
“He was particularly proud of being picked to play for Lincoln City Football Club, however in those days there wasn’t the money in it and it wasn’t considered a ‘proper job’!
“His proudest job was as Grandad to Thomas, Sam, Liam and Daniel, and he loved being in the garden with them and teaching them how to grow vegetables, play sports, and games.”
Wendy describes Ron’s diagnosis with Oesophageal cancer as “just devastating, he was the centre of our family.”
Wendy said: “My Mum, the wider family, and nurses had managed to keep Dad at home for as long as we could, but this became increasingly difficult and risky.”
After a brave two-year fight, Ron received excellent end-of-life care at the St Barnabas Hospice Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, where he sadly died aged 72.
Wendy shares more about their experience: “For the last five previous days of his life, he actually rallied and enjoyed some homemade soup and delicious biscuits!
“St Barnabas gave us a safe place and allowed me, my Mum, and brother Trevor to be with Dad during his final days and in a private room when he passed – that was priceless.
“We were totally supported but also left in private and he left us just after 3am surrounded by everyone who loved him the most.”
Following Ron’s death, Wendy has continued to support St Barnabas and has most recently taken part in the summer raffle.
Wendy says: “It is really humbling to see the amazing way the staff care for the individual and their family at a time of immense stress and heartbreak.
“Winning the top prize in the Summer Raffle was astounding – I never win anything! I will always remember that due to other people’s donations and kindness we accessed this care, therefore I have tried to make sure the same support is there for other families.”
Play the Winter Raffle today, from just £1 per ticket via the St Barnabas Hospice website.
If you would like to make a donation, fundraise for us, or find out more about the services we provide, please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk