We are always very grateful to individuals and families we have supported through the Hospice when they feel they can share their experiences.

This can help others feel less isolated in having feelings of grief and sadness following the diagnosis of a life limiting illness and bereavement.

Emma has very kindly shared her story with us.

She is keen that by sharing her story it will give others a sense of hope and encourage people to find out more about the community support services of Strathcarron so they don’t feel so isolated and lonely.

EMMA’S STORY

Emma was a full time carer for her mum Sheila for 20 years before she was diagnosed with cancer and was admitted to the Hospice in early 2024. Sheila died with Emma alongside her holding her hand in her final moments.

In a devastatingly blow for Emma, her Gran had died the day before her mum.

“I held her hand and told her to let go…she had fought for so long. I sat with her for a few moments and said please come back….but she was gone.”

Emma said: "Mum didn't want to go into a Hospice but she realised I couldn't manage. I thought it would be a cold, scary, horrible place but it was stunning. They (the staff) were brilliant to us...everyone there are just gems. 

"I held her hand and told her to let go…she had fought for so long. I sat with her for a few moments and said please come back….but she was gone. My Gran died the day before my mum so it was a double whammy.

“It never gets easy but you learn to live with it. I will never forget her."

Having been her mums close companion and dedicated carer for such an extended period and coping with overwhelming double family loss, Emma has found this a very challenging life transition.

SUPPORT

Struggling with her loss and grief, Emma was referred for group bereavement counselling at Strathcarron which she said has benefitted her greatly.

After sharing with her GP that she was feeling lonely without her mum, her GP told her about the Snowdrop Café in Fallin. Snowdrop Cafés are set up in local communities with initial assistance from Strathcarron Hospice Compassionate Communities team and then taken on and run by the community for the community.

Emma attended her first Snowdrop Café on her birthday and she now enjoys meeting newly found friends there for a cuppa and a chat every week. She now feels part of her community and says it has helped give her a weekly focus and routine to look forward to.

COMMUNITY 

Emma, a skilled crafter, was signposted by our Strathcarron Hospice Fallin Community Connector Iain to a network of local connections. She is now running craft sessions with local residents within her community, passing on her wonderful artistic skills such as crochet.

Iain has also linked Emma up with volunteers at her local community garden which she now enjoys helping with, further growing her network of friends locally.

“Knowing there is help out there has meant a lot to me - knowing that there are very kind, caring, supportive, helpful people out there.

Emma has also used her craft skills to kindly help fundraise for the Hospice by creating crochet items which are sold at Strathcarron, raising hundreds for the Hospice.

Emma added: "Knowing you are not the only one going through it (bereavement) - it's good to know. 

"The Snowdrop Cafe has been company and I like that, I am so lonely. I am teaching some of the other members to crochet which has been fun.

“Knowing there is help out there has meant a lot to me - knowing that there are very kind, caring, supportive, helpful people out there. They are diamonds every one of them at the Hospice…a heart of gold."

Thank you for sharing your story with us Emma – we appreciate your bravery and honesty in what has been a very challenging time for you.

Watch Emma's video here Emma's Story (youtube.com) 

If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one we have resources on our Strathcarron Hospice Bereavement Hub which you may find helpful.

Find out more about the work of Strathcarron Within Our Community 

Read more  Strathcarron Hospice News