Violet was inspired to work in palliative care after watching her mum Anne being cared for in Strathcarron Hospice in 1996.

As part of our Celebrate 45 anniversary year, Violet is sharing her inspirational story, from grieving daughter to award winning Marie Curie healthcare assistant. 

"While mum was in the hospice she made me promise I would follow my passion to go on to work within the nursing profession. "

VIOLET'S STORY 

"Finding out in April 96 our mum had an aggressive type of thyroid cancer was a shock. Being one of seven siblings and the eldest daughter, my mum looked to me for support and to help transport her back and forth to the Beatson Cancer Unit for her chemotherapy and to care for my younger sisters. 

Our two sisters were still very young at this time with them being only 7 (8 in the January) and 15 yrs old turning 16yrs in the May. 

My mother requested my assistance in caring for my two sisters during her treatment visits to Glasgow. During this period, we also engaged with Strathcarron Hospice, and once her health permitted, my mother participated in their day care services. She expressed great pleasure in meeting HRH Princess Anne.

On August 10th, my mother was admitted to hospice care. 

At this juncture, my four brothers had not fully comprehended the severity of her cancer and the realisation that she would only be receiving palliative care. This profoundly impacted us all. Upon admission, we were informed that mum's prognosis was grim, with a life expectancy of less than a week. 

However, my mother, despite the cancer having metastasized to her chest and lungs, exhibited remarkable determination to overcome the disease. Her unwavering strength and willpower were truly admirable, persisting until mid-November.. 

We are profoundly grateful for the exceptional care and unwavering support provided by the hospice throughout this challenging time, both during and after. Their dedication extended to facilitating our mother's wedding within the hospice and continued with comprehensive aftercare from their extended team, all of which was invaluable to our family.

While mum was in the hospice she made me promise I would follow my passion to go on to work within the nursing profession. 

 

Anne 

In October 1997, I transitioned from a thriving catering business in Falkirk to pursue a nursing degree at Napier University. However, the demands of the commute and clinical placements proved incompatible with my need to dedicate more time to my then 8-year-old youngest sister.

Consequently, I withdrew from the Project 2000 Nursing Degree and subsequently enrolled at Falkirk College, where I successfully completed my SVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, followed by an HNC in Health and Social Care.

GOAL SETTING

"The profound sense of warmth, support, and empathy I shared with her in that moment solidified my conviction."

During this period, specifically in April 1998, I applied for a position as a nurse auxiliary on the nursing bank at Strathcarron Hospice.

It was during a night shift on the inpatient unit that I encountered an exceptionally inspiring individual who shared her profound experiences of losing both her granddaughter and daughter-in-law, detailing the significant impact on her family, and now confronting the impending loss of a close family friend.

During this period, it was particularly reassuring and meaningful to witness her comfort in sharing her experiences. We discussed my academic pursuits in college and my long-standing aspiration to work in the nursing profession.

It was at that juncture that I recognised palliative care as a suitable path for me. The profound sense of warmth, support, and empathy I shared with her in that moment solidified my conviction. From that day forward, I consistently expressed my desire at college to specialise in bereavement support.

BLESSING AND INSPIRATION

I continued my employment at the hospice until April 2001, during which time I completed my college coursework and welcomed my first daughter. My daughter's birth occurred on November 15, 2000, precisely four years after my mother's passing. This timing was unexpected, as I had expressed a desire for her arrival to avoid that specific date; however, it appears this was predetermined. I interpreted this event as a profound blessing and a gift from our mother. 

Violet is pictured with her daughter who

was born on the anniversary of her mum Anne's passing

Over the course of my career, I have completed two counselling degrees, been recognised as a finalist for numerous national care awards, and gained extensive experience across various healthcare environments, each of which I found profoundly rewarding. It was a distinct honour to have won two national awards last year.

My dedication to supporting individuals through various life stages has evolved significantly over time. 

I am profoundly grateful to Strathcarron Hospice for establishing a foundation of excellence and for instilling in me the understanding that working within Social Care and Health Care is both a privilege and an honour, as it involves being invited into individuals' personal lives during particularly challenging periods.

TRIBUTE

 "I have discovered ways to honour her by providing the highest possible standard of care and advocating for all individuals navigating life's journey." 

This year commemorates the 30th anniversary of my mother's passing. Her death remains a profound part of my experience, not as a source of sorrow, but as a powerful illustration of the exemplary support and care that should be provided at the end of life. Strathcarron Hospice demonstrated this principle to our entire family.

Even now, a memory of my mother can still bring tears to my eyes; while grief has endured over the years, I have discovered ways to honour her by providing the highest possible standard of care and advocating for all individuals navigating life's journey. 

I am currently employed as a Healthcare Assistant in Hospice Care at Home with Marie Curie, operating within the East Riding of Yorkshire.

My professional experience is further diversified through my roles as a bank support worker with Happy Futures Support Specialists, a volunteer with Saint Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough, and a volunteer judge for the Great British Care Awards. These engagements collectively enable me to apply and share my extensive skills and knowledge across various facets of social and healthcare.

I am currently collaborating with my family to determine how we will appropriately observe this milestone to tie in with celebrating also the 45th Anniversary of the hospice."

We would like to thank Violet for sharing her inspirational story. Sign up to our free newsletter for stories, news and updates from your local hospice. 

Help us mark Celebrate 45 Years of Strathcarron Hospice