Hear from counsellor Matthew Anderton about why you should support this year’s spring appeal
A warm embrace, a mug of tea, the kindness of a nurse. A comforting meal, family time, learning to walk again – these are the Moments that Matter to those dealing with the most difficult periods of their lives.
As a counsellor at Moya Cole Hospice, I see them every day. When someone is adjusting to a life-limiting illness, is at the end of their life, or is supporting a loved one in these situations, these moments become their anchor.
Making a lasting connection and showing compassion is essential in my sessions. A simple way I do this is asking an individual what their favourite drink is during their first time with me. Tea with sugar, black coffee, etc. I try to remember this and have it ready for every session going forward. It is a moment that truly matters to them.
This spring, I’m asking for your generosity to make more of these moments possible.
Will you help us create more Moments that Matter?
When you donate online at www.moyacole.org.uk/moments, you can share a precious memory of your loved one or a moment that mattered to you in the Book of Memories. Donations of any size help create lasting memories.
Here are some of our patients and family members discussing some moments that mattered to them at Moya Cole Hospice.
Jayne, whose husband Rob was cared for by Moya Cole Hospice said, “The hospital couldn’t do any more for Rob, and referred us to the hospice. Being here has been absolutely invaluable. If Dr Waterman hadn’t provided me with the confidence to care for Rob, I don’t think it would have been possible to keep him at home. I felt very calm after every appointment. It made a negative journey in our lives more manageable with understanding and positive care.”
Pamela Wolth, who lives with COPD, developed strength to walk again thanks to the Moya Cole Hospice Rehab Team said, “I’m walking now, I’m able to dress myself, take care of myself. [The Rehab Team] taught me to manage my breath so I could walk. I thought that the life I was living at home was the life that I’d got. I’ve been here for four weeks, and the level of transformation is beyond anything I could have ever expected.”
Walter Tomlin, patient of the Being You Centre at Moya Cole Hospice, “The Being You Centre sessions don’t just help you to cope with symptoms. They allow you to talk to other people who are in the same sort of position as you are. I also received a lot of information which I never knew. I was also allowed to bring my dog, Ren, along to my sessions. He put a smile on everyone’s face and bringing him into sessions really helped to boost spirits.”