Sunflower Memories: Jessica’s story
After Jessica Grillo’s nan, Maureen Mant, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford in 2014, the family decided to dedicate a sunflower in her memory as part of our Sunflower Memories campaign. Here, Jessica shares how this helps them give back to Pilgrims and say thank you.
Nan was the glue that held our family together; she was the person we’d all go to for advice. She was our second mum. Nan had so much to look forward to in 2014; her eldest granddaughter was getting married, and I was expecting her first great-grandchild. She longed for these special moments that were coming up.
Nan was so happy in the hospice and was treated with the utmost respect. The staff, nurses and doctors made her time there so much more bearable for all of us, and nothing was ever too much trouble.
Jessica
That same year our lovely nan was diagnosed with cancer. She began visiting Pilgrims Hospice Ashford to access day services, and one of the nurses suggested it might a good idea for her to go into the hospice for respite care. After initial concerns, it was soon clear that this was absolutely the right decision. Nan was so happy in the hospice and was treated with the utmost respect. The staff, nurses and doctors made her time there so much more bearable for all of us, and nothing was ever too much trouble.
Our family support Pilgrims because they supported us through the toughest time of our lives, and we can’t thank you enough. That’s why we’ll be dedicating a sunflower to Nan at Sunflower Memories this year.
Sunflower Memories events will take place at our hospices in July 2018:
- Canterbury, Saturday 21 July, 11am – 1pm
- Thanet, Saturday 21 July, 2pm – 4pm
- Ashford, Sunday 22 July, 2pm – 4pm
If you’d like to dedicate a sunflower in memory of a loved one please visit pilgrimshospices.org/sunflowers or contact Sophie or Sara on 01227 782 066.
