When Kay’s condition deteriorated following her cancer diagnosis, Dr Kershaw’s helped ensure she received compassionate care and support at home. For her husband David, the kindness, professionalism and reassurance shown by the team provided comfort during one of the most difficult times of his life.
“Your kindness and compassion provided so much comfort”
David reflects on his wife Kay’s remarkable life and the exceptional support they received from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice before she sadly passed away on 14 November 2022 at the age of 61. He shares how the Caring Hands and Hospice at Home Teams cared not only for Kay, but also for him and their family throughout her final weeks…
“Kay was incredibly family-orientated and had a huge circle of family and friends. She was very sociable, loved deep and meaningful conversations and was known for her infectious laugh. She never took herself too seriously and regularly carried out random acts of kindness for others.
We met through a dating website in July 2009 and quickly realised we had something special. Between us, we had four sons, two each from previous relationships, and over the years we built a happy life together centred around family, friends and making memories.
We both loved travelling and in 2011, following a recommendation from a friend, we visited a small village in Rhodes. We fell in love with the place and returned year after year. It became so special to us that we chose to get married there in 2014.
Kay was originally a hairdresser and owned her own salon, Crimpers, on Lees Road in Oldham for many years. Even after changing careers, she never really stopped being a hairdresser and was always cutting the hair of family and friends whenever they needed her.
In 2006, Kay decided on a completely different career path and trained as a counsellor and therapist specialising in domestic abuse. Later, she worked with young people in local schools, providing support and guidance to pupils who needed someone to talk to.
Kay was always singing and dancing. When she was younger, she attended ballroom and Latin dance classes and later in life she and two friends even formed an ABBA tribute act, performing at various events and even at our wedding!
Family time was incredibly important to Kay. Having enjoyed caravanning holidays when she was younger, we bought a caravan in Skipsea near Bridlington in 2013. We spent as much time there as we could and, after her cancer diagnosis, it became even more special to us. It was our happy place and somewhere we could escape from hospital appointments and treatment for a little while.
The level of care and support was exceptional. Every member of the team showed genuine kindness and compassion, and I will always be grateful for everything they did for us.
In May 2012, Kay was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she recovered well. Sadly, in 2019 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent further treatment, including a hysterectomy and chemotherapy, but the cancer had spread to her brain. She began to have issues with her eyes and towards the end of that year started to have seizures. Despite everything she was facing, Kay continued to work until retiring in June 2021.
Her condition continued to deteriorate and by September 2022, district nurses were supporting Kay at home. At the end of October, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at Home Team became involved in her care. From the very beginning, the support we received was exceptional.
Everyone I saw or spoke to was kind, compassionate and professional. They provided excellent care for Kay and always treated her with dignity and respect.
What stood out most was that they didn’t just care for Kay, they cared for me too. They took the time to ask how I was coping, listened to any concerns I had and reassured me whenever I needed support. The staff were always available if we had questions or worries, and knowing they were there gave us tremendous comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
The level of care and support was exceptional. Every member of the team showed genuine kindness and compassion, and I will always be grateful for everything they did for us.
When Kay passed away, the Hospice at Home Team were there within half an hour of being called. They looked after everything, including contacting the funeral directors, allowing me to focus on being with my family at a time when I felt overwhelmed.
Their support, professionalism and compassion brought comfort when we needed it most.”
A lasting impact
The care Kay received from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice left a lasting impression on David, their family and friends.
Wanting to honour Kay’s memory and thank the Hospice for the support they received, the family chose to request donations to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in lieu of flowers at her funeral. David has also gone on to become a member of the Hospice’s Weekly Lottery, continuing to support the Hospice and the vital care it provides for local families.
Kay’s long-time friend, Gillian Holt, also organised a fundraiser in her memory, raising £2,600 through mini facial treatments for family and friends. The proceeds were shared between Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and Maggie’s.
Reflecting on the care they received, David said: “Thank you to every single employee for caring for my wife so very well. Your kindness and compassion, alongside your professionalism, provided so much comfort to my wife and I will be forever grateful.”
🩷 Because every moment matters 🩷
Thank you to every single employee for caring for my wife so very well. Your kindness and compassion, alongside your professionalism, provided so much comfort to my wife and I will be forever grateful.