Here is the latest updates from Nightingale House for August. Scroll down to find out what they have been up to.
“Providing dignity until the very end…”
Angela bravely shares the story of her husband Ken’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
A Devastating Blow
At the age of 70, Ken Chesworth was dealt a devastating blow when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. This news had a profound impact on him, particularly because he had always been an active individual. Sadly, this condition gradually shuts down all the muscles in the body, posing immense challenges for someone like Ken.
Ken’s wife, Angela Chesworth, describes how he sought support from Nightingale House Hospice even when preconceptions about hospices made him reluctant to reach out, “A family member who worked at Nightingale House asked Ken if he wanted to look around the hospice. Ken really didn’t like the sound of a hospice and was unenthusiastic about the prospect of going. But we all said, ‘Just give it a go… If you don’t like it, no problem.’ He went, and he never looked back. He was hooked!”
Reiki And Physiotherapy Sessions
Angela talked about the services Ken accessed when he attended sessions at the Wrexham-based hospice, “He started going once a week to access a whole host of services. He’d have Reiki, massage, and physiotherapy sessions to keep his limbs moving. Ken loved music therapy sessions, where he would join in with cymbals the team would strap to his feet and sing along with everybody! They also had regular quizzes, which he loved. Ken would come home having won some prize or other.”
Following his diagnosis, Ken’s condition slowly deteriorated, Angela explained. “As his condition worsened, the hospice invited Ken for respite care, which was a few days and sometimes a week here and there, which helped him to feel better and gave us a break that we really needed.”
“Ken had said he wanted to be at home at the end. However, as his condition declined, he realised we could no longer meet his needs at home. When we suggested he go to the hospice, he smiled. He was going to his second home. The hospice gave us one of their large rooms with an extra bed, and I never left his side during those final days. Ken died peacefully, without pain, and I was by his side.”
“This Cruel Disease”
“This cruel disease took everything away from Ken. But with the help and love from Nightingale House, we kept his pride and dignity intact until the very end.”
Angela explains the importance of hospice care, “Nightingale House gave the very best end-of-life experience Ken could have ever wished for. It is a priceless local service that we should all cherish and support. My children and I are raising money for the hospice’s new Inpatient Unit so that they can provide support when a family like ours needs it, as they did for us and Ken.”
For more information, get in touch with rachelle.mclachlan@nightingalehouse.co.uk
The “UNSKATEABLES”!
Six friends are skateboarding coast to coast to raise money for Nightingale House Hospice.
Barry Island To Anglesey
Their four-wheeled fundraising challenge will see them travel the length of Wales from Barry Island to Anglesey from the 1st to the 3rd of September.
The “UNSKATEABLES” team: Gilbert, 45, from Llangollen; Craig Salisbury, 47, from Gresford; Gavin Rogers, 42, from Minera; Kyle Harvey, 30, from Wrecsam; Josh Land, 22, from Bwlchgwyn; and Mark Roberts, 47, from Wrecsam will travel the 250-mile journey on their skateboards!
The challenge will be in memory of their friends Wayne Phillips and James Rush, who both received support and care from Nightingale House. The hospice also provided memory-making support activities for Wayne and James’ young daughters.
Old Memories
Team spokesman, Gilbert, said: “The challenge will take in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, our fabulous Welsh coastline and Eryri National Park. It will be tough, beautiful and inspirational, three strong characteristics of Wayne and James.
“Our team meetings, skate sessions and trips are dominated by discussions of past and present adventures. Old memories are revisited, where Wayne and James come into the conversations, keeping their spirit alive within the group. We smile more, laugh more, play more and are inspired by their presence and energy.
“Raising money for Nightingale House was the obvious choice due to the outstanding work they do, day in, day out. The care and support Wayne and James received from the hospice touched every one of us and we want to try and give back.”
Paying tribute to their late friends, Gilbert added:
A True Trailblazer
“By nature, Wayne was one of the most thoughtful, kind, giving, and generous people you would ever meet. He treated everybody equally, always listening, giving his time and smile, and was a true trailblazer in health, fitness and wellbeing. A traveller and a loving family man, he was always up for an adventure and loved nature, walking, surfing and camping. We miss him every single day.
“James was new to our friendship group but was cut from the same cloth with a “Go Get It” attitude to life. He was an outdoor and adventure enthusiast and enjoyed climbing, canoeing, surfing, mountain biking and hiking. A loving family man and tough firefighter: he was well-travelled, extremely well-read and full of knowledge. A good listener: he had a beautiful calmness and fitted seamlessly into any situation.”
Gilbert went on to thank their driver, Jenny Rawson of Wrecsam, who continues to play an important role in their journey across Wales:
“Without a doubt, the star of The UNSKATEABLES skateboarding journey will be our driver Jenny’ AKA Maps,’ who will be fundraising, baking cakes, and supplying the crew with coffee for the long road ahead; a huge thank you from all of us!”
An Incredible Bunch
Challenge Events Coordinator for the hospice, Bethan Scott, said:
“What an incredible bunch of friends! This is such a unique challenge and everyone at Nightingale House is so looking forward to following their journey. This group’s fundraising is already incredible, but what they have set out to achieve in terms of this challenge and their fundraising target is awesome. Thank you so much for putting yourselves out there in memory of your dear friends.”
You can follow the UNSKATEABLES on Facebook and donate here. To keep up to date with the community, click here.
