How Rowcroft supports patients through the hardest of days
For Tina Vidamour from Torquay, the year 2018 marked the beginning of an unimaginably difficult time when she lost her brother, father and husband to cancer over the course of three years. Her brother Keith (pictured above with Tina’s daughter Rachel) was cared for by Rowcroft Hospice, and the support he received during his final weeks left a lasting impact on Tina, which she shares in this heartfelt story.
Remembering Keith: A loving brother
“Keith was my only sibling, and he was an amazing, lovely person,” said Tina. “Our family is from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, but we moved to Canada in 2007, before settling in South Devon in 2011. Keith worked as a floor layer and later started working for himself, doing odd jobs and building a life he enjoyed.”
A heartbreaking few years
“We learned in 2018 that Keith had oesophageal cancer. Everything happened so quickly. We found out on 10 May, and by 8 September, he had passed. It was a big shock – just a matter of months – and I was with him every day through that time.
“A few months later, after living with lymphoma for many years, my father passed away. We took my father and Keith’s ashes back to Guernsey, and when we returned home, we discovered that my husband had leukaemia. In the space of three years, I had lost three loved ones to cancer.”
Finding comfort at Rowcroft Hospice
“Keith spent his final six weeks at Rowcroft. He had been unwell for a while, and we kept encouraging him to get checked. By the time he saw a doctor and had a scan, the cancer had sadly spread too far. He wanted to stay at home for as long as he could, but when he realised he needed more support, he went to Rowcroft.
“If there was any comfort to be found in such a difficult time, Rowcroft was it. Keith felt relieved and at ease there, surrounded by such a compassionate team. The calmness of the hospice made a real difference, and the staff did all they could to make it feel homely and warm.”
Giving back through volunteering
“I used to volunteer in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit before I had issues with an eye problem – but I hope to return again soon. There are so many different opportunities, and I found it incredibly rewarding serving teas and coffees to patients and their families. Something as simple as making someone a cup of tea, or offering a little slice of cake, is really appreciated. It’s a lovely thing to do – I promised Keith, and myself, that I would.”
Gratitude for Rowcroft’s care
“If Rowcroft hadn’t been there for Keith, it could have been a very different story. It’s such an important place offering an incredible service. Until you need Rowcroft’s support, you don’t fully realise how important it is.
“Rowcroft made an unbearable time more manageable and did everything they could to make the last few weeks of Keith’s life as good as possible. I can’t quite find the words to express how grateful I am.
“If Torbay were to lose the hospice, it would be a truly horrendous loss. Most of us are going to know someone in need of end-of-life care during our lifetime. The whole community needs to pull together to support it, to protect it for the future.”
Supporting Rowcroft through events
Tina has also taken part in Rowcroft’s Sleep Walk in previous years, joining others in walking through the night to raise vital funds. Events like this ensure that more families can receive the care and support they need when it matters most. If you’d like to make a difference, you can register your interest for The Sleep Walk 2027 and raise vital funds to support your local hospice.
Register your interest and find out more here.
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