Robin’s story of double bereavement
“We’d been supporters of Rowcroft Hospice for several years without ever thinking we would need their services,” said Robin Hill of Brixham. Soon after he and his wife Angie had lost their 51-year-old daughter Sharon to cancer in 2020 after she was cared for in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit, they were dealt another devastating blow – Angie was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. As Angie’s condition deteriorated, Rowcroft stepped in again – this time with its Hospice at Home Team supporting Robin and Angie at their home. Liaising with Angie’s GP to help meet her day-to-day needs, the Rowcroft nursing team were dedicated to providing expert end-of-life care and making Angie as comfortable as possible. This support enabled the couple to share precious moments together during Angie’s final days.”
Rowcroft’s value in the community
“As matters with Angie drew to the inevitable conclusion, I became even more appreciative of Rowcroft’s support,” said Robin. “It made me realise I was not alone in facing this truth. It’s very hard to imagine the value of Rowcroft to the local community, but it is priceless. Our lives were changed from being so dark to a place where we all – especially Sharon – found peace.”
Leaving a legacy
Due to the lasting difference Rowcroft Hospice has made to his life, Robin pledged to leave a gift to the hospice in his Will to help other people experience the loving care of the hospice just as his family had. With the care of one in five of the hospice’s patients funded by gifts in Wills, these donations in Wills are essential in enabling the hospice to continue caring for local people living with life-limiting illnesses.
“Leaving even a small gift in your Will to this wonderful local charity is your chance to play a vital role in helping families like us in the future,” said Robin.
“A gift in your Will makes a huge difference to families affected by life-limiting illnesses here in South Devon,” says Rebecca Cogger, Rowcroft’s Individual Giving and Legacies Manager. “Your kindness will mean we can be here for the people facing the hardest times imaginable; we can offer support, comfort and care at a time when it matters most.”
Rowcroft’s ‘Make a Will Week’
Rowcroft’s ‘Make a Will Week’ takes place between 15 – 19 May 2023 and is the ideal time to make or update your Will because the charity’s 16 local participating solicitors donate their entire Will-making fee to the hospice.
Wollens is one of the local solicitors participating in Rowcroft’s Make a Will Week. Chris Linton, partner at Wollens, said:
“Rowcroft Hospice touches the hearts of many thousands of people in our community. The team at Rowcroft provide valuable support for adults with life-limiting illnesses and they provide this in a humble and unassuming manner. We are hugely grateful for the work that they do. Wollens are pleased to be able to play our part in helping with the vital fundraising that is needed to support this work in helping families through the most difficult times.”
“Making a Will is a straightforward process that brings peace of mind knowing that family and friends will be taken care of for the future and that financial wishes will be fulfilled,” said Rowcroft’s Rebecca Cogger. “For those who’ve already made a Will, it’s prudent to update it if circumstances change, for example if there’s a birth or bereavement in the family, or a change in address, marital status or financial situation.”
Find out more about Rowcroft’s Make a Will Week here or call 01803 217405.