Money raised for Fife hospice for Victoria Hospice after ‘above and beyond’ care
A Fife family has raised almost £3,000 for Fife Health Charity in gratitude for the compassionate care their much-loved husband and dad received at the Victoria Hospice in Kirkcaldy.
Emma Saunders, from Dunfermline, and her mum, Heather Campbell, raised the cash following the care given to Emma’s dad and Heather’s husband, Alan Campbell, after he was diagnosed with cancer.
The money was raised through donations made at Alan’s funeral, a fundraising karate event held in his memory by Dalgety Bay’s JK Karate, and a team effort at the Dundee Kiltwalk, where Emma and Heather joined Alan’s sister and niece, Heather and Karen.
For Emma and her family, the support they received went far beyond Alan’s clinical care, helping them create precious memories together during an incredibly difficult time. When Alan’s health deteriorated, Emma brought her wedding forward so that he could be there.
Staff at the Victoria Hospice helped make it possible for Alan to attend and walk his daughter down the aisle.
Emma said: “Every single member of staff in the hospice went above and beyond for us and for Dad. They genuinely are walking superheroes.
“We had to bring my wedding forward because we knew Dad was so unwell, and they helped make sure he could be there and walk me down the aisle. They got him suited and booted in his kilt that morning and sent a nurse with him.
“It was just perfect, and we absolutely can’t thank them enough.”
Inspired by the care and support their family received, Emma and Heather took part in the Dundee Kiltwalk to raise funds for Fife Health Charity, walking from St Andrews to Dundee.
Further funds were raised through donations at Alan’s funeral and a special fundraising event involving karate clubs where Alan had been an instructor.
Emma hopes the money raised will help support other patients and families at the Victoria Hospice and give them opportunities to create their own special memories together.
She added: “Hopefully, with the donation and all the fundraising we’ve done, other people can have amazing opportunities and memories like we had.
“For anybody who has had a similar experience to us with the Victoria Hospice, I would absolutely encourage them to think about fundraising. We just can’t thank the team enough.”
Fife Health Charity Director Mark McGeachie added: “We are incredibly grateful to Emma and Heather, their family and everyone who supported their fundraising in memory of Alan.
“Their story shows the difference that compassionate care and those extra touches can make to patients and their loved ones at an incredibly difficult time.
“At Fife Health Charity, every donation made in Fife stays in Fife, helping us enhance lives across our communities. From funding specialist equipment, to supporting local projects, your generosity directly improves the wellbeing of those we all care about most.”
To learn more about Fife Health Charity visit www.fifehealthcharity.org or email [email protected].