Making Christmas Special – Karen’s Story | Phyllis Tuckwell

“I came here at the most depressing time of my life – and at Christmas – but it was the most special time that I can remember.”

Anyone can suddenly find themselves in a situation where they need help at a difficult time in their life – and Phyllis Tuckwell was there for Karen, Scott and Charles last Christmas.

You can help us to provide vital support and Make Christmas Special for families like Karen’s, who may be spending their last Christmas together.

With sparkly lights strung across the streets and gift ideas in every shop window, it’s not hard to spot that Christmas is on its way. Less conspicuous, though, are the preparations which are underway in other parts of town, such as at Phyllis Tuckwell.

Every year, Phyllis Tuckwell cares for around 2,000 patients who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, offering medical and nursing care, therapies, counselling, social work advice and practical support. And every year, many people spend the Christmas season in the care of its staff, whether on the In-Patient Unit at the Hospice, in Living Well sessions at its Beacon Centre in Guildford, or at home, being cared for by its Care at Home team.

Last year, Karen’s husband Scott was one of those people. Scott was admitted to the Hospice on 22^nd December, aged just 49. The staff there did everything they could to make Christmas special for Scott, Karen and their son Charles. Karen and Charles were able to stay in the relatives’ room at the Hospice for the whole time Scott was there, and on Christmas Eve the nurses helped Charles put out mince pies and a glass of milk for Father Christmas.

When Karen and Charles woke up on Christmas Day, they went straight to Scott’s room. The mince pies had been eaten and Charles’ stocking was filled with presents. “Charles just stood there with his mouth open,” smiles Karen.  “He didn’t know what to say, because he’d assumed that Father Christmas wouldn’t find him at the Hospice. I looked at Scott and he had the most beaming smile. He’d made Christmas Day, and just to see our son open his presents, that’s what he wanted.”

The staff at Phyllis Tuckwell do everything they can to ensure that all of their patients and families have a Christmas that is as special as possible, but as the NHS/Government only covers 20% of their costs, they have to raise over £20,000 a day to be able to offer their services, which they provide all year round. This year, you can help make Christmas special for someone who really needs your support. Just £12 could buy Christmas lunch with all the trimmings for a patient or visitor, while £20 could pay for an hour’s counselling for a patient or relative, and £46 could pay for two hours’ care from an In-Patient Unit nurse, who could care for up to five patients.

“I came here at the most depressing time of my life,” says Karen, “but it was the most special time I can remember.” With your help, Phyllis Tuckwell can make this Christmas special for more people like Scott, Karen and Charles.