Madeline Ford's Story

I worked as a Shop Manager at the Haxby St Leonard’s charity shop. It was a job – a lovely job because of all the wonderful volunteers, customers and donors that I came into contact with and who became my friends. But it was a job, until my very, very good friend Margaret was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

During the later stages of her illness, St Leonard’s stepped in. Respite care – and later care during the final stages of her illness. I visited Margaret many times in the Hospice and I saw how nothing was too much trouble for the staff and volunteers caring for her and others. I saw how Margaret could relax in the Hospice – she knew perfectly well what was happening to her, and she was so relieved to be surrounded by people who also understood.

Margaret died four years ago, and is still sorely missed. I am now so, so proud to have been a very small part of the Hospice family.