Fraser Beale has signed up to our Camino Trek to raise money in memory of his Mum, Joan. Here, he tells us why he feels lucky she spent her final days at St Wilfrid’s.

My Mum felt like she was on a never-ending holiday when she moved to Eastbourne a few years before she died. She loved living by the sea and waving at her granddaughters as they drove past every morning on the way to school. I shall be forever grateful for those memories.

Mum was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 60. She underwent a lumpectomy and six rounds of radiotherapy and was then disease free for the next 20 years. When the cancer returned, it had spread to her bones. She initially declined assistance from the palliative care team as she wanted her life to feel as normal as possible, but when her health deteriorated and no further treatment was possible, she was admitted to St Wilfrid’s.

Mum was given a room to herself, which looked out onto a beautiful garden. She was unable to go outside but loved to look at the surroundings. She was treated with dignity and constant attention by the team; nothing was too much trouble. They talked to all my family about what was happening and what we could expect. Friends and family were able to visit for as long, and as often, as they wished.

When we knew Mum had just a short time left, the Doctors took time to talk to my sister and me, and spoke separately to my youngest daughter, who was 11 at the time. It enabled her to have the time to write her Nanna a lovely letter and surround her bed with soft toys.

My sister and I were both staying with Mum at the end as the Nursing Team had offered to bring in another bed for us so that we could both rest comfortably during the night.

Mum’s final challenges when unwell were faced together and having her at St Wilfrid’s meant we could support her throughout a difficult journey. Navigating those days without St Wilfrid’s’ care and empathy wouldn’t have been so smooth and allowed us all to be with her as a family. How very lucky we were to find the hospice had the room to accept Mum in her final days.

That’s why St Wilfrid’s has always been our first charity to support and during lockdown my wife and mother-in-law raised over £2,000 by sewing masks, headbands and scrubs bags. We also regularly attend Lights of Love at Christmas.

Next year, I’m walking the final 100km of the French Way, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, following the centuries old paths of pilgrims. As I’m about to celebrate my 60^th birthday, I knew it was the right time for me to challenge myself, and what better way than doing it in memory of my dear Mum. I want to raise much-needed funds and show my gratitude and thanks for the empathy and care St Wilfrid’s gave Mum, and the kindness shown to myself and family at such a difficult time.

Pictured: Fraser, his Mum Joan, wife Alison and daughters Olivia and Imogen

Find out more about the Camino Trek