By Leicester Mercury | Posted: 21 September, 2015
A year ago, Leicester City fans celebrated as their team beat Manchester United 5-3.
Foxes fan Michelle Lynch was in LOROS at the time.
Michelle, known as Shelly, and her partner Shirley had tickets to that match and it was only because of the wonderful staff at the hospice that they were able to go.
That was the last match Shelly and Shirley went to together and Shirley will be forever grateful for the team at LOROS for making that possible.
Policewoman Shelly, 47, had been diagnosed with a genetic condition, type 1 multiple endocrine neoplasia, in 2002. The condition meant there was a risk that tumours could develop and in 2004, that happened.
Last year, Shelly was told she had terminal cancer and there was nothing more doctors could do.
In September, after her health had deteriorated, Shelly went to LOROS. Despite being told her state was critical, Shelly's main concern was not being able to go to see Leicester City play Manchester United – a match she and Shirley had been looking forward to for a long time.
"I remember her saying, 'I'm going to that match, even if I have to go in my bed'," said Shirley, 52, of Leicester.
"We mentioned the match to the staff at LOROS and before we knew it, arrangements were being made for our tickets to be swapped for the disabled area right at the side of the pitch."
The occupational therapists at LOROS, who had got to know the couple well, had liaised with the club, so the tickets could be swapped and the pair could park for free outside of the ground.
So, armed with a pack-lunch made by the catering team at LOROS, off Shelly and Shirley went to watch the match.
At half-time, LOROS patron and Leicester City ambassador Alan Birchenall spoke to Shelly and presented her with a programme signed by the squad.
"For those 90 minutes or so, it didn't matter what was going on in our lives," said Shirley, who had become Shelly's full-time carer.
"Time is the most precious thing any of us have and it's the most valuable thing we can give to someone or something. The staff at LOROS gave us that time."
Following the match, The Birch visited the hospice and presented Shelly with a signed shirt he had worn on his 34th annual run for the Foxes Foundation.
At the time, Shelly said that the day felt like a dream. She said it was one of the best days of her life.
Shelly died at LOROS on December 18.
Shirley said: "LOROS brings people together, from all walks of life. They support us at some of the lowest times of our lives. They move mountains for you at LOROS.
"They give people hope."
Before she died, Shelly said: "I can't speak highly enough of LOROS and the staff. They go out of their way to keep you as comfortable as possible. LOROS isn't just a place to die but it's a place to live, too."
To help LOROS continue supporting people like Shelly, get involved with its 30 for 30 campaign by visiting: www.loros.co.uk/30for30
