A mum of three whose childhood sweetheart died tragically of bowel cancer earlier this year, is raising funds for the hospice which cared for her family.
Charlotte Bedford met Mark when she was just 14 and he was 16 years old. They got engaged and had been married for almost 30 years when Mark died following a recurrence of the cancer during lockdown which he’d had 12 years previously.
“We met when we were teenagers. People used to call us Kylie and Jason. When Mark died at home in my arms with his children holding his hands, I felt that half of me died too. He was my everything, my soul mate, best friend. I loved him so much,” said Charlotte.
The doctors and nurses at LOROS Hospice supported the whole family through their difficult journey as Mark’s condition worsened.
“The nurses were all amazing and they really cheered me up too. They looked after me, as well as Mark, and that meant a lot to him too. They brought me tea in the middle of the night. If I got upset they’d sit and talk to me.
“When it was his birthday they made him a cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’; and they also helped him celebrate the football when England were playing. I always thought of LOROS as like a little bit of heaven.”
Charlotte is sharing her experiences to dispel myths around hospice care.
“I just don’t know what would have happened if it wasn’t for LOROS. Everyone treated us with respect and compassion. I want to share my story as I don’t want anyone to feel scared of coming to LOROS. I know Mark would want that too.”
Charlotte is supporting LOROS’ Light Up a Life appeal to remember loved ones who are no longer with us this Christmas.
Whether your loved one was cared for by LOROS or not, members of the public can remember someone special this Christmas too. In return for a small donation, LOROS will place a light on their Christmas tree to shine throughout the festive season, with a special online service of remembrance taking place on Saturday 3rd December at 5pm.
Find out more at loros.co.uk/LUAL
