After experiencing the compassionate care of LOROS through the loss of both her dad and her sister-in-law, supporting the Hospice has become deeply personal for Zoe Graham, aged 42. Recently she took on the Snowdon at Night Trek alongside members of her family, walking in memory of her loved ones while raising vital funds to help ensure patients and families receive the same comfort, dignity and care. Here, Zoe shares her story and the lasting impact LOROS has had on her family.
"My connection to LOROS is deeply personal. Cancer has affected my family in a number of ways. We lost my dad to cancer at the age of 67 after he had also endured a long battle with PTSD and mental health problems. More recently, we lost my beautiful sister-in-law, Lisa, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 51 and sadly passed away this year.
LOROS played an important part in both of these journeys. When my dad was offered a bed at the hospice, it felt like a blessing in disguise. The care, love, compassion and support shown to him, and to us as a family, were incredible. The staff are hidden heroes who dedicate themselves to making the most difficult time in a family's life that little bit easier.
When Lisa became ill, our families once again saw the amazing support that LOROS provides. Not only were Lisa and our family cared for with kindness and dignity, but the support continued after her death. LOROS offered bereavement counselling to Lisa's daughters; knowing that support was available after Lisa passed away meant so much to all of us and showed that LOROS cares for families as well as patients.
My dad was cared for by LOROS during the final stages of his cancer. He was 67 years old when he passed away. The care he received was exceptional, and knowing he was comfortable and being treated with dignity brought great comfort to our family.
We were also deeply affected by the loss of my sister-in-law, Lisa, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 51 and sadly passed away this year. Lisa was a much-loved daughter, mum, sister and friend who left behind three beautiful daughters, Carriss, Chloe and Halley. Losing her has been devastating for our family, but we will always be grateful for the care, compassion and support that she and our family received through LOROS.
What stays with me most is the compassion shown by every member of staff, in particular Ann Wells who I will never forget (and didn’t forget me 3 years down the line after returning to LOROS), along with Tracey and Jess who cared for Lisa.
They always had time for my dad and Lisa along with our families, no matter how busy they were. They treated them with dignity, respect and genuine kindness, and they supported us through some incredibly difficult moments.
The hospice itself has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Despite the heartbreak that families are experiencing, there is a real sense of comfort and care.
One particularly meaningful memory following Lisa's passing; we returned to LOROS to donate to the Tree of Life so that she would always be remembered. Seeing her engraved leaf there is incredibly special to us and gives us a place to reflect on the happy memories we shared with her.
I also return to LOROS twice a year to light a candle on my dad's birthday and on the anniversary of his death. Those visits allow me time to reflect, remember and feel close to him, and they remind me of the incredible support that LOROS gave our family during such a difficult time.
I wanted to give something back to a charity that gave so much to our families. After seeing first-hand the incredible care that my dad and Lisa received, and after losing both my dad and Lisa to cancer, I felt strongly about supporting LOROS.
The Snowdon at Night Trek was an opportunity to challenge myself while raising money for a cause that means so much to me. Every step was for my dad, for Lisa and for all the families who rely on the care and support that LOROS provides.
The challenge was very personal for all of us. The Snowdon walk was completed by myself, my husband, who was Lisa's brother, my brother-in-law, and my niece Chloe, who is Lisa's daughter. Taking on the challenge together made it even more meaningful as we were walking in memory of people we loved dearly.
The trek was physically demanding, especially climbing through the night, but thinking about Dad and Lisa kept us going.
Reaching the summit felt like a moment of reflection, remembrance and achievement all rolled into one. Crossing the finish line brought a huge sense of pride, not just because we had completed the challenge, but because we had done it together as a family while raising vital funds for a charity that means so much to us.
Together, we raised nearly £6,000 for LOROS through sponsorship and donations. Knowing that this money will help other patients and families receive the same care and support that meant so much to us makes me incredibly proud.
Knowing that the money raised will help other families receive the same compassion, dignity and support that our family experienced makes every step worthwhile.
I owe LOROS more than I could ever repay. The least I can do is help raise funds so that other families can benefit from the same outstanding care and compassion that my dad received, and that Lisa and our family experienced. LOROS doesn't just care for patients; it cares for families too, both during a loved one's illness and after they are gone. That support means the world to me, and it is why I will continue to support this incredible charity.
