A man who lost his wife to lung cancer has called for more people to support a Whittington charity which helped care for her.
Steve Knight saw St Giles Hospice help his partner Glynis through her final days – and continued to support him through the grieving process.
And as the charity celebrates its 30th anniversary, he revealed how the counselling he received helped him cope with his loss.
“As soon as Glyn was admitted to the hospice, myself and our daughters Kelly and Helena were approached by St Giles’ Family Support and Bereavement Service and we took up the offer of counselling,” said Steve.
“For me, it was incredibly comforting. The counsellor explained in a very sensitive way what we could expect as Glyn made her last journey. It was difficult to hear, but helped me cope as I was prepared for what was around the corner.
“They say losing your spouse is the most psychologically stressful time of your life, and I can vouch for that.
“Glyn and I were a strong team – I lost the love of my life and I am heartbroken.
“Nobody can bring her back to me, but the counselling has been a massive help and I don’t know how I would have coped without it.”
Glynis spent four-and-a-half weeks being cared for by staff at the hospice.
And Steve admits their support helped him share as much time as possible with his wife.
“Glyn never smoked, yet we found ourselves being told she had just three months to live,” he added.
“In the end, her inner strength and determination saw her battle on for another three years.
“She had chemotherapy, but we knew in our heart of hearts she wouldn’t make it, and Glyn took a turn for the worse just after the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations last year.
“Being at her bedside in the hospice were the most precious moments we ever spent together.
“Glyn handled the situation with grace and dignity, and that is something which really affected the nurses looking after her. She remained so calm throughout it all and that, for me, showed me how strong and brave a person she was.”
St Giles Hospice operates facilities at Whittington, Sutton Coldfield and Walsall, as well as caring for patients in their own homes.
They receive just over a third of their £8million a year budget from the Government, relying on donations from the local community for the remainder of that figure.
And Steve has called on people to do whatever they can to support the charity.
““The people at St Giles Hospice are simply incredible,” he explained. “It’s not just a job, they genuinely care for you – and the experience I’ve had of counselling since Glyn has died shows they don’t let you go. They are there for you as long as you need them.
“Without the volunteers and fundraising, there wouldn’t be a St Giles Hospice, so I would ask people to support the hospice in any way they can.”
