They are described as angels for the incredible care they gave to grandma Barbara Wadsworth in her final weeks.
Now the 86-year-old’s family want to show their appreciation to staff at Overgate Hospice by giving back the £15,000 it cost to care for her.
Granddaughter Victoria Field and her family, who are based in Salendine Nook, have organised a year of fundraising in aid of the Elland Hospice.
Under the banner of ‘Barbara’s Big Fund’ they have created a calendar of events, from a daring skydive to a weight loss challenge.
Victoria is showing her support through her Lindley-based business Perfect PAs by making it a corporate member of the charity.
All of the money raised will go back to the Hospice.
Barbara, a former Forces pin -up girl, worked as a tailoress before becoming a shop volunteer for Oxfam when she retired.
The Birchencliffe woman suffered with pulmonary fibrosis for six years and initially enjoyed attending Overgate for day care activities each week.
Barbara was collected and returned by the charity’s transport volunteers.
When her condition worsened she entered the Hospice last September and spent four weeks under the care of the loving team.
Victoria said she was touched by the way staff went that extra mile for her grandmother.
She said: “She was wheelchair bound and on oxygen and when she went for day care it was her opportunity to get out of her house.
“She loved going there every day and it was her wish to die there.
“The staff were just the most amazing people I’ve ever met.
“She was so ill and it was a roller coaster of emotions - every day when we left we said goodbye to her.
“But the support from them was just outstanding.”
Although Victoria knew about the work of the Hospice, she had no idea of the depth of support available.
Her parents’ ruby wedding anniversary was made particularly special by staff. She said: “The staff were fantastic, all the family were able to gather together.
“We shared communion with my Nanna and the Hospice provided a buffet lunch. They even gave my parents a card signed by all of the staff.
“It was so beautiful and just what our family needed at that time.
“Instead of it being a really sad day we celebrated and we’ve now got some wonderful memories.”
When Barbara passed away on October 30, Victoria and her family didn’t want their connection to the Hospice to end.
Over Christmas they came up with the idea the £15,000 worth of funding that supported Barbara through her time there.
Barbara’s daughter Pam said: “The staff have been wonderful with their caring and support, not just for her but for all of our family who visited her every day.
“Nothing was too much trouble and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“From consultant to cleaners, they truly are angels.”
Victoria has committed her business to a monthly corporate membership scheme.
Corporate memberships help businesses create a powerful link with the Hospice and generate much-needed funds.
The charity, which provides free of charge care to local people, has a daily fundraising target of £6,900.
The family have created a calendar of fundraising events to show their support.
Friends and family members are undertaking personal challenges.
They include Pam’s hairdressers Gemma and Sophie from RE:Hair, who are swimming seven miles, the distance from Sophie’s home in Marsden to the Hospice.
The family are taking part in a collective skydive challenge in September.
Victoria’s own personal challenge is to lose five stone in a sponsored weight loss.
Other events include a treasure hunt and pub crawl, a black tie ball at The Rock Inn in Hollywell Green and an 80’s disco.
There will even be afternoon teas held at Blackley Baptist Church where Barbara and her husband Alec, who died 22 years ago, met, married and worshipped.
Barbara’s grandson Jonathan added: “It’s a mammoth undertaking but we are committed as a family to doing this in memory of Nanna and in gratitude to the wonderful team at Overgate.
“We would like to encourage from the community and everyone is invited!”
To donate to Barbara’s Big Fund or join in one of the fundraising events contact Victoria Field on 01484 599598 or email at victoria@perfecthq.co.uk
