Caroline Wheatley
Caroline Wheatley's is the Chair of the Marie Curie Wetherby Fundraising Group. Marie Curie nurses cared for her mother in 2010, and Caroline took part in the Great Daffodil Appeal for the first time that same year. She talks about her mother's final moments and what it's like to collect for the Great Daffodil Appeal.
"The support we got from the nurses helped us cope with Mum’s death. She was 74 when she died. She was only diagnosed with ovarian cancer six months before. It went to her lungs, and she had two lots of chemo and was then told they couldn’t do anything else.
"When someone you love has a terminal illness, you’re scared and don’t know what will happen. Our nurses explained the signs to look out for, like changes in my mum’s breathing. They gave us that bit of medical reassurance. They told us what we should expect.
"We had Marie Curie Nurses for three nights. I’d give Marie Curie the world to thank them for what they did for us. My stepfather has dementia, so the nurses chatted to him and looked after him as well. They also reassured me and my aunt. They looked after all of us.
The nurses would ask us: “Have you eaten today? Have you had enough sleep?” They’d make sure we were looking after ourselves. The nurses were there to see Mum, but they seemed to care about us just as much. They’d let us know they had the time for us too.
"The nurses lifted the mood in our house. When someone’s dying, you feel guilty about smiling. But we even had some laughs with Mum and our nurses. They’d cheer us all up. They’d have a chat and a laugh with my mum. It makes it a happier experience and makes sure you’re left with happy memories.
"Mum passed away in my arms with all her family around her. Just before it happened, Mum said: “I’m ready to go.” It was weird how she knew. It happened how she would’ve wanted it.
"I joined my fundraising group because Marie Curie supported my mum and I wanted to give something back. I definitely enjoy the collections. They’re a great way to meet people. And this really helps you realise what a difference the money you collect will make."