Sunday 21st April 2024
All day today, for twenty four whole hours, our In-Patient Unit costs have been donated in memory of Lilian Sowerby.
Below we share the lovely words of Lilian’s daughter Jan:
“On the 21st April 2023 my loving Mam passed away. A year has gone by since we sat at your bedside as you slowly went to sleep, no more suffering. We will always remember those final hours, time will mend our broken lives, but time has allowed us to gain strength in this last year.
Lilian worked as a district nursing sister in Ushaw Moor and surrounding villages from 1968 to 1996. She was very much involved in referring patients to the Hospice, and fundraising to help with running costs. Mam knew how important the role of the Hospice was in those early days.
Lilian was a remarkable lady, loved being involved in community life in her work as a nurse, and after retirement as a fundraiser for many things. Her award of MBE was awarded in December 1999 for ‘services to the community’. A very proud day. The following June she received her medal from the Queen, accompanied by her late husband Brian, son Neal and daughter Jan.
I know how much St Cuthbert’s Hospice meant to Mam as she requested to visit the Hospice as her illness progressed. Mam knew how much they could support her, I will never forget the kindness, compassion and understanding that was shown to Mam. She was content knowing that they cared for her and they listened to her when her voice was failing. She knew the Hospice would be there for her family if they needed it.
Robbie Barrass, Lilian’s grandson ran the Great North Run in September 2023, he ran in her memory, and raised enough money to ‘Pay for a Day’. She would be extremely proud of his efforts. The support from family and the local community to raise the money is testimony to her memory.
Lilian is missed every day; her devoted partner Alan has been a strength to both family and friends. She would be proud of how well he is getting on with life. As a family we have all found this year very challenging in many ways. Mam will be looking down on each and everyone of us with love and would want us to embrace a good life, work hard and love friends and family.
May the good work at St Cuthbert’s Hospice continue for many years.”
We are extremely grateful for this special donation in Lilian’s memory.
