A TALENTED pensioner has vowed to go on supporting dedicated staff at a North-East charity after revealing: “They gave me my wife back.”
Alan Jones, 70, of Billingham, has spoken out about his debt to Butterwick Hospice Care, which has launched an emergency appeal during the coronavirus pandemic.
The retired industrial designer – a trained chorister and musician – turned to the hospice last year to enquire about respite care for his wife Anne, who has suffered from multiple sclerosis for 25 years.
Despite initially being reluctant, Anne started attending a support group which meets every Tuesday.
“It turned out to be a godsend, and the major thing they did for her was to sort out her medication,” said Alan, an open-heart surgery survivor. “People think hospices are all about death, but they are a lot about life. Thanks to the Butterwick, a completely different woman came out – I got my wife back.”
Anne then stayed in the Stockton hospice for a week of respite care last September while Alan went to the Yorkshire Wolds on an annual cycling break with friends.
“Anne was treated so well – it’s like a hotel – and it was nice for me to get out in the fresh air and relax,” he said.
Anne had another week’s stay in March, and is booked in again in September, with Alan planning to go on another holiday with his pals, if the coronavirus crisis eases.
Alan has organised a number of fundraising events for charity, including a marathon with his brothers from Yarm to Richmond in 1992 (see picture below), when inspirational hospice founder Mary Butterwick fired the starting pistol.
It followed the death of their mother, Louisa, who was cared for by the Butterwick while suffering from cancer.
“Mary Butterwick was the most amazing person, and her mindset lives on through the staff, who are the most wonderful people,” said Alan.
He had another reason to be grateful to the Butterwick when a close friend was given respite care while suffering from motor neurone disease. He died four years ago.
Alan has pledged the services of the band he performs with – called ‘I’m With Him’ – to raise funds for the Butterwick. He and Anne are planning to ride a tandem in the Butterwick Big Ride if it goes ahead in September.
“I have so much to be grateful to the Butterwick for,” said Alan. “These are hard times and it’s just a special charity.”
- Anyone who can make a donation, should go to: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/butterwickappeal