In a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, a supporter of Moya Cole Hospice recently presented the charity with more than £900 raised from a festive photoshoot where he dressed as Santa. The event, held last December, was organized by Lucie, manager of The Crown at Hawk Green, who set up a grotto and sold-out photoshoot sessions, with all proceeds dedicated to the hospice.
A Personal Connection to Hospice Care
The fundraiser's link to Moya Cole Hospice began shortly before he lost his wife, Lizzy, to cancer in June. Lizzy had been battling a long-term blood cancer and a broken ankle when she developed back pain, leading to an eight-week stay at Stepping Hill Hospital. After being transferred to Preston for further investigation, doctors discovered stage four cancer lumps on her kidneys and spine.
Her children, Lewis and Roz, took time off work to be by her side in the hospital. Although arrangements were made for Lizzy to return home, medical professionals informed the family that her health was too poor for curative treatment. At home, Lizzy was told she would be bedridden, and she expressed concerns about her husband's ability to cope with her care.
Finding Comfort at the Hospice
Within days, a bed became available at Moya Cole Hospice, then known as St Ann's. Two weeks later, just after midnight, Lizzy passed away peacefully. That same night, Roz called her father outside to witness the Strawberry Moon, a rare phenomenon where the moon appears low with a reddish hue. At 12:15 a.m., a gust of wind swept through, followed by a phone call confirming Lizzy's peaceful death.
At the hospice, staff had moved Lizzy to a private room and provided compassionate, family-like support to the grieving relatives. As they left the hospice at 3 a.m., driving along St Ann's Road North, a fox crossed the road and sat calmly on the pavement, watching them depart—a poignant moment, as Lizzy had a deep love for foxes. Roz later commemorated this with a tattoo.
Remembering Lizzy's Legacy
Lizzy was remembered as a caring individual who worked as a dinner lady at a local college for over 30 years, earning hugs from many students. After her death, her husband created an artwork of Watergate Bay Beach in Cornwall, a place special to them. He painted the landscape with a kissing gate, applied clear wet varnish to the beach and footpath, and scattered her ashes on the picture to ensure she would always be remembered.
To present the cheque to Moya Cole Hospice, he wore his Santa costume once more, expressing joy at reuniting with the hospice team. The hospice offers holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, including inpatient care, day therapy, and outpatient services at sites in Heald Green, Stockport, and Little Hulton, Salford.
Expanding Community Support Services
Moya Cole Hospice also provides extensive community and outreach programs, such as:
- Hospice at Home services in Salford and Trafford for care in patients' own homes.
- A Community Specialist Palliative Care Team operating in Salford.
- A homelessness palliative care service available in Manchester.
- A 24-hour telephone advice line for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals across Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
This fundraising effort underscores the critical role hospices play in supporting families during difficult times, blending personal grief with community generosity to make a meaningful impact.
