Latest news with #StMargaretsHospice
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Donkey makes hospice patient's 'wish come true'
A hospice has helped a resident's wish come true by arranging for a donkey to visit Margaret's Hospice in Taunton put out an appeal for help after patient Jacquie said it was her dream to give a donkey a back the donkey's owner, Richard Norman responded and brought her in to meet Jacquie and other patients at the charity said the "out of this of social media" had allowed them to find the donkey. Mr Norman said three-year-old Britney, who has been in films and TV shows, including secret projects with Hollywood A-listers, is a "real character" and is "always busy".After the visit he told BBC Somerset: "I had a lump in my throat. She [Jacquie] was stroking her and we really made her day."We did a circuit around everybody, the patients and families loved seeing her and stroking her.'He added: "I take for granted being able to see her and stroke her, when these people don't get enjoy doing things like this."If you want to make the time, you can make the time." Hayley Milne, the hospice's head of communications, said it was a "mission" to find the donkey but it made Jacquie's "wish come true"."There are lots [of donkeys] in Somerset but for one reason or another, some didn't have the facility to transport the donkeys to us or their donkeys didn't travel well, so we were beginning to struggle,' she said."But through the power of social media, we put out a plea, and our incredible community just supported us.'Ms Milne said despite Jacquie being poorly, she was able to scratch Britney's back."It was an incredible really lit her up," she said.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teacher runs London Marathon in memory of Nanna
Ashleigh Waller, Head of Science at Pyrland School in Taunton ran her first ever marathon in London on Sunday in memory of here Nanna and in doing so raised £1735 for St Margarets Hospice. Ashleigh who is 30 years old attended Courtfield School in Wellington before gaining a degree in Chemistry at St Andrews University in Scotland said: 'When my Nanna was told she had a life-limiting illness it felt as if the world was ending. My beloved Nanna, who had raised me alongside my parents, would be leaving us and we could do nothing about it. Coming to terms with this was among the most challenging things I have ever had to do. Ashleigh Waller with her medal gained for taking part in the London Marathon (Image: Ashleigh Waller)'In the last few months of her life she was supported by St Margaret's Hospice, spending time in their hospice at Taunton where she received exceptional care. Visiting her regularly became something to look forward to and the hospice supported our family to begin to process the impending the wonderful staff at the hospice a challenging time would have been so much worse. 'St Margarets Hospice charity touches the lives of so many and for both patients and families brings hope and calm when both feel hard to come by.' Ashleigh went on: 'I love running and have always wanted to complete a marathon. Having the opportunity to run the London Marathon in my Nanna's honour, for a charity that made an awful time more bearable, was the motivation I needed to get out on those long training runs. Ashleigh Waller taking part in the London Marathon (Image: Ashleigh Waller) The Pyrland head of Science completed the marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yards in 6 hours, 4 minutes and 13 seconds was overwhelmed by the support of the vast crowds. 'There were so many people watching and willing you on that it just kept you going". I had never run beyond 18 miles before, so it was unknown from there but the crowds played their part and just kept me going. The whole experience was just the best day of my life and I have raised £1,735 for St Margaret's Hospice, which I am thrilled about.' Ashleigh's Mum Cathy said "I am so proud of Ashleigh and her Nanna would have been too and I think I was more anxious than Ashleigh was on the day" Grandad, John said "I am immensely proud of Ashleigh's achievements and she was her Nanna's best friend!'
