Latest news with #finalwish
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Patient given chance to perform one final time with choir
A patient was given the chance to perform one final time with her choir as part of a special final wish. Annette 'Nettie' Burtenshaw, a 64-year-old woman from Penarth, was transported from the University Hospital of Wales to Cardiff Castle to perform with her Rock Choir at the City Hospice's Forever Flowers Celebration of Life. The journey was made possible by the Welsh Ambulance Service's Wish Ambulance initiative, which she was the 100th journey made. Ed O'Brian, clinical lead for palliative and end of life care at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "Reaching the 100th Wish Ambulance journey is such a special moment for Team Wish. "It's a powerful reminder of what kindness, teamwork and compassion can achieve. "What makes this milestone even more special is that it's entirely driven by the incredible Welsh Ambulance Service volunteers, who are the heart and soul of every Wish journey." The Wish Ambulance initiative, launched in 2019, helps terminally ill patients across Wales take meaningful final trips. Journeys have included visits to concerts, sporting events, birthday parties, the beach and more. In Ms Burtenshaw's case, the Wish Ambulance enabled her to perform one last time with her choir. Ms Burtenshaw, who was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2021 and later with bone cancer, described the experience as "amazeballs." She said: "I can't put into words how much it meant to perform again with the choir. "There was no way on earth I could have done it without the Wish volunteers, they were angels. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you." The program is supported by more than 500 off-duty ambulance workers who volunteer their time and use non-emergency vehicles. Mark Harris, assistant director of operations (ambulance care) at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "We're very grateful and proud of our wonderful team of volunteers."
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Widdrington grandma gets dying wish to see horse for final time
The family of a dying woman whose final wish was to see a horse for the last time have thanked hospital staff for the "emotional" Charlton, from Widdrington, in Northumberland, had always loved animals but had a particular love for horses, her family 63-year-old spent five weeks on the palliative care ward at Wansbeck General Hospital before she died on 15 staff turned Mrs Charlton's dreams into a reality her face "lit up like a kid at Christmas", her family said. Mrs Charlton enjoyed riding and caring for horses, along with her two sons, Jamie and John staff heard that she would love to see a horse for the last time they were able to make her dream a reality. 'Dream fulfilled' One of the health care assistants caring for the grandmother-of-four had a relative who owned a horse, called Charlie. Teams on the ward then organised for Charlie to be brought to the Charlton's sons said: "It was a really nice memory for us to have. "We had horses when we were kids and you can tell her face was filled with absolute joy. "It was emotional for us as well to see her get that last wish."It was something for her to hold on to and gave her a chance to fulfil her dream." They added: "The care she received was outstanding. The staff made our mam feel happy, safe and comfortable."Mrs Charlton was able to stroke Charlie and feed it carrots during the Robinson, a staff nurse in palliative medicine, said: "When we say we will make something like this happen, we will do whatever it takes."As a team in palliative care, we always try to fulfil our patients' last wishes. It makes a huge difference to the patient and their families." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
