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Tom Makin was first diagnosed with cancer when he was just 21 years old. He met his wife, Kirsty, in 2009, just as he was finishing his chemotherapy treatment.
They became friends straight away, and eventually started dating a few years later. Tom was re-diagnosed with sarcoma in 2015, just as Kirsty discovered she was pregnant with their first child. Tom overcame this diagnosis, and they welcomed their daughter, Lydia, in 2016.
The family went on to enjoy a period of 3 years of clear scans, and began looking forward to their future together. Tom and Kirsty got married in 2018, and were excited to soon welcome their second daughter, Lyla.
Upon return from their honeymoon, Tom was given a heart-breaking final diagnosis during a regular check-up that his cancer had returned and was now terminal, with just 6 months left to live.
Kirsty Makin kindly shares their story on how Tom's final diagnosis led them to Springhill Hospice, and how we were able to support Tom and his loved ones through the most difficult time of their lives.
By making a regular gift to Springhill Hospice, you can ensure our specialist services are always available for families, like Tom's.
We really appreciate every donation we receive. The vital impact of monthly donations helps us to keep providing the best possible service to our patients, their loved ones and carers.
Switch to regular donation£10 could provide a patient at the hospice with nutritious home cooked meals for a day
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My name is Charlotte and I am one of the Doctors at Springhill Hospice.
Did you know that Springhill is the only Palliative Care Team in the borough of Rochdale? Most people think we are a part of the NHS, but we are actually a registered charity and get most of our funding from donations from kind people, like you. It costs just under £15,000 each day to provide our incredible services at Springhill Hospice and more than half of this needs to come from our local community. We are so grateful for all the support we currently receive.
But sadly, due to the cost of living crisis, costs have skyrocketed and it is predicted that we will be in a £1 million deficit by the end of 2023, which could mean that we have to cut our services.
At Springhill, I spend time with patients and their loved ones and support them in every way that I can. For myself and my team nothing is too much trouble, we always find a way. We have amazing drive, determination and focus but sadly the impact the pandemic and the economic crisis has had on our finances, means the future could be looking very bleak for Springhill.
The work that we do wouldn’t be possible without the help of local supporters just like you. I understand that the cost of living crisis will have had an impact on you too, but after talking to families every day I recognise that people don’t realise the importance of the Hospice until they need it. We have supported your community for over 30 years and and I am really scared we wont be here for the next 30. This is why I would like to personally ask if you could be a Springhill Hospice Hero and regularly give in a way that is manageable for you.
Thank you for your kind support.
A gift of £5 per month could help provide expert advice and guidance over the phone to a family in distress, during what is sure to be one of the most difficult times in their lives.
A gift of £10 per month could provide a patient at the Hospice with nutritious home cooked meals for a day.
A gift of £20 per month could ensure a person who is recently bereaved and struggling with their loss can find support through the counselling services Springhill Hospice provides.
Kind words from people cared for by Springhill Hospice
"I've been using Day Therapies for 2 years now, I don't know where I'd be without it." - Debbie
"Dad was so well cared for and his final weeks were spent surrounded by what I can only describe as true angels. The support they gave to me and my family during this time was immeasurable, I will forever be in their debt." - Lyn
"If you'd have told me two years ago that I'd be talking, crying, painting, writing poetry and even gardening, and with such confidence, I would have laughed! With the help of the Counselling Team, I now understand that it is okay to cry, it's okay to talk openly, and through art and poetry, this 42 year old truck driver CAN still have a voice." - Carl
"The most magical thing about Springhill is that they provide the most marvellous service, not only for patients, but aftercare for all their loved ones too." - Linda and Susan
