Rebecca’s Story
Deeply moved by the care and support their mum received, Natasha and her family - her sister, two brothers and their dad - became committed fundraisers for the Hospice, raising more than £35,000 since 1997. Well known and much loved throughout West Kilbride and beyond, Natasha helped shape the lives of many children through her work in early years childcare alongside her mum. She was a generous, compassionate woman, loved by everyone who spent time with her. Here, her sister Rebecca Garman, shares their family’s story: “I remember when we learned about her diagnosis. We were on holiday - it was the day after my birthday, the 8th of July 2022. It was bile duct cancer, and on that day we were told: ‘you’ll have six months.’ She went through such a hard time; it was about seven weeks from diagnosis to actually starting treatment, which was very, very difficult for her mentally. But instead of six months, she lived for two years. Once she started chemotherapy, she actually had two very good years. She lived her life to the full after her diagnosis, which is such a brave thing to do. She stayed healthy enough until it got to the point when they had to stop the chemo and said there was no further treatment they could offer, unfortunately. Being looked after by the Hospice brought her peace of mind. I think she knew she was approaching the end of her life - and making
Mandy had started building a relationship with Natasha a couple of months before she died. She is just one of the loveliest people – and so kind to Natasha. I remember going to see Natasha the day before she died and Mandy was just sitting with her in the bedroom, gently stroking her hand. We couldn’t have asked for more from her. She was an absolute star - so lovely to Natasha but equally so lovely to all of the family. .................... Taking that little bit of time to speak to us, to hug us, whatever it was - it really mattered. There were so many people coming in and out of the house, but Mandy was just brilliant. I remember her saying afterwards that it was so nice to see pictures of Natasha from her younger days, because she had only known her in those last few months when she was so very ill. It meant a lot to her to see what Natasha’s life had been like before. I don’t think we could have had any other kind of care. The fact that we got it was exceptional. The Ayrshire Hospice relies so much on people’s donations, and I think hospices are truly special places. A hospice is just a lovely, nurturing place. I was only 21 when my mum died, but I remember going to the hospice and feeling so welcomed.
that switch from wanting to live to accepting it’s the end is so hard. Mandy brought her peace, if that makes sense, just by helping her through it, supporting her, and being there. It was really important that Mandy came in, because it wasn’t family or friends - it was somebody separate, someone she could talk to and probably be a bit more honest with as well. That was amazing, and the Hospice is amazing. As a family, we think they are absolutely brilliant. It means so much to family and friends - all the work that they do. They’re just amazing, really. Especially the nurses that go into patients’ homes, it’s like the nurses at the Beatson - you have to have that mindset and that empathy, and they’re just brilliant at it, they really are. .................... Mum was at the hospice for a short time before she had to go to hospital, where she died a couple of days later. For Natasha, what mattered most was being able to die at home. In her last couple of days, Mandy came out two or three times a day. The fact that the nurses go into people’s homes - which must be incredibly difficult - yet never make it seem that way, was so important. Having Mandy come to the house meant everything, and it’s amazing that the Hospice nurses do that.
We were just delighted that the Ayrshire Hospice could support Natasha in the way they did. After our Mum died, she really put her heart and soul into raising money for the hospice - it became a real passion for her. Not long after mum died, we held a ceilidh in the public hall in West Kilbride, which was such good fun. Natasha organised an annual bowling game to raise funds, and this year’s turnout was incredible because it was in memory of both Natasha and our mum. Over the years, family friends - both mum’s and Natasha’s - have been so generous. Yes, we organise these events, but it’s their giving, year after year, that has made such a difference. More than £6,000 was raised at her funeral alone, which shows the love people had for her. We’d like to say thank you to them all, because it’s not just us as a family - it’s their friendship and love that has raised so much in Natasha’s memory.
This year’s bowling event was really good fun. Normally, with my Mum’s match, it was held in the evening so children wouldn’t normally attend. Whereas this year we held it during the day and there were loads of kids there. Natasha would have loved that - she adored children and she would have loved to have seen them all together, running around and having fun. .................... The Hospice providing that personal care, that human touch, is invaluable. They always go above and beyond. It’s not just about the person who’s ill - they are there for the whole family and that makes such a difference. Sadly, none of us know when we might need them, that’s why it’s so important that we continue to support the Ayrshire Hospice - so they can be there for every family, just as they were for ours.”
Both mother and daughter, Zoe and Natasha McNicol, experienced the care of the Ayrshire Hospice after receiving life-shortening diagnoses. Zoe had a short respite stay before she died in hospital in 1997, while many years later Natasha was cared for at home by Specialist Palliative Care Nurse, Mandy, until her death in August 2024.
March 2026 | EDITION 41
12
13
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online