“Why do we support the Hospice? Because the Hospice will support us.”
I’m Norman, and I worked in hospitality for 60 years – 25 of those at Seamill Hydro. During my time there, we hosted the Ayrshire Hospice Autumn Ball, and that’s when I became more aware of what the Hospice is all about.
When I think about all of it, the Hospice brings a smile to my face. Linda and I wouldn’t have had that experience without them – and I wouldn’t have had the extra support they gave to me as her husband. From that, I took away one thing – how can I help others? So that’s why I volunteer at the Autumn Ball, the Summer Ball and other events. And when the Full Monty came up, I did that too. The Full Monty has got a lot to answer for – because when Linda died, I put that part of my life away in a box. But taking part, and sharing my story with the others, helped me to bring that box back out. It brought so much goodness – not just by raising awareness and funds for the Hospice, but also, new- found friendships for me. Why do we support the Ayrshire Hospice? Because the Ayrshire Hospice will support us. They were there for me and Linda – and now it’s my turn to do what I can. Please help if you’re able to – because you never know when you might need it.
I was asked if I’d like to be a business ambassador, and from then on, I went to lots of ambassador meetings and events – I’d definitely caught the Hospice bug. Through my role at Seamill Hydro, we were able to host more events – like Afternoon Tea by the Sea and the Ladies Who Lunch Club. There are probably lots of people with a similar story to mine. My wife Linda and I were together for 40 years and we had never been apart. In early April 2016, Linda started having pains in her side, so she went to the doctor one Tuesday. The next day, the doctor phoned and asked her to go to the hospital by 5pm that day. She didn’t get a bed until late on, and she phoned me to say, “They’re going to do an MRI scan tomorrow.” Because I worked at Seamill, I got to know lots of people, including doctors and nurses. My family were visiting Linda when one of the nurses I knew said, “Could you wait behind?” We were taken into another room and told, “Six weeks.” They said she had six weeks to live. And it was six weeks. That was it. Naturally, we asked, “What can we do?” And the doctor just said, “Go home and enjoy your six weeks.” How do you go home and make the best of six weeks when somebody’s dying? We were together for 40 years – you live to make sure the other person has the best. It was Easter when I brought her home. In those six weeks, she only went out once –
on a Saturday – and she never went out again. It was just too hard for her to face. I always got her up at 7 o’clock. Our house overlooked the fields, and we would sit there – I’d try and get her to have a cup of tea and some toast. That was always our time to talk, about all sorts of things. When you’re in a situation like this, it’s 24/7 . You give every minute, because every minute is precious. It was Maureen – the Specialist Palliative Community Nurse – who came to the house from the Ayrshire Hospice. I feel so strongly about the Ayrshire Hospice. When the Hospice came to the house, they said they were coming to see Linda – but they were just as concerned about the person who would be left behind. Without the Hospice, she wouldn’t have had the quality of care she received. Simple things, like the Complementary Therapists coming into massage her feet. The cancer had spread everywhere, but your feet are the most sensitive area – and that really helped her. When they were finished with Linda, they would give me a massage too – so that I could give my best to Linda. And even after she died, they continued that for three weeks. They came and gave me massages at home. I remember one day – it was lovely outside, and I’d just cut the grass – the therapist said, “I think we’ll take the bed outside today.” I’ll always remember that.
Norman & Linda’s Wedding Day
This Spring, we shared Norman’s story – one of quiet love, deep loss, and enduring gratitude. Norman cared for his wife Linda through the final weeks of her life, supported by the dedicated Ayrshire Hospice community team. What began as support for Linda became support for Norman too – from emotional care to a chance to catch his breath at our then Carers Café, and even moments of kindness like a massage after a hard week. Those moments mattered to Norman. Now, Norman gives back – as a business ambassador, a volunteer, and a powerful voice for the Hospice, going as far as taking part in the Hospice’s “Full Monty” fundraising event in February. His story is just one example of the life-changing care your support makes possible.
September 2025 | EDITION 40
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