A real thank-you to the people who looked after mum 

From home to hospital and back again, 82-year-old Marigold Seal from Sevenoaks was relieved to be cared for by one ‘incredibly kind team’ from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT), when she became ill last year.

Marrigold’s daughter Liz Holloway, 47, said: “When mum’s painful swollen legs and failing mobility made it hard for us to get to her GP surgery, the local community nursing team stepped in.

Liz with mum Marigold and Rosie the dog

“By dressing mum’s wounds and taking bloods in the comfort of her own home, their regular house calls meant she could stay independent for longer, right where she wanted to be.

“Both mum and I wanted to thank her nursing team with more than just words, so when we found out we could donate some money straight to the team’s health and wellbeing fund by way of trust’s charity i care, that’s what we did.

"It was so easy to do and giving back to the people who made such a difference to her quality of life meant a lot to mum.”

Specialist Practitioner District Nurse, Lynsey White, pictured, who was one of the community nurses who cared for Marigold at home, said: “We first met Marigold and Liz when we helped her manage her leg condition, oedema.

“Just a few months later, we were visiting her in hospital followed by a nursing home, then back at home. As community nurses, we can deliver consistent hospital-level care whenever and wherever a patient needs it.”

Liz continued: “Mum had the sweetest nature and made friends easily but it was reassuring to us both that the people caring for her when it mattered the most were the same ‘kindred spirits’ we welcomed at home when she first fell ill.”

Marigold, a retired piano teacher, who was widowed ten years ago, lived a happy and healthy life in her own home, surrounded by friends and was an active member of the local church congregation.

Only-child Liz saw her mum regularly and took great comfort in the joined-up care she received as Marigold’s multiple medical conditions rapidly deteriorated.

Liz said: “The community nurses were a lifeline, for mum, and me, especially as I worked full-time some 60-odd miles away. 

"They co-ordinated her care plans with the GP and other health service providers, to keep her comfortable at home for as long as possible.

“And it wasn’t all health chats and checks when they visited; The nurses took the time to get to know mum, and what was important to her – about her care and her life."

Marigold’s health declined after she suffered a fall and was diagnosed with advanced liver disease. She spent five weeks in Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury, before receiving respite care at Rockdale nursing care home after being placed on a palliative care pathway.

“Mum’s nursing needs changed quickly but the quality and quantity of care never did. The community nurses were with us every step of the way; Lynsey and her team worked alongside healthcare partners, including Hospice in the Weald in Tunbridge Wells, to make sure mum got the right care at the time, wherever she was being treated,” said Liz.

Marigold passed away peacefully at home last September; It was Lynsey who attended at the time of her passing and carried out the formal confirmation.

Liz wanted to express her gratitude to Lynsey and her KCHFT colleagues by donating money in memory of her much-missed mum, especially as they also helped rehome Rosie.

Lynsey said: “We’re often asked by patients, families and carers if there’s an official way to give back and say a ‘real thank you’ to the teams who supported them when they needed it most.

“Letting people know about how quick and easy it is to donate money to our trust’s charity i care means we can spend more time doing what we do best, caring, while being confident their kind donation will benefit their chosen service directly.”

Anyone can donate at any time, by simply sending a text, posting a cheque or giving online. Families can leave a legacy donation, and patients can choose to leave a gift in their will. Donors can be sure their gift of money goes directly to the people who cared for them or a loved one by choosing a particular team’s staff health and wellbeing fund.

Together, the colleagues get to choose what to spend the money on to improve their work life, be it a team Christmas meal, some kitchen equipment, or fruit and snacks to keep them going through their busy shifts.