Permanent friend of Hospice
ANNETTE MONTGOMERIE TELLS US HER STORY
Annette was recently made the very first “Permanent Friend of Hospice” in recognition of the 26 years she has given her time and commitment to Hospice South Auckland, originally as a volunteer and over the past 15 years as a Board of Trustees member.
Annette has been a passionate supporter of the Hospice since its inception. Annette was a member of the group who were first trained to be volunteers and here she tells us her story of an extraordinary commitment to supporting the Hospice cause.
“In 1982 a support group set about forming Hospice South Auckland. Selection and training of a small number of people wishing to become volunteers took place, most being trained nurses and I was one of those people. Thus began a voyage of discovery about Hospice and about myself.”
“We did not have a building to work from and the co-ordination of patients and volunteers took place from a volunteer’s home. In 1983 I went off to sit with my first patient, a lady who spoke no English. We both had a quiet day but we did manage to communicate. This was the first of many challenges for me.”
“When our first building was purchased we were able to meet and work from there. Some of the volunteers chose to work in the unit, a steep learning curve for us all, as Hospice care was relatively new and there were not many guidelines to follow. From the beginning, a sense of humour was what served us best, along with a great deal of caring and compassion and I am sure that is still the case.”
“I recall visiting an elderly patient at her home, Rose, and what a privilege that was. Rose talked and I listened, she had had a very interesting life. Rose served me afternoon tea on her rose patterned tea set explaining that her great wish was that she die at home with her husband by her side. Rose slowly became bed ridden and I last saw her lying peacefully in her rose sprigged bed linen.”
“Fennell House was the first in - patient unit and we were a small family to begin with. That sense of belonging was enhanced by being able to gather round the dining room table over morning and afternoon teas, consuming treats from the housekeeper’s oven, with staff, volunteers, patients & families all joining in.”
“I have become passionate about Hospice because I have been able to see first hand what a difference Hospice care can make. The friendships formed as a volunteer have been an added bonus; where else can one meet such a diverse range of people from so many backgrounds?”
“The staff, volunteers, patients and their families I have met have all left their mark. I have thoroughly enjoyed the years I have been involved with the Hospice and I am grateful for the recognition in becoming the first Permanent Friend of Hospice. The fact that I am still a volunteer after 26 years (and hopefully for more years yet) speaks volumes. For me it has always been a privilege to part of the Hospice movement.”
|