Dad 'never alone thanks to warmth of volunteers'

A woman who lost her dad has praised the "comfort, warmth and support" of a volunteer service assisting end-of-life patients and their families.

Claire Walker's 82-year-old father, Maurice Page, was receiving care at Colchester Hospital in February.

She came to meet the volunteers of the Butterfly Service, run by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), who kept her father company on days she could not attend the hospital.

Ms Walker said knowing the volunteers were there was a "real comfort".

"Mum is 82 and couldn’t be at dad’s bedside all the time, so found it a real comfort to know someone would be with him when we needed time away," she explained.

"They also made it easier for us to get some respite by going for a coffee or some fresh air.

“The volunteers asked all about Dad and his hobbies and interests, which meant a lot to us as they showed a real interest in him as a person.

"They also introduced us to the Blanketeers, who made dad a beautiful knitted blanket, which mum now cherishes."

Ms Walker said on the day her father died, while the family said their goodbyes behind a private curtain, the volunteers left a purple butterfly on the floor to signify what was happening.

"We loved that – we thought it was such a nice touch," she added.

She described her dad as her "hero" who had a "real presence and was so reliable".

"He also had an incredibly strong faith and was utterly sure of where he was going," she said.

"We found that a huge help and comfort when he passed away."

Former maternity ward nurse, Jane who did not wish to have her surname included, now volunteers for the service at Ipswich Hospital.

Her son died at the hospital in 2009 and four years ago his widow also died.

After this Jane felt she had the "personal and professional experience" to offer support to other families - a role she described as a "privilege".

"I think we all sometimes feel the patient knows we are there and can hear us - I think it is time very well spent," she added.

"I also know it is something that nurses would love to do if they had the time, and so I hope I am supporting them too."

The Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity launched an appeal to raise £100,000 each year to support the Butterfly Service.

The Butterfly Appeal will ensure no-one dies alone and will help with running costs.

Nichola Whymark, head of fundraising and marketing at the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said the "valuable team makes sure patients feel loved" while their families are supported and reassured.

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