A man pledged to give something back to those who went the extra mile for his own dad who required end of life care.
Back in 2007, Andrew Grounds was diagnosed with throat cancer after finding a lump. He then began treatment and was given the all clear, even discussing the option of returning to work.
But more bad news came when he was told the cancer had spread, and he was eventually told it was a terminal diagnosis.
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Andrew's son Luke, who was 13 at the time, told the ECHO: "Eventually Whiston told the family the terminal diagnosis and dad was taken to Willowbrook Hospice where we had three weeks with him, at that time one of the longest serving patients."
Andrew received round-the-clock care for three weeks at Willowbrook Hospice in Prescot. After witnessing carers going above and beyond, Luke said this memory "stayed with him" and he has "never forgotten" those who cared for his dad.
He has become a long-time supporter of the hospice and has completed many fundraising efforts over the years. This year marks what would have been Andrew's 70th birthday and Luke is going to redouble his efforts A charity football match will be held on November 7, the anniversary of Andrew's passing.
Having already run 50 miles in February, completed the St Helens 10K in March and climbed Scafell Pike with his closest friends, Luke is planning more events and said he wants to do all that he can to make a difference and to raise awareness of Willowbrook.
The 26-year-old from St Helens said: "I've been fundraising since I was about 18, I've always tried doing something for them. Thirteen is no age, you're only a kid and you don't realise what's going on but the work they did for dad stands out.
"People need to try and get behind the hospice, a lot of people don't realise that they don't get a lot of money and it costs around £5m just to keep it open so we need to spread the word. Everyone knows someone who needs end of life care and I will keep flying the flag for them.
"Willowbrook Hospice gave me and my family precious time with my dad. I've never forgotten what they did for me and my family. I’ve also registered as a volunteer for Willowbrook and I'm currently having conversations regarding a brand ambassador role which is something I’d love to do and be very proud to do."
Luke has already passed his initial target of £500 and heading for nearly £1,000 from his efforts so far. You can donate to his ongoing fundraiser for Willowbrook by clicking here.
But the hospice, which has had a long history in Knowsley and St Helens, needs your continued support to carry on providing essential services across the community.
25 years of Willowbrook
After recognising a need and raising over £1.8m, the hospice opened to patients back in 1997 and on May 19, 1999, it was formally opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra. Willowbrook has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Lady Kirsty Pilkington has since shared her memories of the creation of the hospice and how it brought the whole community together. She said: "In 1997 there was an enormous sense of pride amongst all those people involved when the Hospice opened its doors to the first day patient."
Over the years, Willowbrook’s buildings have changed significantly. From the initial starting point of the 12-bed inpatient unit, the hospice added on outpatient clinic and then more recently, the Cedarwood outpatient therapy centre.
But one thing that has not changed, is the incredible community support, with just a third of money needed coming from the NHS, most, around £3.3m a year, comes from fundraising. As well as growing hospice site in Portico Lane in Prescot, it also opened The Living Well in St Helens from the ruins of a derelict building and operates out of nine retail spaces across Knowsley and St Helens.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary last month, celebratory events included open gardens and wellbeing day, a summer fayre, the lighting up of the Steve Prescott Bridge in St Helens and the creation of a commemorative pin badge.
Over the last 12 months Willowbrook Volunteers donated 62,000 hours of their time, but the hospice needs your help for the future. In 2018, the hospice experienced a "terrible flood" and work is ongoing to raise £500,000 for improvement works.
These works include urgent repairs to the roof, making rooms single-person units, creating comfortable gathering spaces for visitors, improving access for patients and ensuring the work sustains Willowbrook for at least the next 25 years.
A spokesperson said: "Willowbrook needs £500,000 to complete these necessary works to make the hospice fit for the 21st century and to sustain it for at least the next 25 years." There are many ways in which you can support this 25th Anniversary appeal such as online or signing up to the lottery.
You can also text WILLOW followed by your donation amount to 70580 to give that amount. Alternatively visit local stores or start your own fundraiser.
Life-long Supporters
Over the years, there have been countless supporters doing what they can to give back to the charity. One of whom is Melanie Simmonds who was a trustee of Willowbrook Hospice and a retired NHS Board-level accountant.
Melanie was well-known for attending Willowbrook fundraising events including Christmas Fayres and Light Up A Life Celebrations as well as working behind the scenes. Others will know her through the NHS, where she worked for 40 years helping to finance and build projects including Whiston Hospital, Alder Hey and most recently Leeds General Infirmary.
But in 2021, Melanie was diagnosed with incurable cancer and requested admission to Willowbrook so that she was able to be supported to live well in the time she had remaining. Within days of being diagnosed with carcinoma of the oesophagus, Melanie was soon under the care of the hospice where her symptoms were managed by clinical and medical teams.
She described the hospice as "relaxed and calm", adding: "Palliative care allows you to live well." Melanie's daughter Jess said: "At Willowbrook, nothing is too small. They do lots of tiny things to make the day more bearable and try so many different things."
Despite being at the hospice, Melanie, who has played a huge part in steering Willowbrook through the financial challenges in the pandemic, continued to support the charity and even set up a fundraising page. By doing so, she hoped to make a difference. The fundraiser can be found here. Sadly, Melanie died at the hospice on November 28, 2021 but the fundraising link remains active.
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