Thousands of pounds has been raised for an end-of-life charity after the sad passing of an inspiring nurse from Swansea. Kimberley St John from Loughor has been remembered as a "trailblazer in palliative care" and for being committed to providing the best quality care and support to people approaching the end of their lives.
Kimberley worked as a palliative care specialist nurse at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London and was regularly praised for "opening up positive conversations about death" and for fulfilling countless patients' wishes at the end of their life.
Tragically, she died in July 2020 from a stroke, at the age of just 32. This year, her heartbroken family, family friends and the local community in Loughor came together to raise funds for the charity 'Marie Curie', in Kimberley's memory.
Joined by friends Paul and Kim Waters, who tragically lost their 18-year-old daughter Rachel in 2009, Kimberley's mum Eira St John arranged a fundraising event at Loughor Workingmen's Club in memory of Kimberley and Rachel. Countless people attended, with ticket sales, donations and raffle ticket sales all donated to Marie Curie. Remarkably, the event raised more than £7,000 for the important charity - and Paul and Kim have raised further funds through several sponsored walks and sponsored kayak trips.
A spokesperson for Marie Curie, a UK charity that supports people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones, said Eira, Paul and Kim's fundraising will cover the bill of "over 350 hours of nursing care," giving people with terminal illness and their families the care, guidance and support they need as they make the most of the time they have left.
"Marie Curie also supports people throughout their illness by giving practical information and support from trained Helper volunteers and being there when someone wants to talk," the spokesperson added. "The charity is also the leader in research into better ways of caring for people with terminal illness, which Kimberley was so passionately an advocate for, and also campaigns for policy changes to allow a better end of life care for all.
"It also provides bereavement support both via its Information and Support line, and it’s Wales Bereavement Information and Support Service (BISS), a partnership with Diverse Cymru, which aims to connect with underrepresented or hard-to-reach communities who might be struggling with grief."
Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie, Ali Discombe added: "We are extremely grateful and humbled by the support both families have offered Marie Curie, whilst honouring the memory of Rachel and Kimberley. The money raised will help Marie Curie care and support people through terminal illness in local communities, as well as supporting many individuals through bereavement, following the death of their loved one."
Have you arranged an event or led a sponsored activity in memory of a loved one? Get in touch if you'd like us to consider your story for a potential article. Email: molly.dowrick@walesonline.co.uk
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