A LEUKAEMIA patient who has seen four members of her family supported by Myton Hospice will stop at nothing to help the charity.
Jill Lee was diagnosed with Leukaemia several years ago and receives antibody treatment to manage the illness. She was referred to Myton in Rugby where she takes part in therapeutic days.
But it is not her first experience with the charity.
Her dad was cared for at Warwick Myton Hospice in 1999. Her niece Sarah and brother-in-law Barry both also received care from Myton in 2002 and 2009 respectively.
And when her younger sister Sally was diagnosed with terminal cancer she told her family that when the time came she wanted to die at Myton.
Sally was admitted to the inpatient Unit at Warwick Myton in 2019 and just days before her death, 70-year-old Jill took part in Myton’s zip wire challenge across the Ricoh Arena to raise money for the charity.
Her sister’s condition had deteriorated significantly prior to the event, but Sally told Jill she wanted her to complete the challenge.
Jill – who has also previously abseiled down Coventry Cathedral to raise money –said: “Myton is an oasis in a storm. The atmosphere is good – you chat with staff, volunteers, other patients and you don’t need to talk about why you’re there if you don’t want to.
“I’ve never been into crafting before but I really enjoy getting to make something while I’m at the day unit – I think my sister would be really proud of me for it as she was the arty one.”
And Jill has no plans to slow down supporting Myton.
She is abseiling down the cathedral for a second time and in April will take on a skydive.
She added: “I feel good doing the events – it did me good as well as raising money for Myton. And the thing is, none of us know when we might need the services Myton provide. It’s not a sad place, it’s a place where people come to live their lives.”
Therapeutic days take place at Rugby Myton Hospice on Tuesday and Wednesdays between 10am and 3pm for those living with a life-limiting illness.
The free sessions include complementary therapies, crafts, seated exercise and tabletop gardening.
Call 01788 550085 or visit mytonhospice.org/services for more information.
* FUND-RAISERS are being urged to sign up to a Myton Hospice event which will take them around the world.
Those wanting to take part in Glow for Myton have until Wednesday March 25 to register for the Around the World themed charity run.
It will take place on Saturday March 28 at Princethorpe College and will see fund-raisers run or walk around a 5km course.
Areas are themed around the likes of Thailand’s Full Moon Party, Chinese New Year and Holi Festival in India,
Entry costs £20 or adults (£15 for children) and everyone taking part receives a goodie bag, glow sticks and UV face and body paint.
Visit mytonhospice.org/glow to sign up or find out more.
