Rowcroft Hospice launches Christmas Appeal

Although The Moorlander predominantly brings you news and stories from across Dartmoor and the surrounding areas, we will always proudly support Rowcroft Hospice, which has launched its annual Christmas Appeal, urging the South Devon community to help fund specialist end-of-life and palliative care for patients and families facing their most difficult days this festive season. For 67-year-old Jane Curtis from Dartmouth, that care was nothing short of transformative.

In June, Jane was rushed unexpectedly to Torbay Hospital after falling suddenly unwell. Just days earlier, she had been walking the South West Coast Path, enjoying one of her favourite routes overlooking Devon’s coastline. But doctors soon delivered devastating news: she had stage four breast cancer that had spread to her bones. They told her family she had between three hours and two weeks to live.

“I couldn’t really take it all in; it happened so fast,” said Jane. “My brother came straight away, and he was told that because of the situation, two weeks was the most they thought I’d survive.”

Transferred to Rowcroft Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Torquay for end-of-life care, Jane believed she would never return home.
“I was admitted to Rowcroft, and I didn’t think I would ever see my home again,” she said. “I really thought ‘I’m not going to make this.’ I literally felt at death’s door.”

But immersed in Rowcroft’s specialist support, including pain relief, symptom management and holistic therapies, Jane’s condition began to shift.

“I’m a very, very positive person,” she said. “My mindset was: I’m going to take every day as it comes and I’ll make the most of all of Rowcroft’s holistic therapies.”

Before retiring last year, Jane had worked as a holistic therapist and as a senior conservation assistant with the National Trust at Greenway. Rowcroft’s range of therapies resonated with her background.

“While I was at Rowcroft, I took all the therapies I was offered,” she said. “The reflexology was fantastic, the sound therapy was incredible, and the pet therapy with the dogs made such a difference. It’s all essential, because it creates interest and inspires people to think about things other than their illness.”

Small moments made a big difference: a haircut, painted toenails, and time in the garden under the parasols.
“It was beautiful. I felt as though I was on holiday,” she said. “The nurses and care teams were wonderful – gentle and kind, and they gave me choice in all the decisions about my time there. Everything about Rowcroft is about kindness, gentleness and understanding.”

With support from nurses, physiotherapists and complementary therapists, Jane gradually regained strength. She began eating more, walking short distances and steadily climbing further up the hospice’s staircase, eventually reaching the top.

Her recovery was so marked that within weeks she was able to return to her Dartmouth home, where she now lives independently with support from Rowcroft’s community team and local carers. She is tending to her plants again, catching up with neighbours, and planning a December trip to Gloucestershire.

“I’m on a 24-hour slow release dose of morphine, but I’m feeling really well and positive,” she said. “I’ve gone from taking one day at a time to planning ahead again. It’s all because of Rowcroft’s care - no question about it. I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the care and support I received from Rowcroft.”

This Christmas, with two in five hospices nationwide facing service cuts due to financial pressures, Rowcroft is appealing to the public for support.

Mark Hawkins, Rowcroft Hospice CEO, said:
“Jane’s story is a wonderful example of how Rowcroft helps people to live as fully and comfortably as possible, and to make every day the best day possible. This Christmas, we’re asking our community to help us continue providing this crucial care for local families when they need it most.”

Rowcroft Hospice provides specialist care to around 2,500 people across South Devon each year, from Dartmouth to Dawlish and across Dartmoor. Around 80% of patients receive care at home, supported by nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, bereavement volunteers and complementary therapists. Its Hospice at Home team provides 24-hour advice and support to patients in their final weeks, while its 12-bed Inpatient Unit in Torquay offers complex care and respite for families.

As an independent charity, Rowcroft relies on the generosity of local people for around 75% of its funding.

To support the Rowcroft Christmas Appeal, visit:
www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/christmas