Family remembers much-loved Fermanagh man by thanking caring Marie Curie nurses

This year’s campaign theme is ‘My Daffodil… In Memory Of_____’, where in addition to wearing the daffodil badge, donating, or fundraising, the charity is asking people to be vocal about what their daffodil means to them.

Belleek father-of-seven James passed away on August 3, 2021.

In his final days, Marie Curie Nurses supported James and his family.

Grateful

The family are grateful for Marie Curies care and support during an incredibly difficult period of time. Since then, the family have raised money for Marie Curie’s front-line services as a small way of giving back for the support they received.

Now, as this year’s Daffodil Appeal launches, James’ children Brian, Nuala, Síle, Kate, Sinead, Nicola and Jerome are sharing stories about their “wonderful dad”.

On behalf of the seven siblings and their mother Celine – two of the sisters, James’ daughters, Síle and Nuala have offered their thoughts on their own very personal experience with Marie Curie, offering an insight into the importance of the role that Marie Curie Nurses play.

Nuala said: “My Daffodil is in memory of my late father, James.

“There aren’t too many people in life that you would trust with your loved one when they are terminally ill and nearing the end. We trusted Marie Curie’s Nurse.

“My father wished to spend his final days surrounded by those who loved him. Thanks to the care provided by a very professional and caring Marie Curie Nurse who supported him, we were able to facilitate this.

“This lady was a reassuring presence who made us all feel very comfortable at an incredibly difficult time. She listened to us, asked us questions and engaged with us throughout.”

Sit with and care

When the sisters and their mother sat for a long period with their father over many hours, the Marie Curie Nurse said, “don’t worry girls, go and get some rest” and continued to sit with and care for their dad through the night.

“This nurse gave us the confidence that the person sitting next to our dad was a calm and competent care-giver. Marie Curie Nurses and members of staff are special people and their role is an incredibly important one.

“Perhaps people don’t realise just how important this work and service is until they have gone through this themselves,” said Nuala, adding: “Marie Curie staff provide a necessary care and support service and one that we as a family are grateful for. We have since supported Marie Curie by donating and raising some funds.”

“I’d encourage everyone to support the Great Daffodil Appeal to help them in their work. I hope other families will benefit from the same support that our family received,” she said.

James’ daughter Síle shared her story. She said: “My Daffodil is in memory of my wonderful father James who left us on August 3, 2021.

“We were privileged to have support from Marie Curie in dad’s final days when a wonderful lady offered to sit with daddy to enable my mum, sister and I to get a little sleep.”

Important role

She explained that the role of a Marie Curie Nurse is an important role: “For someone a family has never met before to enter a family home with a relative who is dying – this requires grace, sensitivity and intuition.

“She was genuinely interested in hearing about my mum and dad’s 55 year marriage and the life they lived together including raising seven children and 12 grandchildren!

“For me personally, it was very important that I felt safe to allow a stranger to sit with daddy knowing that she would offer the same level of care that we would as a family. This lady was gentle and in no way intrusive.

“She listened to us and was led by us. It was clear to us from the outset that daddy’s comfort was her absolute priority.

“I knew my father was in good hands and I was able to rest – so that I felt ready for the funeral,” said Síle, adding that she can’t thank Marie Curie enough for all they offer families across this country.

“Their support is vital in these times,” she said.