Jumbulance trip to Westcliff
There’s always something exciting about a day at the seaside, whether it’s reminiscing about childhood summers or making memories with our family and friends.
On Tuesday 6th May, a group of people under the care of Saint Francis Hospice, and their loved ones, enjoyed a trip to Westcliff-on-Sea on Tuesday 6th May.
The hospice teamed up with the charity ACROSS PATHS, who run a specially adapted coach that is medically equipped, so people could travel in comfort and with all the care and support they needed.
Refreshments were served along the way by staff, and on arrival at the seafront, everyone had a chance to take in the sea air before treating themselves to a delicious lunch. No trip to the seaside is complete without an ice cream!
Most of the people on the trip attend the monthly neuro group which meets in Pemberton Place at the hospice. This is a support group for people living with a variety of neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease, Parkinson's and Huntington’s disease. Many also come along to various sessions run by the Therapies Team. This includes exercise sessions and classes to help people with breathlessness.
On the journey home, people were relaxed and happy to share their thoughts on the day!
Steve, who attends the neuro group and exercise sessions in Pemberton Place, came along with his wife Lorraine.
“It has been a really great day,” said Lorraine.
“We’ve enjoyed everything about it from the coffee and biscuits to the friendly and helpful staff. There were lots of personal touches. We could see how much hard work has gone into organising the day. We’d love to come again.”
John, who has motor neurone disease, was there with his wife Pearl.
“We had a thoroughly lovely day,” said John.
“It has been fantastic. The kindness is unbelievable, nothing was too much trouble.
“It gave us something to do, and we got to meet other people. The staff were superb.”
Carol, who is living with Huntington’s disease, came along with her sister Janice, said, “I used to bring my children to Southend all the time.”
Janice added, “We have enjoyed it immensely. It is really nice to go somewhere and not have to cook and we are all together too. I hope they do more trips like this.”
Alexander, who regularly attends a number of the therapy sessions, was there with his partner Laura.
Laura said, “We enjoyed the day. Thanks to everyone who organised it, it has taken Alexander and I out of ourselves. It is a long time since I have been to the seaside, and it has been lovely all going together.”
Maureen, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2008, was there with her friend Brian.
Maureen said, “It was a brilliant day from beginning to end. Everyone was wonderful. The best part was everyone coming together.”
Christine Smith was with her daughter Leanne who is living with Friedreichs Ataxia, a rare neurological disorder, and has been under the care of the hospice for 14 years.
Christine said, “It is lovely that the staff at the hospice take people out. It is a reflection of the hospice itself. It is an amazing place, a very happy place.”
ACROSS PATHS supports people living with terminal conditions to have opportunities to travel and make special memories. ACROSS PATHS funded the trip and provided not only Lawrence, our friendly jumbulance driver, but Debbie who brought her expertise and love for shared good times. A massive thank you to the ACROSS PATHS team.
