MICHELLE’S MISSION lasting legacy to create a

£4,000 milestone for facilities supporting patients at the end of life

A ward 3 staff nurse who was given a stage four bowel cancer diagnosis just after graduating is behind a major fundraising drive to create new facilities for patients at the end of their lives and their families.

Michelle Milson has already led the creation of a new family room on ward 3 at James Cook Hospital to give patients who are nearing the end of their lives and their loved ones a space to quietly reflect and spend valuable time together.

But the hard work and fundraising has not stopped there for Michelle, as she continues to raise funds to create a memory garden and wellbeing area in the ward’s courtyard – and is also supporting other wards in the hospital to create similar family rooms.

At the time of writing, the total funds raised stood at almost £4,000 and Michelle was also due to spend two days on a raffle stall, with top prizes like a signed Mackenzie Thorpe artwork, a signed Middlesbrough Football Club ball and merchandise from Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby.

She said: “The project is very much ongoing and we are so grateful for the support we have had from local people with some fantastic raffle prizes.

“Raising funds for doors into the courtyard and landscaping is a massive project, but we are doing everything we possibly can.”

Michelle explains that because of her own illness, she is not able to clinically care for patients and physically hold their hands, so being involved in the fundraising is her way of caring and letting people know they are in her thoughts from a distance.

“Mentally, it helps me knowing I’m keeping going and there’s still something positive out there I can aim for,” she says.

“It really does mean a lot to me, continuing to be a part of my little ward 3 family.”

Michelle says she is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support she has received, as the project continues to grow.

“I thought it was my little ward project, but now I’ve got other wards asking me for advice and it’s coming into effect in other areas of the trust,” Michelle says.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing that more and more people have to pass away in hospital and if we can make them feel at home and make their families feel supported in any small way, we are making a huge positive difference.”

The room Michelle designed on ward 3 includes ensuite facilties, a hot drinks station, massage oils and a CD player. Each patient is given a dignity gown and a last wishes book to fill in with their family.

Michelle said: “It’s already enhancing care and families’ experiences and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved.”