STYLE | Community
L E AV E A L E G A C Y OF LOVE Liz Runco, from Freshwater, recalls how Mountbatten’s care for her late husband, Joe, brought them comfort in their final days together
‘I knew Joe would be so well looked after, which is all I wanted for him. Because he loved all the staff and everyone was just so kind, considerate and compassionate.’
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“I knew Joe would be so well looked after, which is all I wanted for him. Because he loved all the staff and everyone was just so kind, considerate and compassionate.”
oe was Liz’s world. She doted on him, and the couple were virtually inseparable - they did everything together. When he died, Liz relied on Mountbatten’s bereavement support to get her life back on track.
When Joe died. Liz was not alone. Mountbatten was there with her. She now wants to help make sure it is there for others like her and Joe, by leaving a gift in her Will.
“When Joe was diagnosed with terminal cancer, we did not know where to turn, I was so frightened,” said Liz. “The doctors told us there was nothing more they could do for Joe except for palliative care. We had no support from anyone until I got in touch with Mountbatten.” Liz has not forgotten the impact of ‘wonderful Mountbatten’. In addition to pledging to leave a gift in her Will, she also regularly supports its work so services like the John Cheverton Centre and the In-Patient Unit can continue. “Joe and I went to Mountbatten’s John Cheverton Centre for a while together, which was so nice. It was not a dark place like I imagined; it was bright, happy and full of life. As Joe’s condition worsened, I was asked if he could be admitted to the hospice ward, and I was so relieved because I was exhausted,” she said.
Liz Runco
For almost 40 years, Mountbatten has supported the Island’s community through death, dying and bereavement. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can ensure Mountbatten can still be there for future generations of Island people. For further information visit www.mountbatten.org.uk
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