3 minute read
Charity and community
LEAVE A LEGACY OF LOVE
Liz Runco, from Freshwater, recalls how Mountbatten’s care for her late husband, Joe, brought them comfort in their final days together
Joe 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 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. “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.” 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.
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.
BECOMING INDEPENDENT
Since 2012, Ability Dogs 4 Young People has trained assistance dogs to enhance the independence of young people and children on the Island with both physical and mental disabilities
Ability Dogs 4 Young People is led by volunteers
Thanks to the dedication of its volunteers – led by chief executive and founder Carol Court – and assistance from local partnerships, the charity has increased and improved its range of services. Grants from the Isle of Wight Foundation have provided funds for a lift at the charity’s Training Centre and supported the purchase of a van to assist with the transport and training of ability dogs. Carol said: “I am very proud of how our ability dogs help so many disabled young people and children. For some, becoming independent means something quite major; for others, the changes may be small but no less important. Each milestone helps the recipient to build confidence and start finding their way in life – with their ability dog by their side.”
If you would like to make a difference to charities on the Island, contact admin@wightaid.org or call 01983 555915 or visit www.wightaid.org charity number 1166476
Luna and Izzy
“My name is Izzy and I am 26. I suffer with a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which affects lots of different body systems and severely impedes my independence. I have regular episodes of passing out which can occur several times a week and without warning. My assistance dog is Luna, a three-year-old chocolate Labrador. Luna makes me feel safer when I go out as she wears a special jacket with an SOS pocket and information card in case I collapse. She also helps by picking things off the floor for me, which I find difficult when my joints are very painful or dislocated. Luna is the biggest blessing. She has improved my independence and confidence already and gives me much more hope for my future. She knows when I am having an extra difficult day and will come and sit on my (always cold) feet, or lie with me when I’m having a nap. We have just graduated with a Masters in Marine Biology from the University of Southampton, and we are pursuing PhD studies next!”
