Community rally round to spread Christmas cheer at hospice in memory of Mansfield mum

The community has rallied round to get behind the appeal set up by the family of Sarah Taylor, of Ladybrook Lane and all of the items have now been delivered to John Eastwood Hospice to help other families going through the same thing.

Sarah, aged 47, spent the last month of her life in the Mansfield Road hospice surrounded by caring staff and her loving family, including her children 21-year-old Josh and 15-year-old Tia.

Blown away by the care Sarah received her sister Emma Buck, supported by family, set up an Amazon wishlist for residents to buy items that will support families and patients at the hospice.

From toiletries and treats to games and puzzles – generous residents have gone above and beyond to support the appeal and all the items have now been delivered by Sarah’s family.

Launching the appeal last month Sarah’s niece Ellie Buck, of Brick Kiln Lane, said: “This was the saddest time of all our lives but John Eastwood was the best support we could ask for and in return we have want to donate loads of lovely gifts to help spread even just a little bit of cheer and hopefully help other families at their hardest time of their life.

"We will be forever grateful to the staff, we wouldn’t have got through it without them, they were like a second family to us.

“Sarah would be over the moon with the appeal, she’d be amazed and so happy so proud, she was the first one to help when it came to charity stuff so she’d think this was great.”

As well as the donation mission Sarah’s family are also continuing to spread the ‘check your boobs’ message.

Ellie said: “We made a huge promise to Sarah when she unfortunately lost her battle and that was to spread the message to “check them boobs ladies” and we want to carry on spreading this message every second of the day.

"Sarah was really passionate about spreading that message, it takes five mins in shower and could save your life.”

Lisa Todd, fundraising innovation manager at John Eastwood Hospice Trust said: “We are so incredibly touched and grateful for this thoughtful initiative organised by Sarah’s family, it’s beautiful way to honour their loved one's memory and ensure that the spirit of care continues here at John Eastwood Hospice.

"The items on the Amazon Wishlist will bring comfort and small joys to our current patients this Christmas and beyond. This kind of community support means the world to our patients, their families, and our dedicated staff.”