Family of Mansfield mum launch appeal to support hospice that cared for her

The family of Sarah Taylor, of Ladybrook Lane, are urging residents to support their campaign to donate items to John Eastwood Hospice to help other families going through the same thing.

Sarah 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, has now set up an Amazon wishlist for residents who want to buy items that will support families and patients at the hospice.

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 are asking people for things like toys, games, puzzles, anything families can do to just to take their mind off things and spend time together is great. Toiletries are also good for family members that do have to stay at the hospice, anything people can donate no matter how small will just provide that little bit of comfort for families going through the hardest time.”

Since launching the appeal the family, who are also happy to collect donations from the local area, have already received around 200 items.

Speaking about the impact the hospice had Ellie said: “At first we were hesitant about going to the hospice but when her children and partner Ste went to look round they were made to feel so welcome and at home. When Sarah went in there it was life changing for all of us because we got to spend quality time with her.

"We’re a big family so it meant we could all visit, the hospice would bring us blankets let her children stay with her, they even let us bring her dogs in when she was really ill and to see that little bit of joy on her face made such a difference.

"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 spreading 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.”

Donate here or email [email protected].