Sadie Howe, from Rotherham sadly lost her grandparents back in 2021 and 2022. This Christmas, Sadie has decided to celebrate the life of her beloved Grandparents by making an in-memory dedication on Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s Tree of Memories.
By remembering her loved ones in this special way, Sadie is creating a lasting memory this Christmas whilst supporting the charity’s Dementia Appeal, which aims to raise funds to enhance dementia services within Rotherham Hospital and the wider community.
Sadie said “My Nannan, Barbara was first diagnosed with Vascular Dementia following a mini stroke in 2012. We noticed a change soon after the stroke, she became easily confused and forgetful. Then in 2018, my Grandad, Roy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after a rapid change in his behaviour.
Sadie continues, “My Nannan and Grandad were both such selfless people, they did so much for their community and are very fondly remembered in their home village. Before my Nannan’s diagnosis she was very sociable, very involved with local groups and went shopping on her own every week. As soon as she was diagnosed she started to lose her confidence and became withdrawn.
“In her final few years she started to forget who we were, she knew that we were important to her but she couldn’t remember our names.
“Grandad declined much quicker than my Nannan, he began forgetting things and becoming very confused. He would get so frustrated with himself because he couldn’t string a sentence together and get his words right.”
Sadie’s Grandad was admitted to hospital during Covid, and at this time visiting restrictions were in place. Due to his condition, he struggled to eat, which led to significant weight loss and after a 10-week stay, he was discharged. The family were heartbroken to lose him six days later, surrounded by his loved ones.
Sadie continues, “When my Nannan needed care, we requested that she was brought to Rotherham Hospital. We are forever grateful to the staff at Rotherham Hospital for the care my Nan received in her final year, their communication was great and they went above and beyond to ensure me and my family were listened to.”
Sadie sadly lost her Nannan in February 2022.
Sadie said "I thought leaving an in-memory dedication for Nannan and Grandad was a lovely way to cherish their memory this Christmas. It’s lovely to have Nannan and Grandad’s bauble on the Tree of Memories in the hospital. We are forever grateful to the staff at Rotherham Hospital for the care my Nan received in her final year.
“It would have meant a lot to Nannan and Grandad knowing that our donation is helping other people in our community suffering with dementia.”
Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity are inviting others in the community to remember those who will never be forgotten by making an in-memory dedication on their Tree of Memories. For a suggested donation of £10, you can dedicate a memory to your loved one on the charity’s Tree of Memories in Rotherham Hospital and on their online memorial tree.
Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising said “Christmas can be a difficult time for so many families who have lost a loved one, and we hope that our Tree of Memories can bring some comfort to those finding the festive season hard. When you make an in-memory dedication on our Tree of Memories your loved one’s names and your message to them will hang on our twinkling tree throughout the Christmas season, with each bauble representing a cherished memory. Every penny raised will help support those living with dementia and their families in Rotherham.”
Once you’ve made an in-memory dedication you will also receive a beautiful keepsake bauble made from premium card to hang on your Christmas tree at home, to personalise with your names and messages.
Make an online dedication on our virtual tree. Once received, the charity will display your loved ones bauble and message on their Tree of Memories in the hospital.
You can also make a donation and dedicate a memory over the phone. Please call the charity on 01709 426 821.
Your support will light up Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s Tree of Memories, and your generous donation will make a difference to those living with dementia.