Linda Mitchell from Brechin is not a woman in the habit of making dramatic statements which makes her words all the more moving.
“Without the help of Sue Ryder, I think I would have been suicidal,” said Linda.
Linda’s mum, Betsy Greenwood from Montrose, first used the services of the charity after arthritis made life difficult for her.
“The Sue Ryder girls used to come to mum’s house in the morning and at night to help dress her and put her to bed as her mobility was really poor,” said Linda.
“Then mum developed a tumour of the bowel and became really poorly with very limited movement, so the care was upped.
“I’m an only child and worked for a saddlery company, and while my employer was very good and gave me as much time off as feasibly possible, I had to call on friends and neighbours to help me.
“Originally I was trying to work, but I’d often be up at night, sometimes 15 times a night, caring for mum.
“The Sue Ryder carers were a godsend.
“I could not have carried on without them – I think I would have been suicidal without their support.”
Sue Ryder provides incredible care for people with life-changing illness.
Whether it’s bringing comfort to someone’s days or enabling them to make the most of their life, it is there for them and their loved ones.
Lorraine Linton, Scottish homecare manager said: “We know that most people would prefer to live in their own homes for as long as possible, retaining independence and being close to family and loved ones.
“That’s why we’re developing more services that provide care in people’s homes.”
Sue Ryder provides homecare in Scotland, and a variety of services nationwide supporting people in the community and in their own homes.
These services deliver a high quality care with a team of well-trained and enthusiastic carers delivering care to hundreds of people on a weekly basis.
Our service users are at the very heart of what we do and are involved in all aspects of our care.
In recent inspections the Care Inspectorate have been extremely impressed and the Stirling service, known as Centre of Excellence in Homecare, has been awarded the top grade in all six quality themes.
“Mum passed away in May this year, aged 87, and still living at home – she was adamant that was what she wanted,” said Linda.
“The Sue Ryder carers, who were aged from young girls to mature ladies, were just superb. I couldn’t fault any of them.
“Mum would have been in a hospital without them.
“Their work allowed her to fulfil her wish.”
At Betsy’s funeral, more than £600 was raised for Sue Ryder, but Linda would love to have raised more for the charity via her mum’s estate.
Remembering a charity in your will ensures you can do that.
Contact Sue Ryder at E-mail: giftinwill@sueryder.org or on 0845 050 1953.