©InfoThe Andrew family was hit by medical misfortunes three times in 18 months – but on each occasion Red Cross volunteers were on hand to provide much needed support.
Anne Andrew was diagnosed with breast cancer at around the same time her father-in-law – who lived with the family in Sussex – was hit by a rare and terminal form of cancer.
Anne recalled: “I found the chemotherapy very tough going and my husband’s father was declining rapidly. It got to the point where I felt exhausted and just couldn’t cope – I realised I needed help with basic domestic tasks.”
‘Such a blessing’
Desperate, she called the Red Cross and very soon a friendly care in the home volunteer called round. Anne said: “Patsy immediately started to help – it was tremendous to have someone empty the dishwasher, sweep the floor and keep up some normality in the house. She also supported my father-in-law, who was going downhill so fast there simply wasn’t time to make formal care arrangements. Having the Red Cross there was such a blessing.”
Anne’s husband, Steve, still had to work full-time. He recalled: “My wife, father and children needed me like never before, and the whole thing was like a bombshell in our lives. It was so helpful to know the volunteers were helping keep things on track at home.”
‘Calm presence’
Sadly, Steve’s father passed away but Anne gradually started to recover. Then disaster struck again. Anne had just finished radiotherapy when she fell and broke her leg.
She said: “Once again I was incapacitated, and still weak after the treatment. This time a volunteer called Sharon came round each week, who I can only describe as a ray of sunshine. She did the chores I couldn’t manage, always had time to listen and was a calm presence amid the chaos of juggling the kids and work for Steve.
“When I started to get better she even took me out for a coffee, which was a lovely thing to do. It made a real difference at a very tough time.”
Extra help
Steve also remembers Sharon fondly. He said: “Now that my father had died, I didn’t have any family left, and Sharon’s visits was almost like having a new family member around. I could chat to her about how I was feeling and she really helped me cope with the situation.”
Months later, Anne underwent surgery to remove her ovaries as a precautionary measure. Once more, she needed a little help at home – and this time knew exactly where to go to ask for it. For the next six weeks, Chris the volunteer called round weekly to help with anything that was needed, from ironing to shopping to chatting things over.
Looking back, Anne said: I’m so grateful to all the Red Cross volunteers who helped me through my illness. We were at a point where we really couldn’t cope anymore and they made a world of difference in very tough times.”
Find out more about care in the home
Become a care in the home volunteer