More Magical Hospice Moments With Surprise Alpaca Visit
Patient Shirley was delighted to receive a visit from a fluffy friend during her stay on the Bedded Unit.
Patient Shirley was delighted to receive a visit from a fluffy friend during her stay on the Bedded Unit.
A patient at North Devon Hospice was delighted to receive a surprise visit from a friendly alpaca recently, during a stay on the hospice’s Bedded Unit.
Shirley Edmondson, 75, from Abbotsham, has been receiving care from hospice nurses after being diagnosed with cancer. She was delighted when D’ Artagnan, a handsome male alpaca with a wonderfully wacky hairdo, trotted into the unit with his owners from Woolley Animals Farm Park to say hello.
This surprise alpaca visit was made even more magical for Shirley because her daughter and granddaughter - who were spending the afternoon with her that day - also got to meet him. It was a beautiful experience for the family to share at a very difficult time. “Living locally in the countryside, I’ve seen plenty of alpacas before now but never one up close, so this was a real treat,” said Shirley.
North Devon Hospice provides care for local people like Shirley who are affected by a life-limiting illness such as cancer. As well as offering support at home, patients can also be admitted to their Bedded Unit when symptoms become more severe, for help with pain management and to make them feel as comfortable as possible when they need it most.
Along with providing specialist care, hospice staff give a lifeline of vital support to the whole family, wrapping them up in their care and seizing every opportunity to help them create precious moments with their loved ones, memories that will stay with them forever. “Having D’Artagnan the alpaca visit Shirley and her family was a really special moment on the unit, one that was just wonderful to witness for the whole team,” said Jane Brown, Staff Nurse at North Devon Hospice. “When families are going through incredibly challenging times, we want to do everything we can to make their days brighter and this was certainly one of those twinkly moments that I know brought a lot of joy for everyone involved.”
Earlier in the day, the family had also enjoyed an afternoon tea - especially prepared by the hospice’s kitchen team - another standout experience for Shirley, to exceed her expectations of hospice care. “It was absolutely gorgeous. We had savoury and sweet; wraps, mini sausage rolls, and little finger sandwiches” Shirley said. “Then, we started on the sweet items, apple cake with cream, chocolate cake, and the most enormous scones – just beautiful.”
During the cost-of-living crisis, donations to the hospice have dropped dramatically. To make a donation and ensure the charity can continue to bring vital care and special moments to patients and families, please visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk
