Two friends from West Norfolk thank community nurses
Two friends from West Norfolk have completed the GEAR 10K race in King's Lynn in memory of Terri's beloved son, Stuart, raising more than £720 for the community nursing team that cared for him during his final days.
Stuart, who was 54, sadly passed away on Christmas Day 2024 following a cancer diagnosis earlier that year. He was cared for at home by the community nursing team from Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust (NCH&C). Stuart is remembered by his family as a cheerful, charming man who was full of life. He loved football, going to gigs, enjoying city breaks with his partner Katrina, and sharing laughs and drinks with friends.
Katrina, who also works for NCH&C as an allocator, and Stuart's mum, Terri, were supported by the same dedicated community nurses in the days leading up to his passing. The team provided not just clinical care, but essential emotional and practical support to the whole family.
Pictured L-R: Fiona Back, Katrina Howlett, Terri Hill, Rosemary Morgan, Melanie Gowler and Amy Bilham
Terri said:
The team were so caring and supportive - the work they did was above and beyond, and we just don't think these teams get the recognition they deserve. I don't know what we would have done without them.
Motivated by the care Stuart received, Terri decided to take part in the GEAR 10K to say thank you and raise money for the West Norfolk community nursing team. Her close friend Rosemary joined her for the emotional challenge, and together they completed the event in Stuart's memory.
All funds raised will go to the NCH&C Charitable Fund, the registered charity of the NHS Trust. The money will be used to buy equipment that supports patients receiving treatment at home in and around King's Lynn. This could include small but meaningful items that provide comfort, dignity, and independence to people being cared for at the end of their lives.
Carol from the charity team said:
We want to say thank you to both Terri and Rosemary for their incredible efforts. It means so much to our staff when families choose to support us in this way. It's a powerful tribute to the professionalism and compassion of our nurses who deliver vital care in patients' homes every day.
The NCH&C community nursing teams deliver care across Norfolk, including end-of-life care that allows people to remain in their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones. Donations to the charity help enhance the experience of patients and families during the most difficult times.
If you would like to say thank you to one of our nursing colleagues, you can find out how to do that here: Fundraise For Us