Family and friends of NHS physiotherapist raise money for NGH Macmillan team

Kerry Messam, Macmillan specialist palliative care nurse; Michael Hoey;  Ellen Finn, Macmillan Cancer Support; Hannah Heaver, Macmillan specialist palliative care nurse

A Macmillan Cancer Support team based at Northampton General Hospital has received a fundraising gift of £1,700 in memory of a Northamptonshire physiotherapist who passed away last November at the age of 45.The family and friends of Fiona Hoey, who worked in Danetre Hospital in Daventry, contributed to the fundraising appeal set up to acknowledge the support that Fiona, her husband Michael and their three children received from the Macmillan specialist palliative care team at Northampton General Hospital.  

Inner strength

Michael explained:  “Fiona was a caring compassionate woman who loved her family. She balanced her professional physiotherapy role with raising and nurturing a family. Fiona had an inner strength that cannot be quantified; she did not allow her illness to define her. 

“She worked as a physio at the Danetre Hospital through-out this time and across the Northampton trust which reflects her love for her profession and her caring nature for her patients. 

“We selected the Macmillan charity based on the quality of care and support received in Northampton General Hospital over the last month of Fiona’s life. Kerry and Hannah were focused on ensuring that Fiona was comfortable and not in any pain. They did this in a caring and compassionate way. Based on this support we as a family decided to ask for donations rather than flowers at the funeral services. 

“We received £1700 from family and friends which will be used by the Northampton McMillan Support team to continue delivering a high quality service to patients and families at their most difficult time."

Resources to support children 

Kerry Messam, Macmillan specialist palliative care nurse at Northampton General Hospital said:  “Fiona was a very gentle, selfless and inspirational lady. Despite her illness, her priorities were her friends and family, but most importantly the wellbeing of Michael, Conor, Cormac and Aisling whom she loved very much and was extremely proud of. The monies that have been raised in memory of Fiona are a true testament to how much she was loved and respected.

“We’re hoping to use the funds for resources that will help parents and carers to support children who are preparing for, or experiencing, bereavement.  This will make a real difference to us in helping families receiving end-of-life care and treatment here.” 

Making a real difference

Ellen Finn, Regional Fundraising Manager for Northamptonshire, Macmillan Cancer Support said:  “We are so grateful to Fiona’s family and friends for their generosity and kindness at this difficult time. Their donations will allow us to continue to support families going through cancer, from diagnosis to end of life care and everything in between. This will help Macmillan make a real difference to the lives of partners, parents and children experiencing bereavement. “