Teesside Hospice to host first Community Ball, inspired by local family's story
Teesside Hospice is set to host its first Community Ball, ‘Together We Care’, this September, inspired by a local family who have been impacted significantly by its services.
In 2017, Beth Wheatland and her sister Lisa’s lives were shattered when both of their parents died within a month of each other. Beth’s dad, and the wider family, received support from Teesside Hospice, before he passed away in the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
After attending the hospice’s corporate ball over the last couple of years, Beth spoke to the team about creating a similar event for the local community to celebrate the hospice’s impact and remember those who are no longer with us.
Wheels were set in motion, and the ‘Together We Care’ Ball will be taking place at Bloom, Middlesbrough on Friday 18th September, with the whole Teesside community invited to come together with Beth, other families and the hospice’s team of staff and volunteers.
Beth shared: “It's something a lot of people would say, but mine and Lisa's mum and dad were the best we could have ever wished for.
“My dad was so laid back (which was handy in a house of three females), loved walking my sister's dog, visiting cafes and the Boro! He was hard working, gentle and a total perfectionist who could turn his hand to any DIY job.
“Alongside my dad, my mum is probably the best person I'll ever meet. She was the kindest, most thoughtful person who had such a dry, incredible sense of humour. Like my dad, everything was for our family and she was never happier than spending time with us all.
They met ballroom dancing in Redcar and both enjoyed a simple life, just happy as long as they were together.”
But Beth and her family’s lives were tragically transformed by not one, but two cancer diagnoses in late 2017.
“Unfortunately, towards the end of 2017, my dad was diagnosed with Mesothelioma and our hearts completely shattered,” Beth continued. “Whilst my dad was poorly and having treatment, my mum was diagnosed with cancer in December and died 15 days later.
“My mum always spoke so highly of the hospice after visiting a friend there and regularly told us how peaceful and calming it was, however she declined so quickly she didn't make it to the hospice.
“The hospice was recommended to my dad and he was dubious at first, as he knew it would be palliative and was terrified, but with the advice and support of doctors, went to the hospice and spent his last month there.”
Nine years on, Beth still remembers the care, compassion and support that was shown to her dad, as well as herself and sister Lisa, during this time:
“Everyone there from doctors, nurses, catering staff, volunteers, staff behind the scenes - they are all angels! When my dad arrived at the hospice, Doctor John asked him what he wanted out of the hospice and he said, 'to live as long as possible' and I can honestly say the hospice did this for him.
“My dad went into the hospice very shortly after my mum died and he was adamant he would get to her funeral and the hospice staff bent over backwards to do this. The lovely nurse came in on her day off, had training to be able to help my dad with medication and the ambulance driver brought him to both the funeral and the wake, something me and Lisa will be forever grateful for and will never forget.
Something that really stood out to us was how incredible the staff were, not just for me dad, but for us too. I'll never forget how we were made to feel in the toughest time of our lives. At 26, I didn't ever expect to lose my parents a month apart, but Teesside hospice made the hell we were living that bit more bearable.”
Since her parents’ passing, Beth has continued to support Teesside Hospice through donations and attending events alongside her best friend Emma, whose family have also been impacted by the hospice services. Now, Beth is encouraging others across Teesside to join her for the ‘Together We Care’ Ball and celebrate all the hospice does for families in the region.
Beth added: “The way you feel when you visit the hospice is indescribable, and how they're able to provide moments of peace and joy at such a horrendous time needs to be celebrated.
“I hope that people can attend to show their thanks to all the staff and volunteers involved in the hospice, and also to raise awareness that support and donations are so important.
“I'll never stop singing the praises of Teesside Hospice and hope the community ball will provide lots of happy memories for families around the region.”
The ‘Together We Care’ Community Ball will take place at Bloom Middlesbrough on Friday 18th September, from 6:45pm – late. Limited tickets are available for £45 per person, which includes a 2-course meal, welcome drink, live music from Last Anthem, free live illustrations, guest speakers and more, as well as the chance to connect with the hospice community and share stories. To find out more, visitwww.teessidehospice.org/events/together-we-care-community-ball/.