A family touched by the free nursing care their dying father received at home in his final weeks have paid tribute to the charity that made it possible.
Sisters Carolyne and Allison Thom expressed their deep gratitude for the “brilliant” care shown by Marie Curie Cancer Care’s nurses during their late father Alistair’s illness.
As a token of their appreciation, the sisters united to present a cheque for £850 the proceeds of Mr Thom’s funeral collection to the charity’s Angus patron, Petra McMillan, at his former home in Carnoustie.
Carolyne said: “The nurses we had were just brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They went above and beyond to make sure dad was comfortable and to ensure his dignity.
“We didn’t know this service existed but we know now, and we just wanted to say thank you to Marie Curie for giving our dad the choice to be at home.”
Mr Thom, who ran the Fobel hardware shop on Park Avenue for 20 years before his retirement, was determined to be at home when his cancer diagnosis proved terminal, close to his wife of 50 years, Margaret.
As her primary carer, he wanted to ensure his wife’s safety and comfort as her dementia tightened its grip.
Marie Curie, which provides free professional nursing care to the terminally ill at home, worked with Alistair’s daughters to ensure his wish was granted.
Mr Thom died at home on January 9, aged 70, with his wife and daughters by his side.
Carolyne and Allison’s grief for the loss of their father is compounded by the gravity of their mother’s illness. The sisters believe their mum, who is now in residential care, is unaware of her husband’s passing.
Allison said: “It’s been a really tough time but we know Marie Curie helped us do what dad wanted and that means a lot to us as a family. We know that this money will be used locally to help another family trying to keep a loved one at home, and that’s a good thing.”
Marie Curie Cancer Care supported 38,000 individuals throughout the UK last year with a range of terminal diagnoses at the end of life at home or in one of the UK’s nine hospices.
With just £20 paying for one hour of care, the Thom’s donation will buy more than 42 hours of free nursing care for people in the Carnoustie area who are terminally ill.
For more information about the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk or email petramcmillan@sky.com.