Loughinisland family shows love for mum as she faces cancer battle

Loughinisland family shows love for mum as she faces cancer battle

1 April 2020

THE coronavirus pandemic outbreak hasn’t stood in the way of a Loughinisland family showing their love for their mum.

When Kate Sloan’s children and grandchildren realised they would be unable to hug her on Mother’s Day, they figured out a way to be there for her — no matter what.

Kate (64) was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid and throat last August and she’s currently being cared for at the Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast. She and her husband, Paddy (68), have been married for 35 years.

Paddy says the family have such admiration for Kate, but the difficulties brought on by coronavirus have been the toughest part of their hospice journey.

He said: “Unfortunately, due to the current situation with COVID-19, our children and grandchildren are unable to visit following all the regulations to protect the vulnerable in our society.

“This has definitely been one of the hardest parts of the hospice journey as, of course, they just want to see their mummy and nanny. However, they know that what they are doing by distancing themselves is vital to the health of Kate and other patients.”

Kate was in the hospice over Mother’s Day and the guidance around COVID-19 made this day quite a bit more difficult for the family. However, just like they always do, the children put their mother first and still made an amazing effort to make her smile.

Continued Paddy: “Our son, Aidan, and his wife brought their four children down to see their nanny — and although it was looking through a window holding up a Happy Mother’s Day sign it most definitely helped make the day that much easier.

“Our daughter Roisin, also arrived with a little bag of essentials, waving and smiling through the window, and even that little bit of interaction put a big smile of Kate’s face.

“It’s difficult, and with present circumstances I know that not being able to hug their mum, or just sit at her bedside and hold her hand is hard on them but they are glad the facilities at the hospice have enabled me to stay with her and be here for her.

“Marie Curie have basically become an extension of our family and we appreciate the support and care that they have shown, not only to Kate, but to our whole family so much.”

Paddy added: “Kate’s been at the hospice for two weeks now and the impact has overall been a positive one.

“Due to her illness, she is unable to eat or speak, but that hasn’t stopped her personality shining through and the care from the Marie Curie nurses has been so good.

“Being treated like a friend rather than a patient, the personal care and attention shown in the hospice has made the transition easier. As I’m able to stay with Kate overnight there is no need for me to leave her side, which is the only place I want to be. Being able to stay with Kate has made being away from home and our children much easier on her.”

Marie Curie needs to raise £2.5million a week to continue to run its essential frontline services, supporting families like the Sloan family, at a time when its ability to generate this money has been seriously compromised. 

Kate’s son, Aidan (31), is a local artist and he has decided to raffle off an original painting for Marie Curie to give back to those who have been caring so much for his mum.

He said: “My mum is the bravest, strongest and most courageous person I know. Our hearts break knowing that we can’t visit her due to the rules around COVID-19.

“However, as she taught me when I was growing up, it’s not about what you can’t do but about what you can, so although I can’t visit her, I can help support the amazing work of the people who are with her and caring for her so well.”

A spokesman for Marie Curie said: “Given the choice, people overwhelmingly say they would prefer to die in their own home, or in a hospice, rather than a hospital.

“People who are dying are able to leave hospital quickly, if the right package of care is in place and it is safe to do so. Marie Curie are experts in providing that care. 

 “Now more than ever, dying people who do not want to be in hospital need to be moved to a more appropriate setting, as precious beds in critical care units are urgently required for patients who need lifesaving treatment for coronavirus. 

Marie Curie can help, but only if it continues to raise the donations it needs to fund its vital work.”

Donate online at mariecurie.org.uk/emergency or text NURSE to 70633.?Texts cost £5 plus 1 standard rate message. To unsub text OUT to 78866. 

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness and concerned about coronavirus, Marie Curie’s Support Line team are ready to help with the information you need when you need it. Call free 0800 090 2309. Further information is available on the website mariecurie.org.uk/coronavirus.