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Jean and Don enjoying a cuppa in the sunshine on holiday

Jean and Don Perkin

Don Perkin shares how he and his wife Jean volunteered for our charity before Jean became ill and needed our expert care.

Jean, a volunteer for over 17 years, now receives care from our Hospice at Home team. They have been supporting the couple for over five years.

It’s a big relief to know that Jean is safe and cared for when I’m out. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Don Perkin

Volunteering 

After her children had flown the nest, Jean joined our charity as a volunteer. She helped with our house-to-house collections for an incredible 17 years, from 2001 to 2017.

It was Jean who got her husband interested in volunteering for us.

“Jean started me volunteering for Katharine House Hospice” explains Don.

“She used to deliver and collect donation envelopes and raffle tickets in our area, then she suggested we went on the first of several charity walks. I thought I’d like to help so I rang up and got involved.”

 

Jean with daughter Helen and family on holiday in Anglesey 2016
Jean with daughter Helen and family on holiday in Anglesey 2016

Don has many good memories of volunteering for us as an event volunteer and car park marshal. Grandson Jack would also join in and support his grandparents at our fundraising events.

Diagnosis

Sadly around 2012 volunteering became much more difficult for Jean as she began to struggle with her memory and walking.

Jean was thought to have had a mini stroke, she seemed to recover but then began to collapse suddenly. Several falls around the house and garden led to a series of hospital referrals and Parkinson’s disease was finally diagnosed.

After a bad fall and hospital stay in 2018 Jean was eventually able to return home. Our Hospice at Home team has been supporting Don with her care ever since.

Expert care

Our specialist care team look after Jean giving Don much-needed time for rest or a trip to the shops.

“Katharine House carers have been supporting me for the last five years and they’re brilliant” says Don.

“They’re with Jean from 1 pm – 3 pm and it gives me a chance to get out and do some shopping. I used to go to my allotment too.”

Care and support at home

Hospice at Home offer free specialist care within the home, giving people a choice about their preferred place of care. The team also provide emotional support for patients and support carers and families.

Find out more about Hospice at Home