Sheila’s Story

Sheila Alam has been giving to St Ann's regularly after her son, Amjid, received care at our hospice before he died at his home in September 2019.

In 2018, Sheila’s son, Amjid, 35, was diagnosed with cancer and throughout his treatment, he spent time at our Heald Green hospice, before dying at home in 2019.

During his time at the hospice, Amjid, Sheila, his partner and children were able to stay together in a family room, enabling them to spend more precious time together.

Sheila recalls how amazing the staff at St Ann’s were and how one of our nursing team would draw pictures for Amjid, which always made him laugh, whilst a member of our kitchen staff baked him brownies on her day off and made a special visit to deliver them.

St Ann’s is just a building, but it’s the staff that make it. They were brilliant with my lad. I can’t tell you how much St Ann’s means to me. You were a heaven sent for my family. Staff went above and beyond. The direct debit is just a small token of what I want to give back. I will be attending many events in the future with my family – as often as I can. Sheila Alam

Following her family’s experience with St Ann’s, Sheila has been giving a monthly donation as well as taking part in many of our events and appeals in memory of Amjid. In the last two years, Sheila and her family have raised over  £3000 for St Ann’s – an amazing amount, and we’re hugely grateful for her support.

We asked Sheila about donating each month and she said:

I didn’t really have to think about it, I give to several charities already but wanted to give to St Ann’s because you are extremely important to me. It was very easy to do. I was taking part in the virtual walk this year and thought about how St Ann’s had to cancel their events and that there would be no money coming in. I thought I would set up a direct debit because every little helps. I always think when my son was in there, there was someone else that did a walk or had a direct debit set up – and that gave my son his care. I can’t do that for my son now, but I can do it for all other people that are there now. Sheila Alam, Supporter

By setting up a regular donation, you’ll be giving more than just a monthly gift to our patients. Your donations help us to provide care, comfort and support to our patients and their loved ones.

Find out more about regular giving and how it is more than just a donation, here.