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Mum who lost her daughter and mother is stepping out to thank hospital teams who cared for them
When Emma Taylor joins our Walk for Wards event next month, she will be remembering her beloved daughter Erin, mum Yvonne and the care they received before they died.
Erin had epilepsy, a condition which affects the brain, that would go on to her claim her life at just 19. Her death came after Emma had also lost Yvonne to a devastating brain disease a few years earlier.
From their diagnosis to treatment and care, the hospital and outpatient teams in the neurology department were there to support them all.
So Emma is giving something back to the team by signing up to raise money for them at Walk for Wards on September 10th.
“Walk for Wards is one way to remember my Mum and Erin and to support the neurology team at Gloucestershire Royal who were so amazing, especially when my Mum was ill. We were on first name terms with them and nothing was too much trouble."
Yvonne Hibberd, from Gloucester, was admitted to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital after a series of falls and was eventually diagnosed with the rare brain disease. She died in hospital in November 2013 aged 65.
“When Erin was receiving outpatients support for her epilepsy, her nurse was someone who had actually looked after Mum as well and it was so brilliant to see a friendly face and it made such a difference,” Emma said.
“Erin actually took part in a Walk for Wards one year to raise money for neurology in memory of Mum.”
Erin was in the final year of an early years education course at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College when she died at the family home in Bussage, near Stroud in March 2018. She died from what is known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
Emma, who has worked for the NHS for more than 20 years, said: “You never get over the loss, it is life changing, but we do what we can to keep going and we hold events each year in Erin’s memory through a charity we set up in her name Erin’s Wish”
She said it was important to her to take part in the sponsored walk each year.
“You just never know when sadly you are going to need the support of the NHS and events like Walk for Wards are one way to keep supporting the teams at the hospital who do so much for everyone."
Walk for Wards is taking place at the Bathurst Estate at Cirencester Park. It is a non-competitive event and people can choose to walk either 3km or 10km on the day. Like Emma, participants can specify which area of the hospitals they would like to support with their fundraising, or give general support where the need is greatest in the hospitals.
Entry is free and you can sign up individually, with NHS colleagues, friends, as a family, community group or company. Dogs on leads are also welcome.
Community Development Manager Emily Williams said: “We want to say a massive thank you to Emma and everyone who takes part in our wonderful Walk for Wards event.
“Last year’s walk raised more than £14,000 for projects across the hospitals, giving support to areas such as our Scanner Appeal and extra care in the cancer centre – and benefitting every age group from babies to those with conditions such as heart disease or dementia. We’re hoping to raise even more this year.
"We would also like to thank Lord Bathurst and the Bathurst Estate for their incredible support and allowing us to use their stunning grounds.”
To find out more and sign up, please visit our Events page.
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