We are often asked about where the idea behind A Friend In Need came from.

  

I’d had two experiences over the last 15 years of loved ones being in hospital where it was particularly hard to visit them – I live in St Albans and my Mum lived in Herefordshire and my Auntie in Shrewsbury – so visiting them was difficult.  I wanted to let both of them know how much I cared and to send them gifts to cheer them up.  But once I’d exhausted the flowers and the occasional card, I was stumped.

 

Mum was in hospital for an operation to identify the cause of abdominal discomfort that was eventually diagnosed as cancer of the pancreas.   I found a friendly florist near to the hospital, and they helped me with small punnets of strawberries, etc.  They really wanted to help, but all the suggestions had to come from me.  I so wanted somewhere I could go for inspiration but I couldn’t find anywhere.

 

Five years ago, my Auntie Ann was undergoing a mastectomy and I felt she needed some moral support.  I bought a little stuffed dog – a cute little guy – and parcelled him up and sent him off to her.  Well, he hit just the right spot and became a lucky mascot during her operation and recuperation.  I realised just how important small gifts of a personal nature are – to show that you care and just at the right time. Especially when it is impossible for you to be there yourself.

 

(To be continued…)