Many people suppose that Prospect Hospice is a building in Wroughton where patients in the late stages of a life-limiting illness are cared for, given pain relief and made comfortable at the end of their life. But those who have been cared for by the charity say that, though important, this is just a small part of what Prospect Hospice is about. Prospect also treats patients in their own homes, teaching them how to manage physical symptoms such as pain, breathing difficulties, and functional deterioration. The charity also addresses their emotional needs offering community nurse specialists support, occupational therapy and family therapy, and arranging respite visits so family members can take a break from caring duties.
Gezzy was a popular, well loved character around Cirencester. He was strong, humorous and kind throughout his 67 years of life, albeit for over 35 years he battled with kidney failure, heart failure, diabetes, stroke and severe arthritis of his spine. Gezzy never complained or turned pain into suffering. He counted his blessings and truly lived every moment. Everyone knew he was a general builder, but few knew he was a prolific painter in Folk Art . Gezzy lived well and died well. He was not afraid, but clear and courageous. He said: I ve had a good innings. Gezzy was a true warrior.
In the weeks before Christmas Malcolm Garrett was putting up his garden lights and hanging a wreath on the door, preparing for a family get-together. But it was to be a very different festive season to previous ones. In February Malcolm’s wife Angie died of breast cancer, leaving him, their children James, Emma, Sara and Samantha and nine grandchildren to grieve the woman they all loved so dearly. Very soon afterwards came lockdown and Malcolm was told that for health reasons he needed to self-isolate for the next few months. Malcolm says he has Prospect Hospice to thank for getting him through that period.
31st December 2020
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were busy this year promoting local and organic foods and farming, literacy, the importance of reaching out to isolated elders, and supporting the Commonwealth and the UK through a devastating pandemic. Today, let’s take a look back at their year!
Prince Charles sent a video message to the people of Australia following the devastating bush fires in the country; later, he was announced as the first UK patron of the International Rescue Committee.
Mid-month, Charles paid a visit to Oman to attend the funeral of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on behalf of The Queen.
A DAD-of-two has been shortlisted for a prestigious award to recognise his work during the pandemic. Pradeep Bhardwaj, the founder of Swindon Volunteers has helped thousands of people throughout the year by delivering free hot meals, collecting prescriptions at pharmacies, shopping for the elderly and vulnerable and helping GPs and care homes get PPE at the start of the pandemic. The 53-year-old, from Wroughton, has been nominated for the MTM Person of the Year 2020 Award which celebrates excellence and achievements of the Asian, Black, and ethnic minorities in the South West England. He told the Adver: “My nomination is a recognition for my role as an influencer and unifying force in the town because I work really closely with the public sector, with the private sector and with the charity sector.