Mum suffered a major stroke in 2024 and was cared for first in Musgrove Park Hospital, then in the Mary Robertson Stroke Ward in South Petherton Hospital. The care she received there was nothing short of exceptional. The doctors, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and all the rest of the staff were remarkable in their professionalism, their personalised approach to patients, and also in their kindness, encouragement and support. With their help, mum made very swift progress, recovering enough to be able to return to the independent and autonomous life she so loved. It was nothing short of a miracle, given how impacted she had been just a few months before.
Having this amazing post-stroke facility in a small, community hospital so close to Langport and Somerton means that patients can receive regular visits from their loved ones, buoying up their morale, supporting them in their efforts and spurring them on to progress.
Mum's death was unrelated to her stroke, and came at a time when she was turning the page on her stroke days. She had bought a new car, was preparing to travel to Nice for a holiday, and had reserved a trip to the Cayman Islands for Christmas time. The very fact that she felt confident enough to embark on these plans is a tribute to the team who helped her to recover and regain confidence.
Mum will be buried in St Thomas's graveyard in Sutton in Craven, West Yorkshire, with her father, Charles. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation to the hospital, we will be happy to pass it on.
Many thanks,
Claire, Emma, James and Tom