People come to the same conclusion about what matters and what to regret
Terminally ill patients often talk about the same things in their final moments, a Marie Curie nurse has said. The cancer support charity has launched a new campaign sharing life advice from some of the patients they have cared for.
Towards the end, people know how important it is to live in the moment and let go of grudges, not to work so hard that you miss out on life, cherish memories with loved ones, and to use money to make happy memories instead of saving all of it for a rainy day, the charity said.
Marie Curie nurse Ashleigh Wood said: “Spending time with people in their final days gives you a very clear sense of what really matters. We often hear patients talk about wanting to forgive more quickly, to say the things they feel and not leave words unsaid.
“We also hear reminders to take pride in who you are and not lose the things that make you feel like yourself.”
She added that for many patients, “small acts of self-care” including brushing their hair or wearing a favourite lipstick are important rituals for “identity, dignity and doing things that make them feel good”, rather than vanity.
As part of a fundraising drive, Capital radio DJ Kemi Rodgers met nurses from the end-of-life charity who held up placards painted with the pieces of wisdom shared by patients at a Superdrug store in London. Kemi said: “Having previously worked in healthcare, I know that one of the most striking parts is hearing the quiet wisdom people share with those around them in life’s most important moments.
“Marie Curie nurses witness moments like this every day through their invaluable work caring for people at the end of life, so I was keen to meet them and find out more about what they do.”
Further wisdom from patients includes do not let worrying rob you of the time you have, and never go to sleep on an angry word. The campaign, which is titled Purchase For Marie Curie Nurses and runs from April 22 to May 19, will see proceeds from select Superdrug products donated to fund the charity’s end-of-life care.
It aims to raise £200,000, which the charity said would fund more than 8,500 hours of its work.
