Hospice Healthcare Worker Encourages People to Join Charity Walk
A Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care healthcare assistant is calling on local people to join her in a charity walk to raise funds for hospice care.
Maria Twomey has worked at the Inpatient Unit at Peace Hospice in Watford since 2021. She and her colleagues play a vital role as part of a multi-professional healthcare team – supporting patients with daily tasks such as washing and dressing, assisting nurses and doctors with observations or procedures such as dressing changes and providing emotional support to patients and families.
It was when Maria was on the other side of the care her team provides, as the daughter of a patient, that she really understood the difference their work makes to patients and families.
Maria says: ‘Before Mum came here, I knew how amazing the Inpatient Unit is – all our staff working together as a team to help people and their families. But sitting on the other side of the bed, it changes how you look at it. I’m now even more proud of what I do, I am so proud of our team and our hospice, I now truly understand how valuable the services are that we provide and I feel honoured to do my job because people are coming here when they are at their most vulnerable. They are scared and we provide a safe place and look after them. When a patient and their family come through the door, I can recognise that sense of relief because I have personally experienced it.’
After experiencing firsthand the care that the whole team provides, Maria was keen to raise awareness of the charity’s work and fundraising. She has signed up for the charity’s upcoming London Bridges Walk with one of her sons and her niece, and they are encouraging other local people to join them.
Maria says: ‘I’m taking part in this year’s London Bridges Walk for people like my mum, and I’d love for you to join me so more people can get the palliative care and support they need, right from diagnosis. Every step we take and every pound we raise goes toward providing vital services, making a real difference in the lives of those facing challenging times.’
The Rennie Grove Peace London Bridges Walk takes place on 9 March 2025 and offers participants the choice of a 5-mile or 10-mile route, which both take in a whole host of famous London bridges. Visit rgphospice.org/LBW25 to find out more and sign up today.
Photo: Maria Twomey with mum Pat
