Family's fundraiser to thank hospice for care given to much loved husband and dad

A loving family has raised £1,400 in memory of much loved husband, father, and grandfather Ray Robinson and to help support the hospice which cared for him in his final days.

In May last year (2025), Ray, who was 76 when he passed away, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND), with his condition rapidly deteriorating before he passed away on December 30.

His wife Pauline, 76, who lives in Roker, said: “It took a long time for Ray to get a diagnosis, but MND is such a terrible disease. Pretty much every week he would lose use of something and eventually his legs and speech went as well as his ability to swallow.

“It was terrible to witness several choking episodes.”

Pauline and Ray were put in touch with St Benedict’s Hospice who offered them both immediate support and care.

Pauline said: “One day a week Ray would go into the hospice to be cared for whilst I was offered a range of therapeutic treatments, which helped to calm me down.”

Sadly Ray’s condition continued to deteriorate and he was admitted into St Benedict’s on Christmas Eve, with the hospice making provision for the family to stay over and celebrate Ray and Pauline’s final Christmas Day together.

Pauline said: “Staff at the hospice made everyone feel so welcome including our four children and eight grandchildren. Once staff realised Ray was dying he was put on different medication and the doctor said if he experienced any pain, just to let him know.

“Ray looked up and managed to shake the consultant’s hand. He was at peace when he died - it was the calmest he had been.”

To thank the staff and to raise vital funds for the hospice, Ray’s family and staff at the Ocean Micro Bar in Fulwell organised a race night in his memory, with the money bet on the horses donated to St Benedict’s.

Local businesses also rallied around by donating prizes which were raffled off. In total, the event raised an impressive £1,399.

Pauline said: “The night was such a big success and there was a great atmosphere - its also quite apt as Ray used to be a bookie. The staff at the bar and local community really rallied around and have been so supportive.

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“I think it’s important to thank people who’ve helped you, and as a family we just wanted to give something back to the hospice for the way they cared for Ray and his family.

“Hospices rely on donations and the fundraising won’t stop here. In September my daughter Julia is running the Great North Run to raise money for St Benedict’s.”