The nurses stepping up to help families make lasting memories with their loved ones

South Tyneside-based Palliative care nurses have stepped up to help charity 4Louis, which is creating memory boxes for families who have lost loved ones to coronavirus.

The charity, which support families through miscarriage, stillbirth and child loss and normally provides memory boxes for bereaved parents.

But during the pandemic it is working tirelessly to supply them for relatives of those who succumb to the disease.

Specialist Palliative Care Nurse Bernadette Selby, who is based at at South Tyneside District Hospital, was bowled over when she saw the work the charity was doing.

As a result, she and her colleagues, Ashleigh Walton, Chantelle Forster and Dawn Townsley, have offered to help at the factory when the pandemic is over.

Bernadette said: “What 4Louis do for bereaved parents and now for families who lose a loved one to coronavirus is amazing.

“They gave me some boxes for the hospital and for families in the community and said we could have more if we needed them. I was so touched by their caring that I wanted to do something for them and they said the most valuable thing I could give to them was my time.”

The boxes contain: a blank card where the patient can either write or dictate a letter to their loved ones; a glass angel; a candle; an inkless wipe kit to capture their hand print which can be made into keepsakes such as jewellery; two teddies, one to stay with the patient and one for the family; a box for a lock of hair and Forget Me Not seeds.

Hundreds have already been delivered free of charge to hospitals around the country.

4Louis was established by Bob and Tracey McGurrell and their daughter, Kirsty, of Houghton-le-Spring, in memory of Kirsty’s son, Louis, who was stillborn at Sunderland Royal Hospital in 2009.

Kirsty McGurrell commented: “We were delighted to have a visit from Bernadette and look forward to her and her colleagues joining us after the pandemic to help build our precious memory boxes. Our work is invaluable but the support we receive from our volunteers is what makes it possible.”

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