A FAMILY who lost their mum to Motor Neurone Disease are appealing to the public to support the Ayrshire Hospice’s Light a Life appeal.

Liz Easdon died in the hospice in February 2018 after living with MND for two years. Liz’s daughter, Jema bravely told her story. Jema said: “Our Mum , Liz Easdon, worked in care. She was a nursing assistant in the NHS. She loved her work and caring for others. She was always game for a laugh. Her family, friends and colleagues always said she was the life and soul of the party. She’d do anything for anyone, helping folk in their hour of need. She was always laughing, joking and blethering to everyone.

“Our Mum was sadly diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in February 2016. Mum was always on the go so MND had a massive impact on her life. Throughout her illness, Mum never let MND get her down, although times were hard, she still managed to laugh.

“At the hospice, it was like a home from home and I had a wee camp bed in the room. Dad and Adam were allowed in any time. Even our wee dog, Kanye, was allowed in and became very popular within the hospice. We always did a lot together as a family so were still able to do that.”

Liz then returned home where she benefited from the support of the hospice community nurses and Respite & Response team.

Sadly on 20th February 2018, Liz passed away in the hospice surrounded by family.

Jema continued: “We hope you’ll join us and support this year’s Light up a Life Appeal so other people can experience the same exceptional care that we did. You don’t realise how important the hospice is until you experience it. We never thought we’d have to and everyone hopes they won’t. But if they do, you’re helping people who need it and by donating, you’re making other people’s lives easier.”

Steve Brown, Hospice Chaplain at Ayrshire Hospice said: “It would be fantastic if you could consider donating to our Light up a Life Appeal to pay for just a little of the nursing care that our team will be providing to patients during the Christmas holidays. Most people, of course, will want to be at home for Christmas if they possibly can. Some people will be with us over Christmas – and so our nursing team will try to make the hospice as homely and festive as possible.”

Call 01292 288 488 to donate or visit ayrshirehospice.org.