Sammie’s Journey and the Cuddle Bed Appeal
Salisbury Hospice Charity has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds for two additional cuddle beds, inspired by the heartfelt story of Sammie, a local woman who wishes to ensure that other families can experience the comfort and closeness she and her late husband, Martin, were unable to during his final days.
In her moving account, Sammie shares the story of Martin, a retired helicopter test pilot, who was diagnosed with the rare and terminal cancer, leiomyosarcoma, just nine months after retiring at 57. Despite enduring various treatments, including experimental trials, Martin’s health continued to decline, and the family was eventually advised to make him as comfortable as possible in his final days.
During this incredibly challenging time, Sammie and her family were able to access the exceptional care and support of Salisbury Hospice, which provided them with a peaceful space to be together. However, Sammie’s experience was tinged with sadness as, despite being informed about a cuddle bed at the hospice, it was always in use when they needed it.
Cuddle beds, which are specially designed to allow families to lie close to their loved ones during their final moments, provide invaluable comfort and intimacy. Unfortunately, due to limited availability, Sammie and Martin were unable to experience this much-needed closeness in their last days together. Sammie now wants to ensure that other families won’t face this heartbreak by helping raise funds for two additional cuddle beds at Salisbury Hospice.
“I did try and lie beside him on his hospice bed, but due to his fragile state, it was difficult to cuddle up without causing him discomfort,” Sammie explains. “I was made aware of a cuddle bed but the only one available was always in use. I was offered a room far away, but in the end, I had to make the difficult decision to leave each night and return early the next day. Sadly, I wasn’t there when Martin passed away in the early hours. Maybe that was his wish… but I want to make sure no other family has to miss out on the comfort of being close to their loved ones.”
Salisbury Hospice Charity is now calling for donations to fund two additional beds to allow families to spend those precious final moments together. These beds, though expensive, are essential to helping families maintain that personal, emotional connection during their loved one’s final days.
Sammie’s family has pledged to raise funds for the beds in honour of Martin, a gesture that will bring comfort to future families facing similar circumstances. Salisbury Hospice Charity is inviting the community to join Sammie’s cause and help provide these essential resources.
“While the staff at the hospice were truly amazing, you can’t underestimate the normality and peace that comes from being able to lie next to your loved one during their final days. Please help us get these special beds, so that other families can benefit from the closeness we craved,” Sammie urges.
For more information about the Cuddle Bed Appeal and how you can contribute to this vital cause, please visit www.salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk/cuddlebed. Together, we can help provide comfort, love, and dignity to families in their most difficult time of need.
