A WOMAN who lost her father to bowel cancer has highlighted the importance of the ‘So Much More Than’ campaign run by St Mary’s Hospice.

Lauren Wilson has shared her story of her beloved dad Ian in a heart-warming video released by the hospice.

Speaking about the BAE Systems project manager, she said: “My dad was a kind; caring man with an amazing sense of humour, his laugh would light up a room.

“Sadly, these little things end up being one of the things you miss the most, the longing to hear his hearty chuckle just one last time never fades. I am certainly not alone on that one; his laugh was so infectious it is missed by many.

“He was a very particular man, especially when it came to his cars and motorbikes, they were always immaculate, as was he, dressed pristinely no matter what the occasion with nothing out of place.

“Every single member of staff in that building is simply amazing.

“My dad’s battle was very short, just two weeks from diagnosis to him passing away, throughout this horrendous time he was incredibly agitated and scared, who wouldn’t be until the moment I watched him arrive into his inpatient room I seen a physical change in him, I could feel his relief, he truly wasn’t scared anymore, he looked at me and smiled.

“That was the last time I seen my dad smile but even though it was during the darkest moments of my life it’s one of the most treasured memories and I will be forever eternally grateful to the hospice.”

The next 12 months are going to play a crucial role in St Mary’s unwritten history and as a result has launched the new campaign called ‘So much more than’, to help counteract the decline in support from some of the hospice’s major income streams.

“Everyone deserves to see that ‘Last smile’ and more importantly patients need to feel safe, loved, cared for and that relief from being scared,” Lauren continued.

“I will continue to keep fundraising to ensure that those moments keep happening that those families get those final special memories, and those patients get the final journey they deserve.

“The hospice needs us now more than ever.

“I always describe the staff at the hospice as walking angels, they truly are special.”

Lauren and her 11-year-old daughter Isla have undertaken fundraisers for a plethora or charities across Furness and have vowed to continue to do so in the future.

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