Remembering Gail with Light up a Life

This year, Terry Thwaite and his daughters are supporting Light up a Life in memory of Gail Thwaite; a loving Mum and Grandma who devoted her time to her daughters and grandchildren whom she doted on. Not only is the family company sponsoring the Appeal, they have also kindly agreed to share their story:

Besides her family, Gail’s other love was running and taking part in organised runs, raising thousands for different charities including The Prince of Wales Hospice. 

Gail’s daughters say, “Mum had the heart of a lion and made anyone she met feel comfortable and loved. She was forever making a fuss of people and making them feel special. She was the most caring and kindest lady you could meet.”

In February 2019, Gail was diagnosed with breast cancer and her daughters say, “Like a true warrior she kicked it in to touch!” However, fast forward to May 2022 the family were devastated to learn that Gail had Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancer which had already spread to her liver and other organs. From diagnosis to Gail’s passing the family only had 10 short days to spend with her.

Gail’s daughters say, “We had to make these last days as comfortable for Mum as we possibly could. Hearing that your Mum is in a losing battle and so unexpectedly is the most heart-breaking thing anyone could ever hear. We knew we had to be strong and help Mum, for she was the one going through even more hell than us. Somehow she still managed to keep smiling every day!”

“Mum was admitted to the Hospice on Wednesday afternoon but unfortunately passed away early on the Friday morning. As soon as we got to the Hospice there was an instant feeling of peace. The doctors and nurses at the Hospice were just amazing, they treated Mum with so much dignity and respect, even after she had died. We only wish we could have got Mum to the hospice sooner so she could have had a better last few days.”

“This place is worth its weight in gold and so is every member of staff. We chose to sponsor Light up a Life in memory of Mum as the Hospice now holds quite a special place in our hearts. Mum loved Christmas time - she will be smiling looking down! We invite others to get involved with this fantastic appeal to remember someone they have lost.”