I first became involved with Ballarat Hospice Care over 20 years ago, when my husband was sick. He had a melanoma and went through seven brain operations. It was an incredibly tough time. But Ballarat Hospice Care were just amazing.

They provided the equipment I needed to care for him at home – things like a lift chair and a hoist. He was a big man, and without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to manage. Most importantly, they were always there. If I were worried, I just had to pick up the phone, and someone would help me through.

I’ve used Ballarat Hospice Care’s services twice now – once for my husband and then again when my daughter became ill nearly nine years ago. She was only 45. Again, the support we received was incredible. They helped us cope, helped us manage.

At one point, I called them at three in the morning. My daughter was in terrible pain, and I was so frightened that I was giving her too much morphine. A nurse was there within 20 minutes, reassured me, and gave me the guidance I needed. That kind of help, in a moment like that, you never forget.

My daughter also worked with hospice staff to record a video message before she died. We played it at her funeral, and it was beautiful – funny, cheeky, and heartfelt. I didn’t even know she’d done it, but they helped make that happen. It’s something we’ll treasure forever.

After going through those experiences, I wanted to give something back. I joined Friends of Hospice and helped with fundraising, and then became a patient support volunteer. That was one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done. You meet people going through the hardest moments of their lives, and sometimes all they need is someone to listen.

Ballarat Hospice Care means everything to me. They were like my rock – always there, always ready to help. I wouldn’t have gotten through those times without them.