When Brad heard that it was time for his Dad to go to Mary Potter Hospice, he felt like he had the weight of the world resting on his shoulders.

Brad could only think about one thing - the trauma of losing his mum in another hospital only a few years ago.

It was one of the worst times in his life and one he did not want to re-live with his Dad, Peter.

But with the support of our donors, we were able to turn a sad and traumatic situation into one of joy - remembered fondly by Brad and his family. It was a complete contrast to his mum’s death because you brought the love, care and support that Brad needed.

This is the light that now guides him through.

Brad told us that “Dad chose to come to Mary Potter because he knew it would be different”.

Brad’s stress began to melt away as soon as he walked through the Hospice front doors. “When Dad and I arrived at Mary Potter for the first time, I knew we were in the right place. Seeing the Tree of Love display and the names of loved ones who had been here before us gave me hope. It was a better place compared to where Mum died,” shares Brad.

Gifts to the Foundation meant that Mary Potter was able to give individual care to Peter and create special moments for his family.

We were able to help make it possible for a recording of Peter’s life story, now cherished by Brad and his siblings.

We were also able to fit the bill for a Canadian themed thanksgiving dinner, the family's last shared meal. It was a welcome distraction for members of Brad’s family who helped organised it.

And Peter was given an opportunity for him and his grandchildren time to create ceramic artwork together - now treasured memories and mementoes.

Each of these moments are now so precious. “It was a privilege to be at Mary Potter. To be with dad right until the end. I am forever grateful this was how we got to say goodbye,” Brad says.

We were able to make life full of meaning right to the very end.

Whilst we couldn’t change the outcome, we were able to change the experience for this family.

Remembering Peter

Seeing the difference in care made Brad want to help other families. In November 2021 Brad cycled from Wynn Vale to Port Lincoln and raised $30,000 in funds plus lots of positive awareness for Mary Potter. It was an incredible thing to do - to pay it forward in this way. Thank you so much Brad!