Patient Lives:
Eddie McHugh
 'Tracey was a live wire. When she came into a room, it was like a bomb going off. I'm not over it yet - I never will be - but it helps to know we're helping other people get the same care she had from the Hospice.' Eddie McHugh, Patient's Father
Eddie's daughter Tracey died at the Hospice in April 2000 after a long and brave fight against cancer. She was just 34.
Tracey studied hairdressing at college and had her own shop in Homelea Road. Tall and extrovert, she loved new styles, parties, holidays and living life to the hilt.
When she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in January 1999, she approached it with the same positive outlook. For a while, things did go well, but finally she was not one of the lucky ones.
Although she was always protective of her family, thankfully she did have people she could express her feelings to - Ellen Thomson, her Home Care Nurse, and for the last weeks in the Hospice ward, she became especially close to Alan Donald, the chaplain. Even though she was a Roman Catholic, the family asked him to speak at her service.
'Alan's a lovely chap - and all the Hospice people are marvellous in every way,' says Eddie.
Over the years, the McHugh family have been active fundraisers for the Hospice, raising over £5,000 in the first year alone with dances and parties. Eddie is a star raffle ticket salesman and he continues to do 'bits & bobs' for the Hospice.
It's a way of giving back the kindness they received during Tracey's illness, he says - but for Eddie, it's also a way of remembering a priceless daughter.
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Day In The Life
Eddie McHugh
'Tracey was a live wire. When she came into a ...
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