Hospice
Fundraising
In December 2024, we learned that Joe had left St Oswald’s Hospice a gift in his Will, in thanks for the care his Dad had received and to support others.
Joe’s friend Andy and his cousins Christine and Maureen contacted us to tell us more about Joe and why he decided to support St Oswald’s Hospice in such a meaningful way.
“Joe and I were friends for years after meeting whilst working at the Ministry,” recalled Andy. “We bonded over our love of football and Newcastle United and remained lifelong friends, enjoying attending matches together and many fantastic holidays over the years.”
“We bonded over our love of football and Newcastle United and remained lifelong friends, enjoying attending matches together and many fantastic holidays over the years.”
“Joe loved travelling and he was very sporty. He was a keen swimmer and cycler, and also played football and badminton. He needed three hip replacements in his life – I think he kept wearing his hips out by doing so much!”
They all fondly remember that Joe’s proudest moment was completing two Open University degrees in his 70’s – he even put his own announcement in the paper to celebrate his achievement! “We were under strict instructions to use his graduation photo at his funeral! He was so proud of that.”
Five years ago, Joe was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurological disorder caused by the shrinking of nerve cells in the brain. Despite the condition affecting Joe’s mobility, he remained fiercely independent.
“He had a mobility scooter he went out on regularly and he lived at home for as long as possible, until the final fall he had.”
“Joe was a kind and loyal friend. He’d be there for anyone who needed him and because of that we’re not surprised he’s made this gift in his Will to help others. Joe was always stubborn and once his mind was made up that was it. Once he’d decided to support St Oswald’s Hospice, he was determined to do so. This is what he wanted to do and how he wanted to help others.”
“Joe wasn’t a wealthy man, so the fact that he gifted 60% of his estate to St Oswald’s shows how passionate he was about supporting the hospice.”
Andy, Maureen and Christine visited St Oswald’s Hospice to deliver Joe’s legacy gift and have decided to remember Joe by setting up a Tribute Fund in his memory.
“It was good to come into St Oswald’s Hospice to see where Joe’s gift will make a difference. As his friends and family, we’re so proud that his generosity will help more people get the care that Joe’s dad did.”
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