Touching tribute to Jacqui Campbell as Hospice launches Lights of Love

Jacqui, aged just 41, passed away after a battle with sarcoma last year.

In a touching tribute, her husband Cóilín and children Aaron (17), Katie (15) and Niamh (8), have been asked to turn on the Christmas tree lights in the grounds of the hospital.

They are supporting the hospice’s annual Lights of Love Christmas Tree campaign at this most difficult of times.

People are being asked to return a ‘Lights of Love’ tag, which will hang on the hospice’s Christmas tree in the inpatient unit, or dedicate a light on the Christmas Tree in the grounds.

For the Campbell family, like many in the city, the hospice is a cause very close to their hearts.

In 2016 their beloved wife and mother was diagnosed with sarcoma of the skull and after years of treatment the former special needs nurse and lecturer at North West Regional College (NWRC) succumbed to the disease last year.

Cóilín explained that Jacqui had been a fundraiser for the Foyle Hospice for years, inspired by the love and care her aunt had received there years earlier.

After her terminal diagnosis, Jacqui had been adamant that she wanted to receive end-of-life care at the hospice and was admitted in June 2019.

“It was such a great relief to us when she was admitted. We were struggling to care for her, you don’t realise how stressful it is at home, worrying every day, trying to make sure that her medication is available and correct and that she had everything she needed. She stayed in the inpatient unit for three months.

“It was daunting walking into the Hospice for the first time, but it wasn’t long before we were put at ease and it became our home away from home.

“The support that we received was amazing, not only for Jacqui, but also for me and the kids. There was always someone to talk to and we felt welcome from the start,” said Cóilín.

In September 2019 Jacqui’s treatment was adjusted and this allowed her time to spend several weeks at home.

“Jacqui was home for around six weeks before debilitating symptoms returned and she was in hospital again. She wanted to go back to Foyle Hospice and we were lucky to get a room and move back in with the kids.

“Throughout Jacqui’s treatment in the hospice, our entire family received support, counselling and guidance. It wasn’t just a place for Jacqui to receive treatment, it was a support to our entire family - support that we still receive today,” said Cóilín.

Donall Henderson, Foyle Hospice C.E.O., said the facility is honoured Jacqui’s family has agreed to light the Lights of Love Christmas Tree.

“I am delighted to introduce Cóilín and his family who will be switching on the lights at Foyle Hospice this year. We are honoured that they have agreed to share the story of their experience,” he said.

Tree tags are available for people to write personal message, in remembrance of a loved one, or in support of patients and staff. You can post this tag back to Foyle Hospice along with your donation.

Mr. Henderson said: “It goes without saying that 2020 has been a tumultuous year for all of us, so this year, we are determined to demonstrate that the quality of care at Foyle Hospice is immovable and unshakeable.

“As you know, Foyle Hospice is heavily reliant on the support of the community – almost 70 per cent of our funding comes from our extremely generous donors and for the last 35 years, that kindness has enabled us to stand as a shelter in the storm for thousands of families across the North West.”

Donations can be made at: https://shop.foylehospice.com/product/lights-of-love/ or https://foylehospice.com/customer/donate or via our donate button on Foyle Hospice’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/foyle.hospice/ or by calling Fundraising: (028) 71 359 888.