Chance meeting leads to family reunion

A routine visit to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice with her Pets As Therapy dog sparked a remarkable family reunion.

A new volunteer to the hospice, Pat visits patients and staff once a week with her 16-month-old Bichon Frise, ‘Little Meg’.

After visiting the patients and staff at the Well-Being Centre, Pat made her way onto the ward at the Royton Hospice. 

It was there she met with Healthcare Assistant, Susan Howard (65), and recognised her from years gone by.

Pat said: “I didn’t recognise her at first, it’s been so long, 40 years! Then it clicked once we got talking who she was. 

“It was lovely to see Susan again, I couldn’t believe it”

Both ladies, originally from
Oldham, now live in Royton where Susan is an NHS Healthcare Assistant at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

The pair had lost touch a few years after Pat split from Sue’s uncle, John.

Sue said: “After all these years we nearly didn’t recognise each other. 

“It was so lovely to see Pat again and have a long overdue catch up.”

Pat, who has been volunteering at the Hospice for just over a month, visits patients and staff with Meg and they also regularly visit the Children’s Unit and theNeonatal Intensive Care Unit at Royal Oldham Hospital, bringing joy, comfort and companionship to everyone they meet.

Could you volunteer at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice?

The hospice currently have the following vacancies:

Shop Volunteer, Chadderton Shop, Monday to Saturday, 9am-1pm, 1pm – 4.30pm.

Shop Volunteer, Oldham Shop, Monday – Saturday 9am-1pm, 1pm – 4.30pm