“We all need friends. Life can be hard, especially for those with health issues,” says Vernon Harvey, Trustee of Sweet Louise.
Vernon was Louise’s oncologist and treated her throughout her cancer journey. Over the 10 years of her treatment, Vernon became good friends with Louise and her husband Scott.
After Louise died, Scott wanted to do something to honour Louise and he talked with Vernon about a way to honour Louise’s legacy by giving back to others with incurable, stage 4 breast cancer.
“We realised that Louise’s had been lucky enough to afford a variety of treats through the harder times to enhance her quality of life. And she had written in a diary about how what a huge difference some of these experiences had made to her everyday life – even the small things like a coffee with friends.
“This led to the idea of giving women with incurable secondary cancer vouchers to spend on experiences to help them make their lives a little easier, just as Louise had done.
“This direct support is what makes Sweet Louise different and feedback from members has consistently expressed the benefit of this approach.
“As Sweet Louise grew it became clear that members really enjoyed the personal interactions with the Support Coordinators and particularly other members who were going through the same difficulties and challenges. A frequent comment was: ‘You need to feel normal and connected in an environment where you do not have to explain yourself’. And so as Sweet Louise has grown, we have invested more in Support Coordinator across the country as well as the peer-to-peer support meetings.
“Being involved in Sweet Louise means that I have been able to help more people than I ever could by myself. I am very proud to be part of this incredible organisation.
“We are fortunate to have with exceptional committed staff and know we have made such a difference to so many people.
“In these difficult times many charities are struggling, but I believe it is essential we ensure that Sweet Louise is able to continue to provide this vital support to women with incurable breast cancer. That is why I will leave a gift in my Will to Sweet Louise.”
To find out more about how you can Leave a Gift in your Will.