"The exceptional care for my mum"

Mum is 68 and was admitted to Royal Surrey by ambulance this week. She was very, very unwell. We were called by the doctor to come and say our goodbyes as they didn't think she would make it through the night.

Debbie, who I can only describe as an angel, came to meet us and mum. She spent a good 40 minutes with us, helping to make mum comfortable. She made such a massive difference to Mum, who was quite distressed and wrapped up in wires and tubes when we arrived.

She listened, she helped gather a team of 3 to reposition mum in the bed. She let me show her the leg stretches mum needs to help her spasms. She was so thorough and so careful, removing the wires and tubes that were no longer needed.

Mum wasn't very responsive, but she was so respectful to her and told mum what she was going to do to try to help. She was gentle and thoughtful. One of the most gentle and compassionate people I've ever seen at work.

She truly understood what was needed at that time. So caring and so knowledgeable, leading and guiding other nurses too. Her experience of end of life situations shone through.

I hope that anyone going through a similar situation, has the fortune to encounter Debbie, who truly is an angel and a very special person. Mum lived. And to everyone's surprise she survived the night. We don't know how much longer we have her for, but for now she is still with us. And I will forever be grateful for Debbie's understanding and the time she gave to us.

We were able to go home from the hospital that night, reassured by Debbie's care and knowing that mum was asleep, peaceful and comfortable.