Inspirational Stories

Fundraiser with a Heart of Gold

A one woman whirlwind, Therese Russel has been an enthusiastic volunteer for the North Shore Hospice for more than a year. Married with four children ranging in age from five to twelve years of age, Therese also works virtually full time in her role on the Fundraising Events Committee. A caring heart and a great deal of passion for the work the hospice does drive her towards this busy lifestyle.

'There are about twenty women on the Fundraising Events Committee, although I'm trying to encourage men on!' Says Therese. 'We break into sub-committees for the different events we organise. I really enjoy organising large events. It is a passion of mine and it is wonderful that it is for such a good cause.'

In the past year, Therese has been instrumental in organising the annual Tennis Tournament, the Sovereign Vintner's Brunch that was held at the Carlton Hotel and the Platinum Homes Tour - all events that help raise necessary money for the North Shore Hospice.

'I've always played in the North Shore Hospice Tennis Tournament, so it was great fun to get behind the scenes and organise it. It was a real learning curve and a lot of hard work, but I think if you want a good result then you have to put the hard work in.'

'The Sovereign Vintner's Brunch was a great success. It was also one of those days that went too fast! We had 350 people there - twelve restaurants and twelve wineries. The feedback was wonderful.'

'Then there is the Platinum Homes Tour. There are ten homes in Milford and Takapuna and people pay to view these homes. The homes all have the wow factor - and we have special events happening in each home. In one there is live jazz, in another a cooking demonstration, in another a gift wrapping demonstration and all sorts of other things. People also dine at Aubergine Restaurant who put on a special lunch. It is hugely popular.'

A vital woman in her early forties, Therese re-evaluated her life a number of years ago when several close friends died.

'I lost two very close friends within six weeks of each other. This was in 1997. They both just dropped dead for no apparent cause. Their death's hit me really hard. I was a real estate agent at the time and this was a reality check for me because I wanted my children to know me if was to die tomorrow. So I gave up my career in real estate. But then Graham, a close friend of my husband, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Eighteen months after being diagnosed with cancer he died and I spent three weeks going into hospice every day at the end of his life. It was my first experience of hospice. After that I thought I would like to do something with hospice.'

In April of this year Therese's cousin, Eileen, died in the Hospice and Therese was actively involved in her care in the last weeks of her life.

'Eileen had a brain tumour and she was fifty-seven when she died. We had a lot of fun together in the last weeks at hospice. She really enjoyed champagne, so I made sure we had 5 o'clock drinks each day when she was in the hospice. We also kept her room decorated with flowers. Her husband used to come in every morning and then her son would come in every evening. She had two children overseas who came home regularly while Eileen was ill, and again the day before she slipped into a coma. Obviously she was hanging out for them. She went into a coma on Sunday and died on the Wednesday.

'Hospice volunteers came in and did massages and her make-up. She was very pampered! Okay, so she was not there for the nicest of reasons, but I tell you what, hospice made it much more comfortable for her. One of her closest friends is a 'foodie', and one night she came in and used the kitchen facilities to make the most beautiful dinner for the three of us. We wheeled Eileen's bed into the dining room. We had French champagne and there were candles everywhere. So you can do all of those special things at hospice - they give you the run of the entire place. They are there to see that every comfort you desire is met. She was never alone, (I think it tough to say that she did not suffer), and she kept a brave face and appeared never to be frightened.'

Therese says Eileen's death was very peaceful, that she simply slipped away. And in the midst of the family's grief, Therese describes them also celebrating Eileen's life when she died.

'We had her music going and candles were lit. I was there when she died and she just went. People came and we immediately celebrated her life. It was a really lovely time. Her family and friends, whilst sad and emotional, were all there drinking champagne and sharing stories. She was looking lovely too. Her daughter had sprinkled rose petals over her. Afterwards we came back to my place and we shared dinner. It was a very special time.

'I had never thought I could stand being around a dead person, but it was the most natural thing in the world. My children came in and saw Eileen. She had her hair and make-up done. And she was wearing the most magnificent robe. She looked really beautiful. I hope that - especially for the immediate family - that it eased their suffering. She certainly didn't suffer at the end. She had dignity when she left this world, which is important for everyone. It made my own grieving easier.'

Therese says that she really enjoys the volunteer work that she does for the North Shore Hospice.

'I'm one of those people who like to give - but from that you receive a lot. Volunteering for the hospice is something I really love. There is also a wonderful group of ladies on the committee and lovely friendships have come out of that. So that is a real bonus! And I know that the work we do is very fundamental in keeping the hospice going.'

Therese has now seen the hospice from many angles, from her experiences of being involved in caring for Graham and Eileen, and from her volunteer work. As well as working on the Fundraising Events Committee, she has also done volunteer reception work. Rather than talking about her role she is quick to praise the work that the hospice does, however.

'The work the hospice does blows me away. The staff and volunteers at hospice are a damn good team.'