The daughter of a woman who received “heart-warming” end-of-life care at Mountbatten Hospice has spoken out to praise the work of the Southampton hospice.

Hairdresser Natalie Kowaiewicz, 29, from Boorley Green, told how her mother Michelle was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2021 at 48.

Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and the family decided that Michelle would be best placed in the care of Mountbatten.

Daily Echo: Natalie visited her mum everyday at MountbattenNatalie visited her mum everyday at Mountbatten (Image: Submitted)Michelle passed away at Mountbatten on May 28, 2022, only nine months after her diagnosis.

Natalie said: “We tried to treat mum at home but her condition kept deteriorating.

“We decided it would be best for mum to spend her last months at Mountbatten and I’m so glad that we did.

“Mum told me during her time there that she looked at the girls looking after her like her own children – they were very special to her.

“They went above and beyond to make mum feel special – they would paint her nails, give her manicures and even helped her choose what she was going to wear on my wedding day.

“They never failed to raise her spirits and the work that all the staff at Mountbatten do is no short of heart-warming and outstanding.”

As a way of saying thank you to the hospice and its staff, Natalie organised a fundraiser event at the Ageas Bowl to raise money for Mountbatten.  

The charity ball event managed to raise a staggering £25,000 for the hospice.

Daily Echo: At the last event, each member of staff that looked after Michelle was treated to a hamperAt the last event, each member of staff that looked after Michelle was treated to a hamper (Image: Submitted)The event also gave Natalie the chance to personally thank the 20 members of staff that had cared for Michelle, giving each one a hamper with wine, bath salts, body moisturizer and much more.

She is now planning an event at St Mary’s for 2024 with a target of £45,000 for Mountbatten.

Natalie added: “This year we want to go bigger and better than ever before.”

She said that any support from Southampton-based businesses would be welcomed.

Rebecca Woodhead, campaigns and community fundraiser at Mountbatten, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Natalie for supporting Mountbatten.

“She has already raised so much money and we have no doubt, with her determination, the next charity ball will be even more successful.

“We rely on the generosity of our community to help support our work and Natalie’s commitment to us is really inspiring.”

All donations can be sent here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/3te39-help-make-a-difference?