"My name is Helen, and I would like to share my story with you. I have started a project that is very dear to my heart. 

The project is called Sandy's Toolbox in memory of my beloved father Sandy. 

My dad had been very ill, on and off, since July 2021. I decided to take some unpaid time off work to support my sister Sally to care for him.

Dad had been in and out of the hospital and after talking it through with my family. My dad lived in a small village in Dundonald, Ayrshire and I live in Skye - 200 miles away.

When I arrived in Dundonald, on Christmas eve, Dad had been in hospital for five weeks. 

He came home to Dundonald on December 28th, 2021. He made the decision to spend his final day in the comfort of his own home.  We respected this decision even though our hearts were breaking. 

Dad's health deteriorated over the coming weeks and we were told he would only have a further four weeks. This was a very stressful and emotional time for the family.

We struggled to receive all the resources we needed to cater for his personal care. These products we had to source ourselves. 

This got us thinking that perhaps more families would be in the same situation as ourselves and we wanted to help fill this critically important gap for family's dealing with end-of-life care at home. 

We approached NODA and their response was incredible and with their support 'Sandys Toolbox' came alive. 

Our purpose is to provide palliative care boxes for families in Ayrshire and in Skye. 

These boxes are filled with personal care products to support loved ones that have chosen palliative care at home. 

To support this project, or to request a toolbox please contact Helen Wilson.

Email : sandystoolbox@yahoo.com 

Tel: 07437 965094