The people who matter

It’s easy to forget in the rough and tumble of life about the things that really make a difference. And often it’s the people with no political motivation who stand out.

I’m in awe of those who can offer their time, patience and skills to care for others; the dedication and selflessness they demonstrate puts life in context and the way it flows from them in the most difficult of times puts many of us to shame. My grandmother has needed constant care for 18 months and the brilliant people who provided that, during the end of life and aftermath of death today have been a source of support and reassurance for my mother.

I can’t thank them – and the people like them in the NHS, charitable and voluntary sectors - enough for their kindness and understanding. It’s simply priceless.

Woking Hospice is another example of a place that gives similar care and support to patients and families facing an end of life situation. It’s an organisation that we should be proud of and the people who work there, who without exception would baulk at the suggestion they were doing anything out of the ordinary, are people whose sense of calling we can all learn from. Any politician who makes a difference equal to our carers’ involvement with just one patient can indeed call themselves worthy of their office.

MacMillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care as well as the NHS are staffed and supported by people who understand dignity – something that really matters in our society.