Family gift in memory of Diana

November 4th 2011

Money raised in memory of Diana Gravina, who died at Dorothy House in September, will be used to pay for a special mattress for the In-Patient Unit. Diana’s husband Tim and their daughters Maria Gravina-Coles and Amanda Down visited the hospice to present cheques to In-Patient Unit sister Ruth Gretton and community fundraiser Emily Knight.

Tim, who lives at Poulshot, near Devizes, said: “Diana spent the final days of her life at Dorothy House and, although it may sound strange, it was a happy time. The hospice is a very happy place and we were all able to enjoy the time we spent together there. The staff were so friendly and caring towards all of us, that we felt we were part of a big happy family.

“Diana was given a bed with the most amazing mattress that was so comfortable – like floating on water, she said. The In-Patient Unit only has one of these mattresses at the moment, so we decided to pay for another with the money raised in Diana’s memory at her funeral, and from personal donations.”

Ruth Gretton said: “Having a second ‘Oska’ mattress will be marvellous: they reduce pressure and provide very comfortable support for patients. We are so grateful to Tim and the whole family for their very generous donation.”