A Belfast hospice patient has inspired a revised version of the festive poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ as part of Marie Curie’s Christmas appeal.
The famous poem, originally about a visit from Santa Claus, was revised by poet Molly Case who is also a palliative care nurse.
It was inspired by the real-life story of Stephen from Belfast and his sister Lucia Wilson, who are visited by a Marie Curie Nurse in their time of need.
Lucia said: “Marie Curie’s care for my brother meant everything to me. The nurses went the extra mile to make Christmas special, giving him a fabulous dinner with all the trimmings.
“His room was like a little Christmas haven and there was a feeling of happiness rather than sadness around the place. The strength and support we received helped me to get through that Christmas and will help with many more to come.”
It was commissioned by Marie Curie to highlight the care and support that its nurses, healthcare assistants and other frontline staff provide, both at Christmas and all year round.
In the film the poem’s verses are interspersed with festive illustrations bringing all that Marie Curie does to life. They include a chef cooking up Christmas treats for patients, a gift left on Stephen’s pillow by nurses as a healthcare assistant plays carols, and people taking part in art therapy classes by the support and wellbeing team.
Olivier Award-winning actress Nichola McAuliffe has joined forces with the UK’s leading end-of-life charity to release the new version of the classic by Clement Clarke Moore.
Jacquie Belshaw, a ward sister at the Marie Curie Belfast hospice who looked after Stephen who features in the poem, said: “It’s wonderful to see it turned on its head to demonstrate that Christmas can be a difficult and overwhelming time for families experiencing dying, death or bereavement.
“With the support and expert care of Marie Curie Nurses like myself, as well as our many doctors, healthcare assistants, bereavement counsellors and volunteer companions, it can still be filled with moments of joy.
“Whether people are being cared for at home or in a hospice, we want to ensure that no one spends their last Christmas in unnecessary pain and alone.”
