THE care received by a hospice has inspired a mum-of-three to embark on a new challenge. 

Jenny Witherington, of Llandudno, has joined the St David's Hospice's clinical team as a health care support worker. 

Jenny applied for the role following the death of her grandmother Judith Astle; Judith was diagnosed with a brain tumour which then spread and became terminal.

North Wales Pioneer: Jenny scaled Snowdon via Crib Goch with a group of close friends.Jenny scaled Snowdon via Crib Goch with a group of close friends. (Image: St David's Hospice / Facebook)

The 31-year-old said Judith, a former nursing home sister at St Michael’s, Rhos on Sea, was "like a mum" to her from an early age.

She said: "She was a bubbly, lively lady who was full of laughter.

"Over the seven months from February, Judith’s health deteriorated quickly, leading to myself and my grandfather to look for support from my local adult hospice.

“During these difficult times my grandma never once complained. She always kept a smile on her face even after being given the awful news that her illness was terminal.

“She dealt everyday with great strength and determination, she was my number one person and will always be my biggest inspiration for the rest of my life.”

Judith’s wish was to pass away at home with her loved ones, and the St David’s Hospice at Home Clinical Team helped with care and support enabling her to stay at home for as long as possible.

Jenny added: “I was amazed how quickly everything happened. When the hospice team arrived, we felt the pressure lift and felt in safe hands. They helped us through it all.

“I just want to say thank you for being there for my grandma and our family. They were brilliant from start to finish. From the very beginning their care and support was next to none, from personal care to emotional support, and end of life care.

“My gran eventually spent her last 24 hours at the Inpatients unit and again she received nothing but exceptional care and support right up to her final moments with us.”

North Wales Pioneer: Jenny as a girl and grandmother Judith.Jenny as a girl and grandmother Judith. (Image: St David's Hospice / Facebook)

Judith passed away at St David’s Hospice in Llandudno on September 1, with her husband Derek by her side.

In addition to joining the hospice's clinical team as a health care support worker, Jenny has also raise more than £1,000 for the hospice by climbing Snowdon via Crib Goch.

Jenny and five others took on the 3,028ft challenge in October. 

James Wilde, hospice area fundraiser, said: "Well done Jenny and friends. We really appreciate the support and it is a fantastic way to raised funds and remember Judith."

St David's Hospice provides care free of charge to adult patients across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey.