MERCY MATTERS OCT 2023
COVER STORY
Like being in heaven
Bonnie Yearsley passed in April 2001 after a 7-month battle with Oesophageal Cancer. It never occurred to me that my Mum might die at just 53 and I was only 24. It was a complete shock.

VOLUNTEER STORY
A passion
for palliative care
A passion
for palliative care
Brian McAvoy shares his joy at reconnecting with patients and families.
“My wife, Julie, and I have been volunteers at Mercy since May 2022. My initial involvement on the Drinks Trolley and now
as a Compassionate Companion has reconnected me with patients and their families since I retired from clinical practice three years ago. This has been challenging, stimulating, and rewarding, providing a transition from a clinical to a pastoral role, both of which are core features of general practice.
I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s words: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

VOLUNTEER STORY
Cheers Mum!
Cheers Mum!
Steven Taramoeroa has generously donated non-alcoholic beverages to the drinks trolley in memory of his mother, Linda Harris. Cheers Steven!!!
“The Mercy drinks trolley is something I’m very fond of. I will always remember being able to “Cheers” with my mum for the last time. A memory that I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the drinks trolley!“
Thank you to the Trusts and Foundations
who have supported Mercy Hospice through generous grants
-
Ara Lodge No. 348 I.C. Charitable Trust
- Barbara Lipanovich and Robert Ned Covich Charitable Trust
- BlueSky Community Trust
- Blue Waters Community Trust
- Dragon Community Trust
- Duo Trust
- E M Arnold Foundation
- Four Winds Foundation
- Hugh Green Foundation
- Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust
- Lottery Grants Board
- Louisa & Patrick Emmett Murphy Foundation
- Margaret Neutze Legacy Fund
- Maurice Paykel Charitable Trust
- Mike Bakker Charitable Trust • Milestone Foundation
- North and South Trust
- NZ Community Trust
- One Foundation
- Peter and David Picot Charitable Trust
- Pub Charity Limited
- Ralph and Eve Seelye Charitable Trust
- The Jogia Charitable Trust
- The Lion Foundation
- The Masfen Foundation
- The Sir William and Lady Lois Manchester Charitable Trust
- The Trusts Community Foundation
Thank you to all our Mercy Hospice supporters including our volunteers.
We could not do it without you.
Hospice New Zealand’s supporters and sponsors