Julie Chandler Champion of the Month November 2011

Laura Peers tells us in her own words why Julie Chandler is worthy of special recognition.

"Fran, one of our residents here at Red Rocks Nursing Home was admitted in May this year having been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in October last year. She had been a very competent and keen artist and continued her painting when she first arrived with us. As her condition deteriorated rapidly she was unable to paint as well as she did, and in the latter stages of her life she was unable to paint at all. Her paintings adorned her room and she received many comments from the staff caring for her.

"Julie Chandler, one of our Activities Co-ordinators, came up with the idea of holding an exhibition of her work and together with Fran, organization commenced. Julie, a keen artist herself, spent a considerable time with Fran, deciding on the format the exhibition should take, which pieces she would like to display, the dates and times and how she would like the pieces displayed. Julie designed and distributed posters to advertise the exhibition and produced invitations for Fran to give to her friends, family and contacts. Due to Fran's debilitating illness she had numerous members of a multidisciplinary team visiting her at Red Rocks, such as the palliative care team, staff from St John's hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. Julie personally invited the members of these teams and they all attended the exhibition.

"The exhibition was held over a week in the drawing room at Red Rocks and during this time there were a huge number of visitors who came, viewed and purchased Fran's original pieces. Julie also organized for limited edition prints to be made for people to buy and Fran requested that the proceeds of these be given to the MND society. The exhibition raised over £1000.

"On the run up to and during the exhibition you could see the delight in Fran's face as people appreciated her work and congratulated her on its quality and variety. Sadly, Fran passed away shortly after the exhibition.

"I am nominating Julie Chandler as this month's Dignity Champion for all the effort and detailed forethought she gave in helping Fran have such a wonderful exhibition and experience.

"Art was Fran's passion and even though she was unable to paint towards the latter stages of her illness, Julie made it possible for her to showcase her wonderful talent. The exhibition would not have been possible without Julie's extremely hard work, attention to detail, dedication and effort, for which Fran was truly grateful."