Sir Geoff Hurst: Carers gave us precious time at the end of my daughter’s life

APPEAL FOR MORE END-OF-LIFE NURSES

- Hanna Geissler

SIR Geoff Hurst has appealed for more people to consider a career in end-of-life care in memory of his daughter.

The legendary England star, 80, lost his eldest daughter Claire to a brain tumour 12 years ago and said he will always be grateful to the Sue Ryder nurses who made her as comfortable as possible in her final days.

But the charity is facing the worst recruitment crisis in its 65-year history.

Despite increasing recognition of the importance of high quality palliative care, a survey found three in five Britons do not think they could work as an endof-life nurse.

Sir Geoff said: “Sue Ryder nurses mean an awful lot to me. They made sure Claire was as comfortable as possible, which gave us precious time together as a family at the end of her life.

“I want to appeal to nurses and nursing assistants to find out more about a career with Sue Ryder so that more families can receive the care and compassion that we did, when it matters most.”