Stuart Hasler raised thousands for local charities
A team of carers who helped make a dying Enfield man’s wishes come true have won a prestigious award – while he has also been posthumously honoured.
The Linda McEnhill Award for “outstanding end of life care” was presented to the “circle of support” which helped 42-year-old Stuart Hasler enjoy his final days before he died on 4th December last year.
Stuart had a rare condition called Sotos syndrome, which caused excessive growth spurts in his childhood and presented other physical and mental challenges. He raised thousands of pounds for various local charities and was described as a “hero” for his dedication to good causes.
A fundraising page set up during Stuart’s final few weeks raised £2,900 for Lea Valley Cat Protection, Make a Wish Foundation and Little Things. Stuart’s carers from Edenvale Care also helped him speak to a star striker from his beloved Arsenal FC and hosted parties so that he wouldn’t miss out on celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Sandra Pearce from Edenvale Care, which is based in London Road in Enfield Town, said: “For the first time ever in the award’s history, Stuart himself has been recognised for being so inspirational and was awarded the overall winners trophy, posthumously.
“The judges were blown away by Stuart’s story, with Stuart at the heart of all decision-making about his end of life, supported by his outstanding circle of support.
“The judges said that Stuart’s end of life support was one of the best examples of end-of-life care they had ever seen. His story will be shared as an outstanding example up and down the country and will help inspire many others to make a positive difference in supporting people who have a learning disability at the end of their life.”
Among those who helped Stuart were Denise Baidoo, Sarah Pope and Charlotte Annesley from North Middlesex Hospital; Priscilla Surfraz, Reeny Mariampillai, Charlotte Wilson, Paula Blunkell, Chris O’Donnell and Amanda Bastyan from Enfield Integrated Learning Disability Service; Helen Littler from Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Team; North London Hospice Palliative Care Team; Rob Mainwaring; Sandra Pearce, Jessica Smith and Aneta Karnas from Edenvale Care; as well as Stuart’s family.
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