Iceni-Marksmen.co.uk

Received this e.mail from Anne, concerning Ron's health.

Hi all,
Just wanted to give you an update from Star Stile. Some of you may be more informed than others, so I'll rewind a bit. Ron was not getting the rest he needed in hospital so the professionals made the suggestion that Ron move to the hospice in order to have a calmer environment to recuperate. This happened on 17th April. Yes, we all had similar reaction to what some of you may have when we heard the word 'hospice', but it was the best thing to happen for Ron. It's like a private hospital. Peaceful surroundings, unrestricted visiting times, real bespoke care that is completely patient-needs led, rather than hospital routine or staffing led. Ron is in his own room with a little telly. He has access to amazing services such as Jacuzzi (!), massage and highly attentive care. The staff look out for the whole family too in terms of on-going support and compassion. It is a surprisingly pleasant place to see him in. So, where are we now? OT's and physios are assessing Ron on a daily basis and are now looking at equipment and care package options for coming home. These decisions are flexible and always made with Ron's wishes at the forefront. Possible dates could be roughly 23rd May, but this is dependent on Ron's health needs and well being. So we'll keep you posted on that.

In the meantime, should anybody feel that they would like to see Ron (who has lost none of his humour or personality - crap jokes still abundant), I'm sure he'd love to see you...If you wish to talk to me first, feel free to ring me (best times are any morning or after 8.30).

Hospice details are:
St Helena Hospice, Barncroft Close, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9JU. Tel 01206 845566

Thanks to everyone for their on-going support in the meantime, it means so much to us all.

Love for now.
Anne, Ron & family xxx

We hope to go along one evening this week.

We hope to go along one evening this week.

Hi,
I'm planning on a visit as well at some point.
Although I'm doing blood on Wed after work this week.

Chris

Whoever is going give me a shout and I'll come along as well.

Good to hear hes getting some proper care.

Will probs give Anne a call tonight and see what day suits best. We'd go after work one evening.

nat wrote:Will probs give Anne a call tonight and see what day suits best. We'd go after work one evening.

Righto, when you know drop me a PM or a text 0seven788577773 with details.

If it's OK I'll come as well if you let me know.

Cheers,
Chris.

Thanks guys, I feel proud to belong to a club where members take an interest in others well-being. I shall pop down one day when I'm back from Yorkshire.

It is with deep regret I have to post this e.mail from Ron's son, David. The message reads as follows:

Hello All

Please excuse the communal email.

I am currently sitting by dad's bedside at the hospice waiting for him to quietly slip away. Dad declined rapidly at the end of last week. Mum, John, Debbie & Shaun, Helen and I have been at his bedside all weekend.

We have all said our goodbyes and have spent the day recalling stories of Dad just so that maybe Dad could, in his unconscious state, hear or sense our sadness, our laughter and our love.

Mercifully Dad has not been in any pain and meds helped take away some of the anxiety Dad had while still conscious up to 15:00 on the 18th. We did not expect him to last to see in his Birthday, but even when unconscious Dad's a fighter. One of Helen's friends who is a priest was with us all afternoon and was a great comfort to all of us.

All the staff too have been wonderful in looking after our physical and emotional needs.

Poor mum has been so strong in holding it all together but is obviously finding it hard to say goodbye, and she like us has shed many a tear today. But we are a strong family unit and will all look out for each other.

It is hard for some other family members who are not here right now and know what is happening and all the messages of love have helped.

I shall obviously update you all with the inevitable, but this will only be a brief communiqué.

Love and best wishes to you all. Thanks for the parts you have all played in what has been a wonderful life for Dad.

David x

So very sad about this.

Im absolutely gutted but so very glad I went to see him last week with Nat, Andy and Chris. I feel so sorry for Anne and family.

I dont know what else to say.

SteveC wrote:Im absolutely gutted but so very glad I went to see him last week with Nat, Andy and Chris. I feel so sorry for Anne and family.

I dont know what else to say.

As above.
Such a lovely bloke who will leave a large hole in his family and friends lives !

Both Shirley & myself are saddened to hear this, we'll miss him a lot one of lifes true gents.

So , so , sad to hear this news.

Chris.

Today is Ron's birthday, Mic popped in to the Hospice to see Ron not realising he was in an unconscious state. He spoke to the family and it was mentioned they would love to see a memorial shoot in Ron's name, with any contributions going to the Hospice, which has shown a lot of care and understanding to him and the family, what say you.

That for me is a given.

Chris.

Me too

I was going to suggest something like that to and absolutely support it.

To me, that is a forgone conclusion - count both of us in (knowing Rons sense of humour - I take it that it'll be a 'quirky' course?)

Bazza wrote:with any contributions going to the Hospice

Annually.

It is with great sadness I have to inform you that our much loved, and respected Iceni Marksmen member, Ron Crawford, passed away yesterday the 19th. Ironically that was his birthday.

As you probably know, Ron was a founder member of Iceni when the club was formed in 1984. To my knowledge, the only Sundays he has missed shooting was due to illness or holidays.

Ron could always be counted on to lend a hand with any work needed down the club and, with his witticism's and dreadful jokes, made these very enjoyable times.

Unfortunately Ron had been diagnosed with a serious illness last year which deteriorated to a point where he had to be admitted to a hospice.

He will be very much missed by not just Iceni's membership, but all those who came in to contact with him.

Our thoughts are with his wife Anne, and the rest of his family.

I'll miss you Ron.

I will never forget than man who taught me how to shoot,
I am proud to have known him and will miss
him so very much. My love to the family.

RIP Ron, on the great FT course in the sky