Vili delighted to repay hospice care

Valerie Vili lived in Hospice South Auckland when her mother was struggling with cancer. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Reigning Olympic champion Valerie Vili will make an emotional return to the place where her mother died as she takes on the role of ambassador for Hospice South Auckland.

The hospice announced yesterday that Vili had fulfilled a long-held wish to give something back because of her strong personal connection.

In 2000, she left school for three months to live in the hospice with her mother, Lilika Ngauamo, who was struggling with cancer.

"I remember not knowing what a hospice was for," said Vili. "Which was good at the time, because I later knew that it was a place people might go to pass on.

"But I was so glad that you had full support from people who knew exactly what you were going through.

"It meant a lot to be away from that hospital smell, with clean sheets ... and to have a bathroom to yourself."

Vili said she had kept in touch with some of the staff and was delighted to now be in a position to help.

"I have always had it in my mind that I would return one day to repay them for everything they did for my family.

"On the long nights, I knew mum would only want me to care for her. But when she slept, they wanted to make sure I was cared for too."

The hospice provides care to 700 patients and their families a year, and is staffed by 500 community workers.

"It is a great cause, and people should be able to see that. Most of the staff are there on a voluntary basis - that is just amazing. It will be a pretty emotional thing to go back there ... as I remember exactly which room she was in - the Lavender Room - and where our rooms were."

Hospice chief executive Gary Sturgess was rapt to have Vili fill the ambassador position.

"Valerie is a true leader in our community. She has maintained long-standing links and friendships with many of the people on our team. Her support will be a tremendously valuable asset in helping us raise the support we so vitally need. We are delighted to have her on board."

The hospice receives half its funding from the District Health Board and needs more than $2.8 million in donations each year.