Landlord helps terminally-ill tenant meet Boyz II Men

Published by Julien Tremblin for 24dash.com in Housing

A terminally-ill tenant has been offered the chance to meet her musical heroes Boyz II Men by her social landlord.

Tyneside woman Lynda Rann, 55, met the members of the American band during their performance at the SageGateshead.

The ticket and back stage meeting were arranged for her by Tyneside social housing provider Home Group, which manages 51,000 homes in the country.

Lynda suffers from terminal lung disease Bronchiectasis and is part of Home Group’s recently launched 'A Good Death' pilot.

It is a project being run to try and help those people suffering from terminal illness die with dignity in their homes rather than spend their final days in a hospital or hospice.

Part of the scheme also includes helping those with terminal illness achieve their dreams during the time they have left.

Lynda, a mother of two and grandmother of one, said: “I’m delighted that I had the chance to meet BoyzIIMen.

“I’ve been a very big fan of theirs since they first started. The first one of their songs I heard was End of the Road in the early 90s and I’ve been a huge fan ever since collecting all of their albums.”

Lynda, who lives in Jarrow, added: “I’ve seen them once before but I was at the back of the hall so I didn’t get a good view. To meet the band face to face was a real privilege.

“I was a little bit nervous at meeting them but the group soon put me at ease. It’s been a real highlight and a wonderful early birthday present from Home Group and The Sage Gateshead who made it all happen.”

Studies show that 65% of terminally ill people would prefer to die at home but less than 20% do so. The A Good Death scheme is a nine-month trial which started last September. It is being funded by the North East Health Innovation Cluster and Newcastle Science City.

Rachael Byrne, Home Group’s executive director of care and support, said: “Making people’s end of life experience more comfortable is a part of the A Good Death scheme.

“We aim to give them the support they and their loved ones need to be able to pass away in familiar and comfortable surroundings.

“But helping them achieve their goals is also important. It’s been a pleasure organising this for Lynda and we’re grateful to The Sage Gateshead for helping us make this happen.”

Image copyright: Lunchbox LP - Flickr