Remembering Neil Rough

A life well-lived

It is with great sadness that we recently learnt of the passing of Neil Rough; an exceptional person and long-time supporter of Hospice Isle of Man, who sadly died on Friday 29th May. A life so well-lived deserves to be well-remembered.

 

Having experienced Hospice care first-hand following the passing of his parents in the 1980’s, Neil had the passion to help make a difference and in 1988 Neil decided to join our team of incredible volunteers, becoming the Honorary Treasurer of the now disbanded Hospice Regional Committee for Onchan, Middle and Laxey.

 

With full responsibility for the committee’s charity collection boxes, Neil put his heart and soul into raising money for Hospice and dedicated much of his time and energy in to building relationships with many local retailers to ensure our boxes were in as many shops, post offices and practices as possible. His noble efforts and military precision helped bring in thousands of pounds for our Hospice each year, and many of the relationship foundations which Neil built are still going strong today.

 

Elaine Quine, Finance Manager at Hospice Isle of Man recalled “Neil often said that volunteering for Hospice had helped him in many ways; not least keeping him keep fit carrying heavy bags of coins to the bank for banking! The team clubbed together for his birthday and bought him a pull along trolley on wheels after hearing that, he was delighted!”

 

Neil felt so passionately about Hospice that his enthusiasm often “wore off” on his friends, and in 2017, Hospice Isle of Man saw the completion of the Murrell Sensory Walkway following a generous legacy left to the charity by Ted and Mary Murrell, wonderful friends and neighbours of Neil, who no doubt knew how passionately he felt about Hospice.

 

Instrumental in the coordination of his friend’s legacy, Neil once said “The sensory walkway is a fitting tribute to the kind, quiet and unassuming couple. Ted was very proud of his garden and Mary loved to see the different colours and smell the fragrances. They will be looking down on us all with great pleasure, appreciation, satisfaction and thanks”.

 

Anne Mills, CEO of Hospice said “The Murrell Sensory Walkway is a beautiful way to support many of our service users. Neil’s involvement in such a thoughtful project is something he was tremendously proud of, and it was a privilege to bring his friends legacy to fruition with him.”

 

Hospice care was close to Neil’s heart, and over the years Neil became a well-loved supporter of Hospice Malta, building a relationship with their CEO, Kenneth Delia, often popping in to ‘say hello’ on his visits to the Island and ensuring he could support the Hospice wherever possible.

 

Neil had a heart of gold and an absolutely wicked sense of humour, and our Hospice family are all deeply saddened to lose such an exceptional man, but at the same time our hearts are lightened to know he is now at rest. We would like to extend our sincere condolences, love and deepest sympathies to all who knew Neil, and our thoughts and prayers are with you as we remember a life so well-lived.