Debbie Cormode - Patient Relative

"We found the Hospice staff to be selfless, caring and compassionate. There’s always someone to listen, explain medication, offer a shoulder to cry on, or smile as you share your special memories”

In March 2018, our lovely Mum was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

We were told it had been caught early, and after surgery, we were given the news we were hoping for - she was cancer-free. Better still, she didn’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

So, you can imagine our shock and devastation when, only 18 months later, we sat down to be told by her consultant that she only had two weeks to live. Her cancer hadn’t been fully removed during the initial operation, and a lack of scans during her aftercare resulted in it returning unnoticed until it was too late to treat.

Nothing prepares you for the emotions that come with the imminent loss of a loved one. As a family, it floors you. Grief, disbelief, anger, a sense of injustice that this should happen — the emotions are raw and overwhelming.

Mum decided she wanted to remain at home for as long as possible but opted to go into Hospice for end-of-life care. The Hospice staff were our rock at this tragic time. They offered us counselling (before and after Mum’s death), which helped immensely. When Mum went into Hospice for her final few days, we were able to stay by her side, with no limit as to how many people were able to visit to say their goodbyes. The nurses not only cared for Mum respectfully and gently but also looked after Dad as he stayed by Mum’s side 24/7.

We found the Hospice staff to be selfless, caring and compassionate. There’s always someone to listen, explain medication, offer a shoulder to cry on, or smile as you share your special memories.

We can’t thank Hospice enough for the care they provided for Mum, Dad and the rest of the family during a difficult and heart-wrenching time. As a family, we’ll continue to raise money through charity events to help fund their fantastic work. This is our way of giving something back to those who were there for us in our time of need.

Thank you, Hospice. You truly are angels on earth.