At the Hospice, care extends beyond the patient. We work alongside patients and the people closest to them, providing practical, emotional and social support to help them make the most of their time together and focus on what matters most. 

When Claire was referred to the Hospice earlier this year, she was living with a rare and unpredictable cancer. Her pain had become increasingly difficult to manage at home and, despite being encouraged to consider a stay on our In-Patient Unit, she was unsure. 

"I was quite resistant at first," she said. "Losing my privacy and that sort of thing was what I was worried about. But once I came in here, within half an hour I felt completely settled." 

What she discovered was very different to her expectations. 

"What I didn't realise about palliative care is that it doesn't mean end of life for everyone," she said. "Palliative just means a whole service, providing support to the family and to you." 

For Claire's husband Mark and their son Owen, that support became invaluable. As her condition progressed, caring responsibilities increased and family life became harder to maintain. Managing medication, appointments and day-to-day care left little room to simply be Mark and Owen. The Hospice helped change that. 

"We could concentrate on being a family for the time that we had left," said Mark. 

Claire felt the difference too. 

"It changed the roles for everybody. It has given my family the role back that they should have, which is to just have fun with me." 

With her symptoms under control and a specialist team on hand, the family were able to focus on making memories together. Simple moments became incredibly important. They spent time chatting, completing jigsaw puzzles, watching Netflix, sharing favourite meals and welcoming visitors. 

"You're able to do the things you want to do again," said Claire's son, Owen. "You're able to do all of these things comfortably and safely." 

One of the most special memories made during Claire's stay was celebrating Owen's ceremonial wedding, organised with support from the Hospice team. 

The day brought together family, friends and Hospice employees to create a celebration centred around what mattered most, being together. 

"To be able to see Mum happy and create these memories in a safe and happy environment is all you can ask for," said Owen. 

The family's experience of care went far beyond medical support. It was often the smallest acts of kindness that made the greatest difference. 

"It was the little touches here. Having your hair done, having your nails done. If she woke up in the night and felt anxious, somebody would come in and sit with her until she felt calm again. What felt so special here was that there was always time for her," said Mark. 

As well as supporting Claire, the Hospice was also supporting Mark through his own health challenges. Around the same time as his wife's diagnosis, he received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. 

Through the Hospice's Active Connections wellbeing group, he met other people living with neurological conditions and learned more about the support available in the local community. The group encourages participants to stay active and included activities such as music sessions designed to stimulate different parts of the brain. 

"I'm not musical, but the session at the beginning was good fun. It's about throwing yourself into it and trying something." 

Today, Mark continues to attend specialist exercise sessions and has returned to playing badminton, something he once feared Parkinson's might take away from him. 

Looking back, he is clear about the difference the Hospice made, not only for Claire, but for the whole family. 

"We had no idea what the Hospice offered when we first came here," he said. "This place kind of picked us up, wrapped us up and looked after us and kept us sane." 

"The team here were part of our family. This place made the unbearable, bearable. I can't imagine how we would have coped without the help and support we got here." 

Since sharing her story with us, Claire has died. We are grateful to Claire and her family for allowing us to share their experiences and help others understand the difference hospice care can make.