Thousands of families use our services every year and we continue to adapt our care to the changing needs our healthcare systems are facing. In support of our 25th anniversary this year we are pleased to be sharing some inspiring stories from our supporters both near and far. Here is Chris and Mandis story.

As a family, our association with Woking & Sam Beare Hospice goes back many years. My Nan, Doris had several respite breaks in Sam Beare before she passed away there in October 2005.

Our son Jake, now a final year med student, has done several stints of volunteering, helping in the Chertsey shop, at Footsteps [a support group for children] and on reception in the ward at Weybridge for his work experience.

Two years ago, in October 2019, they came into our lives for the third time. Following a yearlong battle with Primary Central Nervous Symptom Lymphoma, my husband Chris was referred to the Hospice. We met with our CNS [Clinical Nurse Specialist], who gave us advice and support, arranging an initial visit to the Hospice and then in December for a counselling appointment. Our daughter Sophie was also referred to the counselling team for support.

Following a seizure in mid December we knew we had to make the tough decision about where Chris wanted to be for end of life care. Chris very much wanted to be at home and the Hospice arranged an Occupational Health assessment and arranged delivery of all the equipment needed to enable us to manage this. We were also referred to the CoSI Team [also known as the Hospice Care at Home Team].

Over the next six days, the CoSI team visited daily to sort meds, wash Chris and generally make him comfortable, even on Christmas day! They also supported me, our daughters Sophie and Hannah and son Jake through this incredibly difficult time.

Chris passed away on 29th December 2019, aged 58 at home with the people he loved most, sharing laughter, tears and memories but most importantly surrounded in love. The care and compassion the CoSI team showed to Chris, the children and me during the final days of his life was phenomenal. We can never thank them enough.

My daughter Sophie continued to receive counselling and I started bereavement counselling five months after Chris died. I cannot praise the counselling support highly enough and am very grateful to everyone who helped us so very much.

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