When the decision was made for my Mum to go to a Hospice I was instantly filled with dread and had no idea what to expect. 

Naturally I thought it would be some kind “old people’s home” with long dark hospital like corridors full of seriously ill people coming to the end of their lives. 

Mum going there seemed to make no sense, it was only 2 months before she was home and going about her life as usual blissfully unaware of what was going on inside of her with me and family non the wiser. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as she really had no idea of what was happening right up till the day she fell asleep a few days before passing and for this I’m as grateful as one can be in that situation. 

What I thought the hospice would be and what we actually experienced was very different. We spent days walking around in the gardens filled with flowers, sitting and talking in the hidden away areas surrounded by trees and wildlife with the sound of water flowing into a pond. We spent days chatting, laughing, drinking champagne, eating ice cream listening to her favourite music and watching movies in the large spacious private room which was filled with light from the large windows and doors leading out to the gardens. 

All of this coupled with around the clock support received from genuine caring people, I couldn’t be more grateful to Sue Ryder and the team at the Duchess of Kent so I hope I can produce a small piece of help towards a great cause close to my heart through this page and I thank everyone who can help me do it. 

Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – they’re there when it matters. Their doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.