Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am fundraising for Hospice Of St Francis (Berkhamsted), a charity that provides vital support to those with life-limiting illnesses and their families. As someone who has seen firsthand the impact of their work, I am passionate about raising funds to help them continue their important mission.

My much loved husband, Neil, stayed at the Hospice for over five months. Neil was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in March 2022. He underwent intense courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to prolong his life, it was relentless, but not once did he complain. Neil was living in overwhelming pain whilst trying to just carry on with life. In May 2023 it became clear we needed to ask for more help. We spoke to Rennie Grove Hospice (who were such a life line) and they referred Neil to the In-Patient Unit at the Hospice once it became apparent he needed a significant amount of expertise and care to get on top of the pain. Initially we expected this to be a stay of maximum three weeks. But unfortunately whilst we were there we learnt the chemotherapy had stopped working and that the pain was too complex. Instead Neil's stay became permanent and we tried to make the most of the time he had left, making memories whilst being made as comfortable as possible.

The Hospice is such a special place, not only did Neil receive exemplary care, so did I and the children. We did make memories that will last a lifetime and our daughter Lucy kept saying how lucky Daddy was to be in such a beautiful place.

It has been such a difficult time for our family to live through, but the support we have been provided and will continue to receive has made this pain significantly more bearable. Every member of staff and the volunteers have gone above and beyond for us and we are eternally grateful. Within days of Neil arriving at the Hospice I said that it would be my mission to raise £100,000 to try and repay a little of the care we have received.

Our children are planning fundraising events, as am I. We will also rope all the willing friends and family members in to help us reach our goal. For now though, instead of cards and flowers being sent to us, we would honestly prefer a donation to the Hospice please.

Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. By donating through JustGiving, you can be assured that your details are safe and secure, and that your contribution will go directly to the charity. Your generosity will help provide comfort and care to patients and their loved ones during some of life's most difficult moments.