“Mum called the Hospice a little piece of heaven. She loved the calm and peacefulness and how homely it felt from day one. It wasn’t about Mum’s illness anymore, but about helping her to feel like herself again after moving from hospital to hospital for so long.” 

We spent 5 short weeks at the Hospice, but in this time the love, care and support we received was phenomenal.  Mum fondly referred to the Hospice as her "spa", a calm room with a little garden and acres of beautiful grounds to explore.  In her eagerness to fatten up the birds and squirrels, she took over the pergola with bird feeders and would sit listening to the birds, checking them off in the guide the staff had given her.  

Mum had regular chats with the gardeners, resulting in numerous cuttings delivered to her room. Our dog Rufus was always welcomed and continued to give mum hugs as if we were at home, like normal. The staff simply could not do enough for her or us, and I am eternally grateful to them.  

The truth is that while Mum was moved TO the hospice, she was in fact so incredibly moved BY the Hospice that she set herself the challenge of raising one million pounds for their care. She was shocked when she found out how little funding the Hospice gets, and what the fundraising team needs to do to keep the Hospice open every year.  

It’s been over a year since I lost Mum, who was my best friend and the best mum I could ask for. Along with Mum’s friends, I’m continuing to raise money for this amazing place. Mum told me: ‘I’ll be there smiling on the day you deliver the one million pounds.’ I know it may take a lifetime to achieve, but there are no words to describe the care the Hospice gave to my mum and our family.” – Kelly-Jo (Rainy’s daughter)