Claire’s story

“My Nana was cared for at the Hospice twice, she had a long stay when she became really unwell, she then stayed at the Hospice again at the end of her life.

The staff at the Hospice are amazing, they go above and beyond for patients and their families. The care staff give to patients feels like they really care for each individual not just because it’s their job to do so but because they truly do care. They care for the whole family not just the patients, every member of staff from those on the wards to those in the bistro. We have children in our family with different needs and sensory issues and the staff were really amazing with them, helping to distract and calm them when they became dysregulated meaning we could spend as much time as possible with her.

Even though it is a difficult, sad time for families the Hospice does not feel like it’s a sad place, it’s full of care and love. The gardens are beautiful, a little oasis, when she was well enough my Nana enjoyed spending time outside as did the whole family. When she started to feel a little better the first time she stayed at the Hospice, the beautiful gardens gave us the opportunity to make some cherished memories with her.

We wanted to do the Sunset Walk this year as it is around the time of what would have been our Nana’s birthday. We also really want to give a little back by raising money for Hospice as it is such a special important place.”

If you’d like to take part in our Sunset Walk in memory of a loved one, you can sign up at www.st-gemma.co.uk/events/sunset-walk/