Kirsty’s Story

“The Hospice has always been a really special place for me. It’s a place I’ve always associated with my dad – it’s where I think about him and feel closest to him.”

My name is Kirsty and I have been volunteering at St Gemma’s for five years now.

I started volunteering because my dad was a patient here. It was a really hard time, but he received the most amazing end of life care. After Dad died, my mum came here for bereavement support and she met others who were in a similar position. It gave her friendship and connection – it was exactly what she needed.

Gardening was always more my dad’s thing, but when I saw St Gemma’s looking for gardening volunteers I just thought, ‘that’s perfect’.

The gardens hold so many memories for me and I love how they’re constantly changing. There are always new projects happening, like the kitchen garden, the reflective garden and now the bee hives.

But one of the most meaningful things is seeing the impact the gardens have.

When patients and families come outside together, or even when loved ones need a minute to wander round the gardens, you can see what it means to them. Space to think, to reflect, or to simply have a quiet moment. That’s a big part of why I keep coming back.

One moment really stands out for me. It was a beautiful day last April, and a patient was outside in her bed, surrounded by family and friends. It was obviously a very difficult time, but you could see just how much being there together meant to them to – just being outside, in this peaceful, beautiful space.

After reading St Gemma’s recent updates, I now know this was Jack, Vic and their family. Hearing the difference St Gemma’s and being out in our gardens made to them was really moving.

It really feels like a sanctuary here. You wouldn’t think you are in a city, it’s so calm.

Calm. Beautiful. Special. That’s how I would sum up the gardens. In a way, I feel closer to my dad here than I do anywhere else. This is where I remember him.

If you can, please join me in supporting St Gemma’s to make sure this special place continues to be here when people need it most. Thank you.