“We had time together, comfort and dignity.”

When Ken’s wife, Linda, needed end of life care, they were both relieved to find help and comfort from our charity. What they discovered was nothing like they had expected. Instead of a sad, clinical place, they found warmth and compassion.

Ken explained: “We had time together, comfort and dignity. I tell everyone now, don’t wait, get in touch with the hospice. They really care.”

Exceptional care 

“The care is exceptional.”

“It’s more like a hotel with first-class service than a hospice. Everyone was so kind, and they cared for me as well as Linda. It made all the difference.

“My daughters were able to stay overnight too, which meant the world to us.”

Married for 53 years, Ken and Linda shared many happy times. After retiring, they explored their passion for caravanning.

“When we first retired, we were away for at least three months of the year,” Ken told us.

“We went all over – Durham, Devon, Cornwall, Wales and even Weston-super-Mare for the designer shops. Linda loved her Radley bags.”

But then Linda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She received treatment from the hospital and later support from carers at home. When her illness progressed, she decided she wanted to receive hospice care near their daughters in Stafford.

Ken told us: “Linda became very poorly quite suddenly. The hospice staff were absolutely amazing. They gave me a bed beside her and made her favourite ice cream from scratch. Even decorating her room with Harry Potter memorabilia when they found out she was a big fan. She loved it.”

Good memories 

“We were planning a trip on the Harry Potter train but Linda was too ill. The staff created a Harry Potter experience for her in her room. It was lovely.

“And one sunny day, they moved her bed outside so she could enjoy the garden. She loved being outdoors.

“Reverend David Clark was very supportive and Hannah the counsellor was wonderful.

“The care wasn’t just for Linda; it was for all of us.”