St Margaret’s Hospice Care is sharing the story of Richard, a patient whose final journey reflects the real difference hospice care can make – and how gifts left in Wills can ensure that compassion is there for others in the future.
Richard first came under the care of St Margaret’s Hospice over a year ago. Living alone, he carried a deep fear of dying unnoticed. Through the hospice’s community care services, Richard was supported by his dedicated nurse, Anna, who became a constant and trusted presence in his life.
“Since day one, when I met my personal nurse Anna, the true value of this hospice has been clear,” Richard said. “It’s like having somebody watching over me.”
As his illness progressed, Richard received care that supported his physical comfort, mental wellbeing and spiritual needs. Alongside pain management and psychological support, he attended the Sunflower Centre Day Hospice, where he found connection and comfort. “All my problems, my anxiety, even my pain, just took second place to the ambience of that environment,” he said. “All my fears disappeared.”
In the final months of his life, his condition deteriorated while he was staying with family in North Wales. Despite being miles away, Anna remained closely involved, keeping in contact and coordinating with local St David’s Hospice, who were able to admit him to their In-Patient Unit. During his stay, he became incredibly unwell and was thought to be entering the final stages of his life.
Then, unexpectedly, Richard began to rally.
A consultant contacted Anna to say Richard had made one wish clear: to return to Somerset and be cared for by the team he knew and trusted at St Margaret’s. Working together across county borders, both hospices arranged a private ambulance, jointly funding the journey back to Somerset. Richard arrived on the In-Patient Unit in Taunton, surrounded once again by familiar faces.
Richard died peacefully a few days later, surrounded by the nurses who had been caring for him, with his rosary in his hands. As a psalm was read aloud, he passed away calmly and with dignity.
“What the hospice has done is instilled my belief that compassion is alive and well,” Richard said before his death. “That compassion – it’s the brightest light ever. It’s a medicine in its own right.”
Inspired by the care he received, Richard chose to share his story as a way of giving back. He was proud to become the face of the hospice’s next campaign, hoping his experience would help others understand the difference hospice care can make and encourage future support. Richard died shortly before the campaign launched.
Last year, St Margaret’s supported 5,680 people across Somerset, providing specialist care to those facing life-limiting illness and their carers and loved ones. One in three of these patients is cared for thanks to gifts left in Wills.
Kim Gaylard, Committed Giving Manager at St Margaret’s, said: “Richard’s care was shaped by what mattered most to him, right to the very end. Gifts left in Wills allow us to continue providing comfort, agency, and dignity for patients like Richard at the end of their lives.”
It costs approximately £15 million each year to deliver St Margaret’s specialist services, and demand continues to grow. By leaving a gift in your Will – however big or small – supporters can help safeguard hospice care for future patients and families.
For more information about leaving a gift in your Will to St Margaret’s Hospice Care, visit the hospice’s website
——————
About St Margaret’s Hospice
St Margaret’s Hospice Care has been at the heart of Somerset’s community for over 45 years, delivering high quality, responsive and compassionate care to patients facing a life-limiting illness and their families. In that time, we have become a household name, firmly rooted in local communities delivering care and support for people living in Porlock in the East to Wincanton on the West, and every town, village and neighbourhood in between.
What do we do?
St Margaret’s is a community funded charity, caring across Somerset. We support people of all ages with life-limiting illness; not just cancer. Our care embraces an individualised, holistic care plan including physical, emotional and spiritual care which is available to our patients, their families, and carers.
Last year, St Margaret’s supported 5,680 people across Somerset. The majority of these were cared for in their own homes by one of our five community nursing teams. Our 24-hour Adviceline managed close to 26,000 calls, and our specialist In-Patient Unit in Taunton continues to provide 24-hour complex symptom control.
St Margaret’s Hospice started in 1980 as a nurse-led initiative funded by an event raising just £400. Today, it is a £15m turnover operation, employing 350 staff and supported by over 1,000 volunteers!
Leave a Reply