Reno described everyone at the hospice as ‘angels without wings’. From the nurses to the volunteers, all the staff we met were friendly and wished us well. You felt welcome from the moment you arrived
“Knowing that someone was always there for us meant everything. I only had to pick up the phone or go and speak to a member of the hospice team, and they always had time to help,” explained Carol Betts, whose husband Reno received support from St Elizabeth Hospice before his death in October 2025.
Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East & Mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.
“Family meant everything to Reno. He enjoyed woodworking and would always find ways to help his family whenever he could. Summer barbecues were a highlight, with Reno proudly hosting everyone.
“He also absolutely loved going on our boating holiday, twice a year, on a holiday cruiser on the Norfolk Broads. He found the experience peaceful and especially enjoyed the slow pace of life on the water,” said Carol, who lives in Ipswich.
“For several years, Reno had lived with a persistent cough that returned every winter. We were told not to be concerned as tests showed no issues, but in 2025 fluid was discovered around his lung in the pleural cavity.
“From the moment he was diagnosed on 21 March 2025, Reno tackled his illness head on, facing what lay ahead with such strength.
“The consultant explained that the condition was incurable and confirmed it was mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos.
“I supported Reno at home, but as his condition deteriorated and he needed more support, it was suggested we contact the hospice. I called to see if they could help and a nurse visited to understand our situation and offer guidance.
“At home, Reno received support from a physiotherapist who helped him with exercises to manage moments of breathlessness, while nurses also visited regularly to provide care and guidance.
“In July, with the hospice’s support, we even managed to take Reno to a cottage in the Norfolk Broads and enjoyed short trips on a day boat, knowing the hospice would be there if we needed them. It was an amazing experience and just so special to return to a place which meant so much to us both.
“In early September, Reno was admitted to the hospice Inpatient Unit. He quickly built a special bond with the staff and was never afraid to ask for a cup of tea!
“Reno described everyone at the hospice as ‘angels without wings’. From the nurses to the volunteers, all the staff we met were friendly and wished us well.
“You felt welcome from the moment you arrived, but at the same time, the staff respected his independence and his own time.
“He especially loved the hospice garden. Walking around in the fresh air lifted him and having such a natural, beautiful space right at the hospice made a real difference.
“Every hour of the day, Reno’s care was tailored to his needs which meant I was able to relax, reassured he was well looked after.
“A big thing for me was seeing how confident Reno grew while at the hospice. He wasn’t much of a talker by nature, but he felt safe with the nurses and able to express his feelings.
“He shared how much he worried about leaving me, our daughter and our grandson. For him to show that raw emotion really demonstrated how the hospice made him feel safe enough to open up.
“However, for me, I need to talk, as it helps mentally. I had 12 counselling sessions with the hospice’s LivingGrief team before I lost Reno. Nothing can truly prepare you for when a loved one dies, but their guidance gave me strength.
“LivingGrief helped me face situations better and not only see the bad, but also take something positive from what was happening.
“Throughout our time at the hospice, the care we received was second to none. Reno said it himself – it was tender, personal, and comforting.
“I moved into the hospice to be with him for his final days. Life during those days felt a little more normal. In those moments, it really felt like we were at home. It was that relaxed.
“I knew I wanted to look after Reno in the same way he had cared for me when I had cancer. With the hospice’s help, I was able to do that.
“The hospice is the full package. You don’t have to search for help; it comes to you when you need it. You feel the arms of the hospice staff, their love and strength, wrapping around you and your family.
“Even our grandson, who was three at the time, was included in everything. Nobody minded him being at the hospice and he loved feeding the fish in the garden. The nurses were so kind to him.
“The hospice also held a lovely Fine Dining experience for patients and their loved ones. We wore our best outfits for the evening and had some amazing food. The staff actually joked we were the ‘romantic couple’, which we enjoyed!
“On the day Reno died, my daughter and I were both with him. The staff supported us all night, knowing we didn’t want to leave Reno’s side. They made us as comfortable as possible and as close to him as we could be during those final moments.
“At 7am, my daughter woke me and touched my knee. When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was that Reno had died.
“The staff checked on us throughout the morning. Later on, there was a gentle knock on the door and a nurse asked if she could come in for Reno’s final care.
“She spoke to Reno with such respect, explaining what she was doing. The care didn’t stop even after he died – it touched me deeply.
“I was also able to invite his family to say their final goodbyes. Nobody rushed us or pressured us to leave.
“There are simply no words to convey how special and kind the hospice and its staff are. Anyone facing a life-limiting illness should be able to experience the same care and support that my husband had.
“The hospice has also helped us remember Reno in very personal ways, including through the Memory Bear service.
“We bought three bears – one for me, one for our daughter and one for our grandson – and they mean the world to us, as they are made from Reno’s clothes.
“For me, this was especially significant. Since Reno died, I had been sleeping with items of his clothing. Giving up two of those pieces to be made into my bear was incredibly hard, but it also felt like part of learning to live with my grief.
“Being able to hold the bear brings comfort, as it is made from Reno’s clothes. The same clothes that I once held Reno in, meaning he is still with me.
“While Donna, from the nursing team, helped us make handcasts of Reno holding my hand and our grandson’s too, which are something we really treasure.
“The hospice has also helped us remember through the charity’s Memory Tree. Reno’s ashes will be scattered, so having the hospice Memory Tree means I can visit, remember him on special occasions, have a coffee and give something back to the hospice at the same time.
“It has also been important for us to be able to give something back to the hospice that cared for Reno so lovingly.”
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Lead photo caption: Reno & Carol at the hospices Fine Dining
About St Elizabeth Hospice
St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people in East & Mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. Our work is centred on an individual’s needs, which means specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice. Through medicine and therapy we ease pain; we give life purpose and make life liveable.
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