ehospice is pleased to share a special collection of photographs from Ashgate Hospice that tell real stories about death and dying. These images, captured by the talented Billy Bye, offer a look at the experiences of our patients, as well as the incredible staff and volunteers who support them.
Talking about death and dying can be tough and even a bit uncomfortable. It’s a topic many of us prefer to avoid, but it’s so important to face it openly and honestly.
With Life’s Final Chapter, we’re inviting you into a special collection of photographs that tell real stories about death and dying. .
The photos are accompanied by the personal stories of those featured, providing a deeper understanding of the joys and challenges that come with life’s final chapter. Through their generous participation, our patients, families, and team members have allowed us to share a rare glimpse into what it means to live fully, even as life draws to a close.
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Here we meet Michael Siddall, June Spreckley and Monika Zywicka
“I initially thought that the final chapter of my life would be a short one. However, four years after receiving a stage four cancer diagnosis I am living well with it and with successful medication hope for much longer.
“I was shocked when the doctor first told me and just thought “why me?” But I’ve since learned to live with it and make sure I do the things I enjoy in life within my limitations.
“Now my focus is on making more memories with my wife by doing as much as I can whilst I am able to – especially after she was also diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
“I understand it is inevitable that I will probably have a shorter life than I had once expected, but I hope to fight the illness so I can be around for as long as possible.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy the time you have left and make happy memories for your family and friends to treasure. Remaining positive is essential!”
“There can be a good death and it doesn’t have to be feared, but no-one can prepare you for the raw grief and sorrow you will feel knowing that physically your loved one is no longer with you.
“I had an overwhelming feeling of sadness when my husband died, but there was also a quiet happiness that my husband was now free of the pain he had suffered over the past five years.
“My understanding of death has evolved in not just recognising that death is inevitable but accepting this fact. We must understand that death is part of all of our lives, and we can make a difference if we recognise that.
“My husband’s death has opened up my relationships within my immediate family. We have laughed and talked about my death. Sharing the death of a loved one has allowed me to talk much more openly about what matters to me, the small details I want them to remember me by, not just the funeral arrangements.
“The biggest acceptance for me was recognising that this is my life now. It is not the life I would have chosen – I wanted my life back with my wonderful husband, but I can’t have that now. I owe it to my husband to live my life as best I can in memory of him – that gives me enormous comfort.”
“Death has taught me not to take life for granted. Looking back at my experiences of death a mix of emotions arose – from sadness that life is so fragile, through guilt that I could spend a bit more time with loved ones to appreciation of how lucky I was to have them in my life.
“I’ve learnt to slow down and not to rush. You might be late but this is not end of the world. Be mindful, look around, notice the nature and feel the sun on your skin, listen to birds singing. It’s also important to let go of the people who don’t have time for you or let you down constantly – life is too short to waste it.
“I have come to accept that when time to say goodbye arrives, it will be the right time. But before then I will cherish precious memories with my loved ones and keep them deep down in my heart. It’s important to be grateful and thankful for them. Every day is a gift, spend that time with those who matter most to you.”
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