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On the wards, in the community, and in people’s homes across the UK, hospices care for people who need palliative and end of life care every single day. They work tirelessly to make sure that those people are comfortable and can live well in the time they have left, whether that means managing pain and symptoms, or helping them do the things that make life worth living.

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From community nursing teams making thousands of home visits, to volunteers helping people get out into their gardens or visit a favourite place, hospices are there so that people can live well until the very end. But right now, too many of these services are under threat. With the right support, hospices could do so much more.

That’s why this week we’re hosting an event in Parliament to show MPs the incredible work hospices do - and what support they need to make sure they can be there for everyone who needs them. MPs will be invited to step into the living room of someone receiving hospice care at home, and to hear real stories of the difference that care makes to people and families across the UK.

A huge thank you to Community Hospice for supporting us with this important event.

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Anushka’s story

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Anushka and sons
Anushka and her sons
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Anushka, from Sidcup, was supported by Community Hospice in 2024 as her husband Mike died at home in July, just days after his 58th birthday. The hospice helped the whole family - including supporting Anushka around how to tell her children their dad was dying – and she now wants more people to feel able to talk openly about death and dying.

Anushka said: “I don’t know how anyone could care for someone at home without the hospice. Everyone was kind, understanding and compassionate - it felt so different from hospital. Calling the hospice was like a hug over the phone. Knowing I could ring anytime was lifesaving.

“They took so much off my plate, speaking to the GP and district nurses so I could spend more time with Mike. They recognised changes in him and told me to enjoy the moments we had - hard to hear, but so important, especially for the children.

“Because of the hospice, Mike was able to die at home - something my mother had wanted but couldn’t. I wanted to make sure Mike had a different experience, and we achieved that thanks to the hospice.

“When the end came, Martin, my sister-in-law Mary, Dr Tajkea and our carers were there. His last moments were peaceful and surrounded by people who loved him. It was a beautiful experience and such a comfort knowing he had the best possible ending. His death was a milestone, just like marriage – we want to celebrate his life.”

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Stuart's story

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Stuart
"I didn’t realise such a remarkable team of specialists were here"
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When Stuart came into Strathcarron Hospice, he was very unwell and needed the kind of intensive, specialist palliative care that couldn’t be provided anywhere else. He and his family believed he wouldn’t live to see Christmas Day 2024.

Stuart had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos during his many years working as an electrician.

During his few weeks in the hospice’s In-Patient Unit, he was supported by specialist doctors, nursing and rehab teams, all working together on his care. That teamwork made it possible for Stuart to return home.

Stuart said:

“I didn’t realise such a remarkable team of specialists were here, offering ‘intensive care’ for complex cases like mine,” said Stuart. “The doctors just ripped up my tablets and started again, and the Rehab Team helped me meet my goals of walking unaided.

“The knowledge in Strathcarron is incredible. The aftercare is incredible too. Strathcarron’s community nursing teams visit me when I need them, working closely with my GP. And my wife has comforting conversations with the Patient and Family Support team. It means so much to both of us.”

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Daniel's story

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Daniel Schofield and mum
"The care we received will always be clear in my mind"
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"We were told by the hospital that after three courses of chemotherapy there was nothing more they could do. Mum’s bowel cancel was so aggressive and rare, nothing was touching it. There were numerous emergency trips to the Royal Derby hospital, both in and outpatients. During which I told her I wasn’t going to let her die in hospital which was her worst fear. It calmed her instantly. I can still see the settled look on her face whenever I think of that conversation.

"Inevitably, the time came when enough was enough of hospitals. I was taking her home as I’d promised. When the Treetops nurses came at night to relieve us, so we could get some sleep, it was a godsend. They were so friendly, helpful and understanding.

"They really were amazing. To the point that when it was mum’s final hours, the Treetops nurse woke us. She briefly explained she would leave us to say our goodbyes alone, as there wasn’t much time left. The care we received will always be clear in my mind. The care we received in the evenings and occasional day visits by Treetops Hospice were invaluable. There are no other words to describe it."

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Margot's story

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Jessie May with Margot-
"Jessie May give us that huge love and support that is invaluable"
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Bristol charity Jessie May provided invaluable home-based hospice care to help Margot live a fuller life despite complex medical needs.

Born eight weeks premature and diagnosed with the extremely rare condition Trisomy 9 Mosaicism, Margot has received ongoing care from Jessie May since her early days. Her family credits the hospice’s consistent, specialist support and admits they don’t know what they would do without them.

Margot’s Dad, Greg, says: "I can’t imagine life without Jessie May – they have become an integral part of Margot’s life, our lives and they give us that huge love and support that is invaluable. You’ve only got to see in terms of how they have integrated with our family and the development and support they give Margot. It’s a very unique service that they offer and I would encourage anyone to support them.”

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Rachel's story

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Rachel
"Rachel died peacefully at home with her family by her side, exactly as she wished"
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Rachel fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast cancer and oesophageal cancer before being diagnosed with lung cancer. Her final wish was to die at home, and Hospiscare supported her and her family with everything needed to make that possible.

Dartmoor was Rachel’s favourite place, and with the care, equipment and support provided by Hospiscare, she was still able to visit the moors in her wheelchair to spend time with her family.

Thanks to Hospiscare’s community nurses, Rachel was able to celebrate her birthday at home. From her bed, she and her husband, Mike, raised glasses of champagne in a toast to their daughter, Sarah. Just two days later, Rachel died peacefully at home with her family by her side, exactly as she wished.