“We knew Mum was in safe hands at the Hospice”

Sharon lived in High Wycombe and was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2024. Before Christmas, she experienced several falls. After a second fall just after Christmas, she was admitted to hospital.

During her time on the ward, the Head Palliative nurse visited and gently suggested it was time for Sharon to be moved into the Hospice. She was admitted to the Inpatient Unit, where she stayed for around two weeks. She was 73 when she passed away in February 2025.

“The care she received was nothing short of incredible”, said son Steve. “The nurses were wonderful. We knew we were losing her, but they made her final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible. They also looked after us, her family, just as much as they did her.”

Steve, brother Dean, along with the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and close friends, visited often. They were all welcomed with open arms.

“We got to know the nurses by name. We brought them sweets and biscuits—small tokens of our gratitude. Their care was faultless. Her pain was always well managed. The staff were simply amazing—what they do, and how they do it, is beyond words. Truly exceptional people.

“There were special people we’ll never forget—Tina, one of the nurses had a warmth and bounce about her that lifted the heaviness in the room. She made us laugh, shared banter, and brought a lightness that helped us all breathe a little easier. The doctors were just as kind. They always reminded us that they were there for us too, not just Mum. One volunteer grew especially close to her. She would sit and chat with Mum and bring us tea and coffee. Those small moments became huge comforts.

“At the Hospice, everything was more personal. The attention to detail, the calm, the sense of control in such an uncontrollable time—it made all the difference. We knew she was in safe hands.

Sharon was a single parent for most of her life. She loved to travel—Poland was a favourite. She saw the Rolling Stones live, met Tom Jones, and once watched The Beatles. Music was one of her greatest joys.

“She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The youngest great-grandchild was just three months old when she passed. One of our most cherished memories was surprising her in the Hospice with a visit from the little ones—it lit her up.

“Now, as we move forward, we feel a strong desire to give back. We’d love to volunteer at the Hospice or support the Charity in any way we can. The care they gave our Mum, and to us was beyond anything we expected. They helped guide us through the hardest part of our lives—with grace, dignity, and endless kindness.”