Hospice News

Fundraising Stories

Coral tells us why she has decided to support St Peter's Hospice in her Will.

"I was with my husband Geoff when our GP told him he had incurable lung cancer. "I'll refer you to St Peter's Hospice – they'll look after you", she said.

"Nurse Carolyn, the most wonderful person, came out to see us once a month. As Geoff's condition gradually worsened so his trust in Carolyn grew. It came to a point when he began to experience hallucinations - and he could no longer lie down to sleep. We both knew this was nearing the end - and we turned to Carolyn for help.

"She found a bed for Geoff at the hospice – and she and her colleagues were magnificent. They gave him a comfortable bed and took away his pain. Our children came in and we spent precious time together, as a family once more. After five days, Geoff passed away.

"I was determined to help the hospice. "Everyone should have a Carolyn!" I told the congregation at the funeral. And so, ten years ago, I became a volunteer at St Peter's; first at the hospice itself but latterly helping out the fundraising team in Long Ashton. Over these years I have witnessed first-hand both the incredible care given to so many families like mine; but also the mighty struggle the charity goes through every year to raise the money needed to keep them going.

"And so I have made the decision to support St Peter's in my Will. I want to know that others in the same situation as my husband will continue to have the same care after I am gone. My children will come first, of course. But they have been so supportive of my decision - because they know how important the hospice has become to me.

"I hope all of us in Bristol and beyond realise how fortunate we are to have this charity in our midst, giving us vital care at the end of our lives. But I also hope we realise how delicate this charity is – and that it can only continue to care for us if we, the community it serves, thinks carefully and considerately about how we can support them."

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