Claire and James

James shared how The Hospice of St Francis helped his partner Claire enjoy happy moments at the end of her life.

“When Claire came to the Hospice it was like a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. Everything was peaceful, calm and relaxed. The regime in hospital was quite brutal, bright lights everywhere and lots of noise. It was just wonderful that she was able to come to the Hospice, feel peaceful, and be cared for by such fantastic staff.

Although we’d lived together for forty-three years, Claire and I had never married. But with the help of our local vicar and the Hospice team, we married in the Hospice Sanctuary. Claire came into the Sanctuary in a wheelchair, and she looked absolutely amazing. It was the last real bit of happiness she had. It’s hopefully a very happy memory that she took with her just four days later.

My experience at the Hospice wasn’t just about the care – we were shown genuine love and that meant so much. The clinical team couldn’t have been kinder. They were sympathetic, empathetic, just amazing. They really were there for us as well as for Claire. I’m just incredibly thankful she was here, where she was so brilliantly cared for.”