Gyongyi and Thomas’ story

Gyongyi and Thomas met when they lived on the same estate in Uxbridge in 1979. They often spent time together with a large group of friends after school and dated for two weeks when they were 15. When they met up again in 2014 Thomas decided he wasn’t going to let Gyongyi go this time and they started dating and fell in love. Together, they shared a love of travel and adventure. With Gyongyi’s background as a retired British Airways cabin crew member, they were able to explore the world in style. During the ten years they spent together, they enjoyed nine cruises, including two Atlantic crossings on a sailing ship. Their travels took them from the Arctic Circle to the Maldives, from French Polynesia to Egypt. They saw much of the world together and considered themselves very lucky to have shared so many unforgettable experiences.

Their lives changed when Gyongyi developed a lump in her ovary and underwent surgery to remove it. She was given chemotherapy as a precaution, and shortly after was officially diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Making Gyongyi’s dream come true – a haven in the woods

After Gyongyi’s diagnosis, Thomas decided to build her the home she had always dreamed of, a log cabin surrounded by 25 acres of woodlands. Thomas spent nine months building Gyongyi’s ideal woodland home, which he completed in November 2021. During her illness their new home was a constant source of happiness for Gyongyi and a place where she felt happy and comfortable. Reflecting on the project, Thomas says:

“Gyongyi always dreamt of living in a log cabin in a wood. So I decided to build her a woodland home, just as she had imagined. It took me nine months and it was designed to facilitate Gyongyi’s care during her illness, with a wet room, wheelchair access and extra wide doors. Gyongyi chose all the interiors: the tiles, the wall colours, the kitchen. It was great to have something to focus our minds on. Gyongyi was less stressed in our new home, and I know she felt very lucky to live in such an idyllic place.”

Caring for Gyongyi

Thomas, recalls the first time they met with Rennie Grove Peace:

“In 2021, Gyongyi contacted Rennie Grove Peace and a nurse came out for an initial meeting to understand Gyongyi’s situation. The nurse listened to what Gyongyi wanted and then explained the type of support that they could provide for her. Gyongyi had watched her mother die in hospital, and it was a traumatic experience for her. As a result, Gyongyi has always said that she wanted to die at home, not in hospital.

“The nurse asked us to get back in contact when the time was right and we needed support. This was so helpful because we knew what to expect and the type of support that was available.”

Gyongyi met with her oncology team in December 2023. She was told that they couldn’t offer her any more treatment and would need palliative care. When Gyongyi was transferred back to the care of her GP, she asked to be referred to Rennie Grove Peace.

Thomas explains how they helped:

“We started with one visit every day, the nurses would come one day and a district nurse the next. Gyongyi had a syringe driver and another medication line, so the nurse team changed the syringe driver and topped up her other drugs.

“As Gyongyi’s condition deteriorated, I found it necessary to call out the nurses during the night on two occasions. We were also offered additional help to take care of Gyongyi’s personal care which I only found necessary to call upon on Gyongyi’s last day.
“The Hospice at Home team made a huge difference to both Gyongyi and me. I can’t speak highly enough of them; they are such experts in what they do. From the moment they came for their first visit it gave us both peace of mind. The nurses explained everything so well, and they answered all our questions.

“The nurses really care; I can feel that it’s not just a job for them. When they visited, they always asked how I was doing. When someone you love is ill, you feel completely helpless. I would have done anything to help Gyongyi and stop her illness from progressing, but I couldn’t do anything. The nurses made it clear to me that they are here for me too, and I knew if I needed them, I could call them for help.”

Gyongyi died in the beautiful woodland home that she and Thomas had created.

“Without the care and support from Rennie Grove Peace Hospice, Gyongyi wouldn’t have been able to die in her own bed in our lovely woodland home, a place she felt comfortable and happy.

“The cherry on the cake was getting married in February 2024. For us it was about making every moment matter. Gyongyi organised the whole thing, I just turned up! It was a wonderful day, I feel so lucky to have had Gyongyi in my life”

By playing The Hospice Lottery, players can help more people like Gyongyi and Thomas receive expert care, comfort and emotional support, enabling families to make the most of every moment together. Thank you for your support.

Please note: Throughout this story we refer to Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, the charity formed following the merger of Rennie Grove Hospice Care and Peace Hospice Care. By playing The Hospice Lottery, you are supporting Rennie Grove Hospice Care (registered charity number 1140386), with funds helping the wider Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care organisation continue providing care and support to local patients and families. For more information on how funds are allocated to our partner charities, please visit our FAQs.