Diane was a vibrant, shopping and car boot sale obsessed mother-of-two. At 62-years-old, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. Her family, including her older sister, Shirley, were devastated. Diane’s condition dramatically worsened within a short space of time and quickly, even with support from the Hospice at Home team, they needed more help.
"Diane's pain was so bad and they suggested she would benefit from being admitted to the Inpatient Unit," said Shirley. "But she - and we all - were petrified of her coming in.
"I think she was scared because it meant 'the end'. The nurses told us that once her pain was sorted she could come home, but actually, from the minute she got there, she seemed at peace. She didn't want to leave. She felt safe."
Shirley said that it was the kindness of the staff that stood out to her. They made up beds so Diane's two sons could stay all night with their mum, and she said people were always asking if any of them wanted food or a drink. "They'd do everything possible for Diane, including doing her hair, and they looked after us all too. They couldn't have done more if they tried."
During her stay, Diane's grandson turned three. They were going to have a party but they didn't want to go ahead without Diane. So instead, staff helped the family host the party at the Hospice.
"We all came, we had a birthday cake and the staff decorated the room with balloons. It was a lovely May day, so Diane was right by the doors in her bed, we pulled them back and the sun was shining in, we sung happy birthday together... it was such a special day."
Diane and her family in the Hospice on her grandson's third birthday
Shirley's beloved sister died on 9th June 2022.
"There are probably lots of families that are scared just like we were. But the Hospice isn't gloomy, like you may expect. It feels lovely, warm and cheerful. Diane found peace, and she wasn't scared any more."
Following her sister's death, Shirley has been receiving counselling from our Family Support team.
"I found it very difficult losing Diane," she said. "But with Nadine I was able to vent and get everything off my chest without feeling I was burdening my family with these feelings. They really helped me process Diane's death and gave me the strength to now come to the Hospice as a volunteer."
Last year, Shirley attended her first Lights of Life service with her children and nephews.
"The service was lovely - you feel a real warmth being around so many people in a similar position to you, all there to remember someone. We all wrote messages on the stars, and it felt like we were doing something to celebrate Diane's life, as well as saying thank you to the people there for what they've done and giving money to a cause that wouldn't survive without donations. It's something we will continue to do as a family."
Diane and Shirley
