Kathryn's 30 year journey at Garden House Hospice Care

Kathryn Hares first became involved with the Hospice after her mum, Maureen died in our care on 1st March 1994. She shared her story in an early edition of our Open House magazine, explaining how Garden House Hospice Care became ‘Garden Home’:

Kathryn's original Open House article in 1994 - click to view

Now, in 2024, Kathryn tells us about a few of the many stages of her 30 year journey, from relative at bedside, through five years as a volunteer and 25 years as a member of staff.

Starting out as a volunteer

“After my mum died, I used to come to the Hospice for bereavement counselling. My counsellor introduced me to the gardener and I was asked if would like to do some weeding.

“At the time it was perfect for me - like so many I wanted to say thank you and give something back, but was not ready for too much interaction with too many strangers. So I began working my way down the length of the garden, very much in the background. I was given the nickname ‘The Phantom Gardener’ as the nurses could see movement and weeds disappearing and could hear plenty of rustling, but could not see me!”

Joining the Fundraising team

”Gardening soon developed into helping out at fundraising events - the classic stuff such as cake stalls and serving drinks at classical concerts. My first event was walking around at The Horse & Dog Exemption Show at Standalone Farm in September 1994 wearing a sandwich board I had made. I had made two and the Hospice’s first matron - Trudy Bunday wore the other and together we spent hours selling raffle tickets.”

Former Hospice matron, Trudy Bunday, and Kathryn wearing their sandwich boards in 1994

”In 1998, I was tasked with looking at the premises who had a collection tins. There were 70 tins when I began, and I remember sitting with the ‘Yellow Pages’, making lists of pubs, post offices, village shops etc. and working my way through calling them. By the time I had finished we had increased that number to over 400! I had never done anything like it before, but because I was doing it for Garden House Hospice Care, it gave me the motivation and nerve to make those calls and make the ask.

“After about a year, I was taken on as a member of staff. This was initially a three month ‘special project’ contract, primarily looking after collection tins and street and supermarket collections. The position became permanent - and here I am today! Part of my current role as Supporter Care Coordinator sees me process donations and event registrations, and I am often the first person at the end of the phone line for our supporters. So if you have ever called our Fundraising team, chances are you’ll have been greeted with a cheery ‘Garden House Hospice Care Fundraising office, Kathryn speaking, how can I help?’.

“My role has evolved quite a bit over the years, but one of my favourite things now is to be able to answer the phone and to know the other person and they know me. ‘You still there Kathryn?’ is a frequent refrain.”

Creating memories at work

”There have been so many memories and to pick out a few is not easy. But I’ve been involved in so many firsts in the Fundraising department - the first Lights of Life in 1999 and the first Starlight Walk, now known as Sunset Starlight Walk, in 2009, which are both still going annually and I have been a part of each one.”

Kathryn and volunteer of 30 years, Carol Finch, at Sunset Starlight Walk in 2023

“It has been a privilege to get to know so many supporters and volunteers over the years. The trust that so many have placed in me, sharing their stories, their memories and their tears - and laughter, so much laughter. So many generous people making donations, holding events, running, swimming, climbing mountains, baking cakes, our amazing regular givers, our Charlie Chicks knitters, our Christmas Tractor fans - this list is just a taster, but every one of them is special to me.

“I feel being remembered and appreciated are two things most people like and can make them feel good. 30 years at Garden House Hospice Care has meant a lot of remembering and appreciation have been given by me and to me.”

Seeing the Hospice’s services diversify

”From small but strong beginnings I have seen so many developments and a huge expansion in services and the size of the team. When I was a relative sitting by the bedside in February 1994, there was no HR team, Hospice at Home, Compassionate Neighbours or separate Family Support Service - nurses and the matron provided bereavement support.

“Fundraising had a team of two and a half in 1999; we are now at 15. Having said that, if we had a pound for every ‘extra mile’ taken by staff and volunteers at the Hospice and Trading company, there would be no need for a Fundraising team. The difference we have been making since the Hospice opened is incredible.

“I saw it with my Mum - how safe she felt, how she was really listened to, and how honest the team were with such gentleness and love - in 1994. The difference it made to me - the arms of love and support that were wrapped around me after Mum died.”

Kathryn (centre, back row) with some of the Fundraising and Marketing teams in 2024

“What has been achieved this year with the Frailty Service is, to me, a continuation of our growth and desire to reach as many people as we can for as long as we are needed. It represents collaborative working in a way we have never quite managed before, especially with external clinical professionals, becoming involved with and getting to know our patients, their families and loved ones earlier on in their journeys, building relationships of trust and support.

“It has not always been an easy ride but Lisa [Hunt, CEO] came with a vision, knowledge and confidence that we could make the Frailty Service a reality. And we have. The Frailty Service is groundbreaking and just shows what can be done when the will and the knowledge is there. To be able to expand our services and continue to make this difference, to build trust, to be honest, to have the skills and to make the toughest - and sometimes loneliest - of times when people are at their most vulnerable a little easier is why I’m still here after 30 years.”

Making my Mum proud

”Although born out of great sadness, Garden House Hospice Care is the place that has given me the opportunity to meet hundreds of incredible individuals, getting to know people with the biggest hearts and kindest souls: patients, family members, supporters, volunteers and some truly wonderful colleagues who say they are ‘just doing a job’, but what a job they are doing. Something good has come from my loss and that is the giving and receiving of love I see here every day.”

Kathryn (right) and her mum, Maureen in 1993

“While I would swap all of that in a heartbeat to have my lovely Mum alive and celebrating her 80th birthday this year, I know she would be proud of me and the little bits of good I have been able to do over the last 30 years.”