"The care and dignity they gave to my husband"

In April my husband William was admitted to St. Lukes.

Following 2 spells in hospital (he was diagnosed with chronic heart disease, not Covid-19), he was nursed by his wife at home for 4 weeks before it became apparent that he needed more intensive palliative care.

St. Luke's settled him into a bright room which opened onto a beautiful garden and then he was assessed by a caring doctor. Every day he was washed, as well as once even shaved. The nurses turned him several times a day to make him more comfortable. All this with tremendous care and very good humour.

William had severe breathing issues and could no longer take solid food, just a little water. He fought so hard to live but eventually the fight was lost and, 8 days after arriving, my Love & my Life, finally passed.

Once again, the staff were tremendous. They provided sympathy, comfort and a lot of tea in my hour of need.

I thank everyone at the hospice from the bottom of my heart for the care, and most all, the dignity they gave to my husband of 35 years in his final days.

I believe that hospices are hugely undervalued, after all who wants to contemplate their loved ones ever needing this kind of care, let alone consider ever needing it themselves.

But should that day come, please remember that St Luke's is only 40% funded by the government, the rest is made up by fund raising and donations and without hospices like St Luke's the world would be a much more difficult place for the terminally ill and their carers.