Heather’s story

Heather, a widow, is a Day Hospice Volunteer in Molesey.

 It is a social place and everyone works together for the benefit of patients and their families. 

Heather shared her experience with us:

‘The staff at Princess Alice Hospice provided a huge range of care and support to my husband Nick, and I was also able to access support, advice and the opportunity to talk to people who understood what we were going through.

‘The Day Hospice in particular was an essential part of how Nick and I managed his condition. In essence his Friday visits gave Nick a weekly 'MOT' where he could discuss any symptoms he was suffering from and concerns he had, this usually led to a more relaxed and stress-free weekend than it might have otherwise been.

‘We had the additional benefit of care and support in our home from “Angel Sheila”, our community Princess Alice Nurse. Her wealth of experience and specialist skills enabled her to deal with any situation put in front of her, and she explained what was likely to happen next at every stage, this was so useful to us. Towards the end of Nick’s life, the team at the Hospice was able to support Nick's wish to die at home and put in place all that we needed. The team provided daily support and resources.

‘I received counselling for over a year before Nick died and over a year after. I might be completely mad had I not received this level of care. Nick was not keen on formal counselling, but the resources available to him in the Day Hospice were an informal support of a similar nature.

‘The Hospice was a big part of our lives for a long time.  I decided, after some time had elapsed following Nick’s death, to volunteer in the Day Hospice.  I feel an enormous debt of gratitude to the hospice, and it is my small attempt to put a little back. I feel that my experience with my husband, my counselling qualification, and my - relatively young - age, enables me to offer support to the patients there.

‘During my time as a volunteer I have met and become friends of staff in other areas, it is a social place and everyone works together for the benefit of patients and their families. I volunteer with the fundraising team and try to help them at as many of their events as I can. They often involve sleep deprivation, for example, when I am a Midnight Walk steward, but they are always fun to take part in and I enjoy helping supporters achieve their fundraising and event challenges.

‘If I had to sum up the Hospice, I would say that Princess Alice Hospice offers support, expertise, respect & love to all. The care and support is there whenever you need it, how you need it, and for as long as you need it.’