Christine was born in the Midlands but found her happiest years living on a boat on the Thames in Shepperton with her beloved husband, Terry. For twenty wonderful years, the river was their home — peaceful, full of laughter, and shared with family and friends.

In 2024, Christine’s world changed when she became unwell and was soon diagnosed with bowel cancer. After an operation that initially seemed successful, she and Terry celebrated with a beautiful holiday in South Africa – a trip filled with sunshine, love, and cherished memories. But soon after they returned home, they received the heartbreaking news that the cancer had spread and was no longer treatable.

Christine’s daughters, Rhea and Zoe, remember how their mum faced that news with remarkable grace and strength; Rhea says:

“It was just a case of managing it then — and it was Mum who asked about coming to Princess Alice Hospice. She’d always supported it, made donations, bought second-hand books from the local shop, and encouraged others to do the same.”

Even as her illness progressed, Christine was thinking of others. She began gathering her gowns and shoes to donate to the Princess Alice Hospice shop in Shepperton, wanting to give back to the place she admired so deeply.

On Christine’s last night at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital, her family enquired about moving her to Princess Alice Hospice. The next morning, Terry received the news that a bed had become available. Rhea recalls:

“My stepdad just broke down in tears with relief. He couldn’t believe it. It felt like winning the lottery to hear a bed was available there for Mum at that point.”

When Terry first visited the Hospice, unsure and emotional, he was welcomed with warmth and kindness. A volunteer offered him a coffee and gentle conversation — a simple act that brought him comfort. From the moment Christine arrived, everything changed:

“Her face had looked so strained in hospital,” Rhea said, “but as soon as she came to the Hospice, that pain just lifted. She looked like herself again.”

Zoe remembers how “it was almost as if they’d made a mistake bringing her there because she looked so much better. But it was like she found peace. She loved the gardens — she’d be wheeled outside in her bed at every opportunity. It was a lovely summer, and she adored feeling the sun on her face.”

Christine’s family was able to make precious memories together during those final weeks. With seven grandchildren of different ages, there was always laughter and life around her. The flexible visiting hours meant the family could simply be together.

“We played music, the kids ran on the grass,” Zoe remembers. “Even now, when I hear those songs, it’s bittersweet – but they remind me of those moments of love we had as a family.”

The sisters speak with deep gratitude for everyone at the Hospice – from nurses to volunteers to the people quietly refilling water jugs. Zoe says:

“Everybody smiled, said hello or goodbye — it was the best possible place to be. You could feel how proud everyone was to work there.”

Rhea agrees: “It wasn’t just the staff — it was the other families, too. Everyone just understood. It was like a community of heartbroken people, but all there to support each other.”

In the final days of Christine’s life, her daughters stayed by her side.

“Nothing was too much trouble,” they said. “The staff made up beds for us, and Mum’s friends and family could visit whenever they wished. It meant the world.”

Despite the sadness, there were moments of joy.

“We walked in the gardens with our kids, took photos, laughed. My son even wrote a message to Grandma on the whiteboard,” said Zoe. “We’ll treasure those memories forever.”

Incredibly, Christine died on her birthday, which was also her wedding anniversary. That morning, the Hospice team brought a beautiful cake for the family to share with her.

“Terry was overwhelmed by how respectfully they treated Mum,” Zoe recalls. “They even told us to take a few moments together to have some tea and cake while they sat with her and held her hand. You can’t put a price on that kind of kindness.”

After Christine died peacefully, the family were given all the time they needed to say goodbye. Terry and Zoe took a quiet walk through the gardens – a moment of calm and reflection.

Sadly, Terry has since died too, but Rhea and Zoe take comfort knowing he was also cared for with compassion.

“The Hospice called to check on him afterwards,” they said. “They remembered that Mum had died on her birthday and anniversary. Terry was amazed that their care extended even beyond her death.”

Christine’s story is one of love – for her family and for life itself. And thanks to the gentle care of Princess Alice Hospice, her final chapter was filled with dignity, peace, and the warmth of those she loved most.