Angels without wings

For 35 years we have been at the very forefront of providing palliative care for people in Stafford and the surrounding area.

We cared for Hilary Baskeyfield, and here her husband, Russell, tells us of the difference our charity made to them.

“The nursing staff and carers lovingly looked after my wife during her short stay with you and gave her dignity, comfort and quality of life, free from pain,” said Russell. “You showed her the utmost respect and compassion.

“You stayed with her when she was frightened and we quickly realised that she could not have been in better hands.

“You treated my wife like she was family”

“And you all treated her like she was one of your own family, nothing was too much trouble for you, no requests too small and nothing too difficult.

“From the bottom of my heart I wish to thank each and every one of you very special people who looked after Hilary so well.”

Since we were founded 35 years ago, we have cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families offering inpatient care as well as services for outpatients including drop in sessions at our Therapy & Wellbeing Centre.

Family members and carers can also access a range of support services and are looked after by our staff too.

Read more stories

Russell said: “Gary (the hospice chef) was fabulous. He was so kind in providing toast and marmalade for Russ, my son, and myself each morning after we had stayed overnight with Hilary

“He also managed to get Hilary to eat three meals a day. I cannot remember her enjoying her meals so much for months – and asking for pudding as well.

“Your kindness brought tears to my wife’s eyes”

Last year, we provided free care to almost 2,000 families living with incurable illness.

“Thanks to Pat McGovern who visited us at home and who first persuaded Hilary to visit the hospice and stay in room 2 overlooking the garden. We remember Hilary saying what a lovely room it was and she could see the flowers from the chair.

“Two nurses very kindly cut roses from the rambler at the bottom of the garden admired so much by Hilary on her walk in the garden and placed a small vase containing the deep red roses on her bedside cabinet where she could see them.

“Their kindness brought tears to her eyes, she was so grateful.”

“After she died, one of the roses was placed in the coffin with her. It was such a kind thought and I’m convinced you are all angels without wings.”

Jenny Cowley, a staff nurse on the inpatient unit said: “It’s a vulnerable time for people when they come into the hospice so I am aware that any help we can give – whether it’s in a big way or a small way – means such a lot to patients and their families.”