Bride Visits Hospice to Thank Staff for Support to Family

The St Elizabeth Hospice garden was full of smiles and happiness this September as Emma Clifford, née Baxter, paid a visit to the hospice on her wedding day with her mum, Nadine Baxter, to celebrate her big day with hospice staff on Thursday 1st September.

Emma’s mum, Nadine, has been receiving support from St Elizabeth Hospice since 2017 after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, which has since spread and been diagnosed as incurable.

Emma explained: “I am over the moon we have been able to celebrate my wedding with Mum and the hospice team, especially Cathy Alban Jones who has been such a great support to Mum and my family over the last few years.

“It was so important for me to come to the hospice today. No matter what Cathy says, she is amazing and without her support I am not sure Mum would have been here to see my wedding day.

“Cathy has become a big part of our lives. She is a friend as well as a nurse, so we were really keen to see her and share some cake with her too!”

Emma and her husband Peter were married on 1st September at Ipswich Registry Office, and Emma visited the hospice with her family after the service before they went to Fynn Valley Golf Club for their wedding reception.

Nadine Baxter added: “It means so much to me to be here today and share part of Emma’s wedding with Cathy.

“Cathy has been a rock to me. Without her support I wouldn’t be here now, she’s always there for me and my family, providing both physical and emotional support – she really is unbelievable and so dedicated to her job.

“Today has been incredible and I really didn’t think I would see it. Emma looks so beautiful and to see her married is so special.”

Cathy Alban Jones, Nurse Consultant at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “I am overwhelmed and humbled by today and the lovely words from Nadine, Emma and their family. Nadine is a fantastic lady and so determined, it has been a privilege to support her over the last few years.”