Charlene’s Hospice Story

“The empathy and compassion of each member of the hospice team made everything a little easier. Whether it was a comforting hug, a cup of tea or a friendly face popping their head round the corner to see how we were doing.

“It was the human touches that mattered the most,” explained Charlene Roxburgh, whose husband Andy Roxburgh received support from St Elizabeth Hospice before his death in September 2024.

Since launching in April 2019, more than 6,000 patients and their families in Great Yarmouth and Waveney have been supported by the free specialist palliative care provided by the joint partnership of St Elizabeth Hospice and ECCH.

Typically living with conditions such as cancer, heart failure, chronic lung diseases – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – and neurological disorders, these patients have received free care through the partnership’s varied, specialist palliative care provision available at Beccles Hospital, in the community and through the service’s 24-hour advice line, OneCall.

“Andy was a larger than life personality and had a wicked sense of humour. He was also very technically minded and loved pulling apart engines and machines to understand how they work,” said Charlene, who lives near Ipswich.

“In July 2023, he was diagnosed with a life-limiting brain tumour, and almost straight away he came under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice – who, as a family, we already knew, as they had previously supported me.

“Initially, he received support at our home, with the hospice team visiting once a day to help me get Andy out of bed. As his condition deteriorated, they would visit three times a day as he became more bed-bound.

“At first, they assisted with simple daily tasks such as showering, shaving, changing bed sheets and dressing for the day. Their support was a great help to me in starting the morning and the nurses would encourage me to have my own headspace by taking our dog for a walk.

“St Elizabeth Hospice’s Occupational Therapy team also helped us source equipment to keep Andy as comfortable as possible at home. This included steps to access our home, walking aids and a hospital bed.

“Having a single point of contact to coordinate all aspects of care was invaluable. It would have been exhausting to manage alone, but the hospice was amazing in simplifying this process during a stressful time and ensuring Andy received the support he needed.

“As time progressed, the nurses visited more often. These regular visits provided great reassurance, alongside the 24/7 support of the hospice’s phone line service, OneCall, which we used frequently.

“Just having a person at the end of the phone who you could ask about anything, at any time of day or night, was so valuable.

“My daughter, Beth, actually worked for OneCall at the time, before becoming a trainee paramedic, and she was inspired to work for the hospice after seeing the brilliant care they gave me.

“Andy was always clear that he wanted to die in the hospice. He was thinking of me and didn’t want to make things difficult after his death. The hospice helped make his wish possible, with Andy moving to the charity’s Inpatient Unit 48 hours before he died.

“On the Inpatient Unit, he was in a single room. It was such a caring and loving environment. My daughter and I were able to be beside Andy whenever we wanted and we also used the Reflections Room after he died, which was such a peaceful space.

“From the start to the end of Andy’s time with the hospice, everyone was incredibly compassionate and provided for all our needs at every stage.

“This was no different from my own personal experience of their services. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2018, and following a period of treatment, I was told in June 2018 that my condition was life-limiting.

“However, following a drugs trial in January 2019, I have made real progress, with my tumours shrinking and I am now able to walk again. I am still in pain, but it is managed.

“During 2018, I received fantastic support from St Elizabeth Hospice’s Community Team, with nurses regularly visiting to help me manage my condition.

“Without their support, I wouldn’t have seen my daughter get married or been able to meet my granddaughter. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what St Elizabeth Hospice means to me, but whenever I visit, it feels like being with family who are looking out for me.

“To repay them for their kindness, I have fundraised for the charity by doing a Firewalk and supporting their Material Memories’ bears, working as a needle worker.

“I have always loved sewing and learned so much from my Mum and Nan, making clothes and rag dolls over the years. Supporting the hospice through my sewing is so rewarding and I always look forward to creating these special bears for people.

“I would encourage anyone to consider supporting, volunteering or fundraising for the hospice. It is such an important local organisation that offers care when it is needed most.

“I know from my personal experiences that you and your family are in the best hands when you are under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice and I am extremely grateful to the hospice for all that they do.”