Charlie & Wendy’s Hospice Story
“St Elizabeth Hospice’s care was beyond our expectations. It was exactly what we needed at the time,” said Charlie Clarke, whose wife Wendy Clarke received support from St Elizabeth Hospice in 2023.
“If I had been at home looking after Wendy by myself, I would have been out of my depth. I am so grateful the hospice was there for us.
“They took control of our situation, even making sure I had meals when I visited Wendy at the hospice. Most importantly, I knew Wendy was safe and I could visit her everyday with Rosie, our much-loved dog.”
Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.
“Wendy was first diagnosed with cancer in February 2022. After treatment, it looked like the cancer had cleared, but after seeing a specialist we found it had returned in an aggressive way,” explains Charlie, who lives near Ipswich.
“Following a referral from the hospital, St Elizabeth Hospice’s team began supporting Wendy at our home. The nurses were lovely and so kind, however Wendy deteriorated and in the October she came to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
“When I first hear the word ‘hospice’ I feared it would be a cold and morbid place, but that was soon dismissed from my mind when we entered the building. Everyone you met had a smile on their face.
“It was a real bonus our dog Rosie could visit too – I actually think the nurses looked forward to seeing Rosie more than me!
“During Wendy’s time on the Inpatient Unit, the hospice sorted all her medical needs and gave us time together, where we didn’t have to think of anything else – that was very precious.
“Wendy received support on the Inpatient Unit over the Christmas period as well, which became a very special time for us as we understood this would likely be our last Christmas together.
“With the hospice’s help, our church choir were able to visit Wendy and perform a carol service for us in the hospice’s conservatory. The nurses also decorated the ward with festive decorations and handed out presents to patients.
“As we were both Christians, Wendy and I were also grateful for the spiritual support given to us by the hospice spiritual care team, during this time.
“While on Christmas Day, they gave us a proper Christmas meal and our two best friends were able to join us for lunch where we exchanged gifts. It was such lovely thing for the hospice to do.
“A real highlight for us was the visit from some of the players from Ipswich Town Football Club – we couldn’t believe it. The football club has a very special place in our hearts, as Wendy and I met on a blind date, set up by my best friend and Wendy’s sister, at Portman Road’s North Stand when Ipswich played Southampton Reserves, in a game Town actually lost 2-1 on 25th March 1972.
“From then on, as they say, the rest is history. We married in 1974 and enjoyed attending many Ipswich games, initially as standing spectators, then as season ticket holders, including the FA Cup Final win in 1978, their 1981 UEFA Cup triumph in Amsterdam, and the play-off final in 2000. I also actually witnessed the League Championship win in 1962, which was just fantastic.
“We actually have two of the seats from Portman Road’s original North Stand in our back garden, before they demolished the stand in 2001. We even have a brick in the new North Stand (now named Sir Bobby Robson Stand), which is engraved with our names and the date we met at the ground.
“Despite her health, Wendy was able to go to Ipswich’s first home game back in the Championship in 2023 against Stoke City which was the last game she attended – and we won!
“Wendy died aged 72-years-old in February 2024, while under the care of Park View Care Home. The hospice helped transfer Wendy to the care home, which was a lovely place to be where we shared a special Valentine’s meal together, celebrated Rosie’s 4th birthday and marked our 50th engagement anniversary.
“After her death, the football club included a tribute to Wendy in one of the match day programmes and they graciously allowed me to transfer her ticket to my nephew, so I can attend games with him.
“In early March, before Wendy’s Thanksgiving Service, I also joined the hospice’s bereavement support walking group – Walk On. It was here I met Dennis Tattoo, a volunteer who leads the group, and he is a great chap – just so friendly.
“Walking has always been something I enjoyed and I have found Walk On to be so helpful both for myself and all the others who attend. The conversations flow informally and you meet people in similar situations to your own.
“Coincidentally, Wendy’s sister, Valerie, died last year and her partner, Paul, also attends Walk On with me and he too has found it to be beneficial – crucially, each walk ends with a coffee and cake!
“I have also purchased one of the hospice’s Material Memory Bears in memory of Wendy, which is made from the dress she wore on our honeymoon.
“While Rosie and I have now bought a beach hut in Old Felixstowe, at their dog friendly beach. We have named the hut ‘Wendy House’ and Rosie absolutely loves it there and we regularly visit for days out and walks in the fresh air.”
