Jennifer Love – a daughter’s story
“Mum was a lovely, engaging, chatty Irish woman – intelligent, proud and she loved her home and garden,” said Jennifer Love, whose mum, Angela Molloy received support from the St Elizabeth Hospice and East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) healthcare partnership, at her Beccles home, until her death in July 2025.
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.
“Both Mum and I were keen for her to receive support in the home she loved and St Elizabeth Hospice made this possible,” explained Jennifer, who lives in Southwold.
“In her 80s Mum had been diagnosed with a permanently blocked bile duct, liver abscesses, gallstones and gallbladder inflammation, but we were able to manage these conditions for many years via IV treatments and antibiotics.
“However, as her condition declined Mum’s hospital visits became more frequent and often required her to remain in hospital away from the peace and familiarity of home.
“In January 2025, we were referred to St Elizabeth Hospice’s palliative care team. At first, Mum didn’t like the idea – she thought palliative care meant she was about to die – but we learned it’s about planning for the future and making sure someone’s final chapter is as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
“The difference the hospice made to Mum was enormous in every way you can imagine. It is particularly amazing when you consider they are a charity, who require fundraising to deliver their services.
“From our very first experience of their care, we entered a world full of love and compassion. They take away the fear of the unknown – it is remarkable.
“They made sure we had necessary equipment, such as a hospital bed, to ensure Mum was comfortable at home which meant the world to us. We had the 24/7 support of their OneCall phone service, which was a real lifeline and simplified the communication process with healthcare professionals for us.
“As well as medical support and specialist equipment they supplied, it was the personal touches that were so uplifting for Mum, like putting her own bed linen on the hospital bed.
“Mum had such pride in her appearance and the hospice nurses would take great care when washing her and making sure she looked her best.
“Seeing that care in front of you, makes you realise the sanctity and value of life. How much it means to love and be loved. St Elizabeth Hospice gave Mum kind and respectful care – it was truly beautiful. I feel privileged that we received their support and I am determined to give back to the charity.
“We were also so grateful for the wonderful care East Coast Community Healthcare gave to Mum during her final weeks. The carers, district nurses, day teams and overnight teams were extraordinarily kind and supportive.
“Their expertise, together with their compassion, made such a difference. Their intimate knowledge of the process of dying not only brought comfort to my mum, but also helped me to understand and accept the most difficult of situations.
“In times of immense stress, I was listened to and reassured. Above all, the hospice helped me not to be scared and enabled me to be there for Mum in the precious time we had left together.
“The hospice knew us as people. They had Mum’s records to hand every time we spoke and I never had to retell Mum’s story and condition when I picked up the phone. They really treated us as people and not as patients.
“We knew Mum’s condition was inoperable, but St Elizabeth Hospice guided us, helping to ensure she wouldn’t die in pain. I always knew I wanted to be with her when she died and they made that possible.
“Being at home, surrounded by the familiar things she loved, meant everything. The hospice created a safe, sacred space for both of us. They didn’t just care for Mum – they cared for me too. I felt enfolded in their arms.
“For me, hospice care should be an essential part of healthcare. It helps you create good memories out of situations that might otherwise feel hopeless. It gives a different meaning to death – one full of dignity and love.
“Every member of the hospice team we met was incredible. They can’t give you the ultimate reassurance of nothing will happen, but they can reassure you that you will not be alone at any point, as their team will be by your side.”
