Linda’s story in memory of her parents George & Vivien Horsley
“St Elizabeth Hospice are specialists in end-of-life care, but their support reaches far beyond what many people expect.
“Through therapies, day services and care in people’s homes, they provide a truly holistic service for patients and their loved ones.
“I saw this first-hand through the care they gave towards both of my parents, albeit, over 10 years apart.
“We are very lucky to have the hospice providing such vital support to our community, during life’s most difficult times,” said Linda, whose parents George and Vivien Horsley were both supported by St Elizabeth Hospice.
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.
“Dad was just the best dad. He worked as a self-employed electrician for many years and as a result, he was well respected by his customers in the local area. Above all, he was a genuinely kind, honest and caring person,” explained Linda, who is from Ipswich.
“He loved his work and he continued working right up until he was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in May 2014.
“When he became unwell, it was just me, my mum and my husband who supported him, as that was his wish.
“Initially, he was in and out of hospital receiving care and chemotherapy treatment. However, as his condition deteriorated, he was referred to the hospice and was admitted, in August, to the Inpatient Unit.
“Under the hospice’s care and with their support, we were still able to create some happy memories. We made friends there, and Dad formed connections with other patients and their families.
“We spent time together in the hospice’s beautiful garden during the summer. The garden really is a calm and special place for both patients and families.
“St Elizabeth Hospice is such a caring and supportive environment. The garden meant a great deal to our family. Being able to take Dad outside in his wheelchair, to enjoy the nature and fresh air was so important.
“They even had a ‘smoking shelter’, which my Dad loved! And one afternoon they also organised a takeaway meal for him. Those little touches meant the absolute world to him and to us.
“The hospice team were so kind and helped to manage Dad’s pain, carefully balancing his medication to keep him as comfortable as possible. After a few weeks, he moved back to Ipswich Hospital, where he sadly died in September 2014, aged 68.
“We remain forever grateful to the hospice, who gave us the chance to share some precious, happy final moments with Dad. They treated Dad as an individual, not as a number. They understood Dad’s situation, and we had complete confidence that he was being cared for in the right way, in the best place possible.
“Of course, back then, we didn’t know that Mum would also be cared for by the hospice years later. She was a quiet, kind and gentle person, who enjoyed meeting friends for tea, cake and a natter, or pottering in her garden.
“During the COVID lockdown, Mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and successful treatment followed. Sadly, the cancer returned in October 2024.
“Mum spent some time in hospital before Christmas, and was then well enough to come home for a short time. Myself and my husband supported Mum, but her health deteriorated, and things became more difficult. The hospice team came to visit and assessed ways in which they could support Mum at home.
“They were all incredibly kind, and we could always contact them through OneCall whenever we had questions. They provided advice and reassurance, giving us real peace of mind. I cannot speak highly enough of them – they were a lifeline to us.
“At the beginning of 2025, when my Mum really needed additional care, I received a call to say that a bed was available at the hospice for her. Whilst this, of course, brought mixed emotions, the relief we felt at that time was immense.
“We knew that Mum would be well cared for at the hospice. The medical staff managed her symptoms and pain, while also supporting her emotionally.
“Much like Dad’s time at the hospice, Mum’s experience was full of care, support and compassion. It was wintertime, so too cold for us to use the garden, but myself and my husband enjoyed using the Moments Café and sampling their delicious meals.
“It’s not just the staff who are kind. All the volunteers are wonderful – friendly, warm and always happy to chat.
“These little things mean the world, whether it was asking ‘how are you? or offering a cup of tea. That simple kindness is exactly what you need at that time. It really feels as if the hospice staff and volunteers wrap an arm around you.
“Mum died in late January, aged 77-years-old. Following the loss of my Mum, I actually missed being at the hospice, surrounded by so many supportive and amazing people.
“Both my husband and I have also received one-to-one bereavement counselling, and we have participated in the “Walk On’ walks, under the LivingGrief umbrella of the hospice.
“After Dad died in 2014, I have fundraised for the hospice in a number of ways. I have taken part in the Christmas Day Dip, participated in the Midnight Walk and had volunteered at the Midnight Walk a few times too. I shared my Dad’s story for the Daisy Day campaign in 2021.
“I even did a tandem skydive to mark Dad’s tenth anniversary, with my niece alongside me. I have also volunteered at the art trails hosted by the hospice. Every time I have fundraised or volunteered for the hospice it has been an incredible experience.
“It is my way of giving back to the hospice. I genuinely enjoy it – there are so many ways to get involved, and you get to meet so many people who are all linked to the hospice in some way, understand its importance and what a special place it is.
“These are just some of the reasons why I remain connected to the charity and I hope that by offering my support, I can help others receive the same care the hospice gave us.
“On top of fundraising, I have recently become a Hospice Ambassador. This will be the start of a new chapter for me and enable to me to remain connected to a charity which certainly has a special place in my heart.
“I am also a regular giver to the hospice. and have participated in this for over 10 years. It is really easy to set up and I have never had any issues. It is reassuring to know that I am providing continued support.
“I give just £5 each month, but every penny counts and adds up over time. I set this up after we lost Dad – it comes straight from my bank to the hospice, so it is easy and seamless.
“What I give is really just the equivalent of the cost of a fancy cup of coffee per month, but I know this money makes a real difference. Regular giving feels manageable, and I don’t think many people realise the impact even a small amount can make to a charity.
“The hospice keeps regular givers updated on the impact of their support, through the Together newsletter and thank you cards. It helps me to feel part of the charity and shows exactly how my contributions help.
“I would really encourage people to consider becoming a regular giver to the hospice. It is such an easy thing to do, but it can have a huge impact.
“You never know when you or your family may need the support of the hospice. St Elizabeth Hospice was there for us when we needed them most, so being able to give back feels very special.
“I am very glad I can do this as a regular giver and I will be forever grateful to the care and support they gave to my parents. By continuing my links with the hospice, the memory of my Mum and Dad will live on.”
Find out more about how you can become a regular giver and make a real difference to your local hospice by donating small, manageable amounts, by clicking the button below.