Nick & Anne’s Hospice Story

“For me the hospice’s care offers many important things. One of these is a sympathetic and understanding environment that supports the person who is sick, as well as family and loved ones,” explained Nick Hayward, whose wife Anne received support from the hospice’s Inpatient Unit team until her death, aged 73 in April 2020.

Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice delivers care to over 4,000 patients and their families, living with progressive or life-limiting conditions throughout East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Every year, these services cost around £12m to facilitate, with 70% of funds being raised via revenue streams and community generosity such as gifts in Wills, retail shops, donations and fundraising activities.

In fact, 1 in 4 St Elizabeth Hospice patients are supported by funds from gifts in Wills, with every penny making a difference to those under the hospice’s care.

Following the care given to Anne, by the hospice, Nick is one of many generous people who have pledged to leave the charity a gift in their Will.

“Anne had many hobbies and a wide range of interests. Academically curious, she enjoyed history, mechanical engineering, gardens, nature, crafts, lace-making and calligraphy. In fact, much of her work can be seen decorating our home,” said Nick, who lives near Framlingham.

“The first part of Anne’s career was in the MoD(N). After we moved to Suffolk, she became involved in engineering, focusing on farm machinery – Sales Admin. A role which saw her often visit the Suffolk Show, an event she always enjoyed.

“Anne’s diagnosis came out of the blue in 2012. She was found to have breast cancer after a lump was discovered in a lymph gland. She had an operation to remove it, but unfortunately, it was not possible to remove it completely.

“She survived for eight years with chemotherapy and other treatments – a rollercoaster of feeling well and not so well.

“Despite the treatment, we still enjoyed many activities together, including sailing, gardening and walking. You wouldn’t have known she had a serious condition.

“In 2020, as her health declined, she spent more time in hospital due to having breathing difficulties caused by fluid on the lung. In April, the oncology department referred us to the hospice, where she stayed for two days before she died on 7 April.

“Without question, from the moment we stepped into the hospice it was welcoming and far from having a miserable atmosphere. The nurses and volunteers were so warm and friendly, while also showing real sympathy and care.

“You feel confident that your loved one is in good hands and that their condition will be managed appropriately. There is a supportive atmosphere created by people who understand what you are going through.

“Most importantly, St Elizabeth Hospice enabled us to be together as husband and wife. Nothing was too much trouble, especially during the uncertain times of COVID. There was a real focus on us as people, with the staff always willing to help or answer our questions.

“I could telephone or speak to staff for advice whenever I needed. They also paid close attention to Anne’s situation, both medically and in terms of comfort.

“The hospice nurses were incredibly empathetic when Anne died. I was with her, holding her hand and they allowed me all the time I needed, treating Anne and I with the utmost respect and dignity.

“One thing I feared leading up to Anne’s death was the change from being part of a couple to being single. The friendship and partnership we shared for 50 years was gone

“Memories help, but it’s not the same. It has been difficult, but knowing Anne received the compassionate support she needed, provides me with comfort. She would have wanted me to carry on and live as normally as possible, and that is what I have tried to do.

“St Elizabeth Hospice delivers an incredibly important service in our local community. As a whole, funding for hospices is always a challenge, yet they do so much. Without this support, the services they provide would be greatly reduced, to the detriment of everyone who relies on them.

“As in my case, being a relative of someone who is dying is an incredibly emotional experience. You may not always know how to cope, whereas the hospice has the experience of supporting families in these situations and can provide guidance and solace when it is most needed.

“Giving back helps ensure that others can also benefit from their care, which is why I have decided to leave a gift in my Will to St Elizabeth Hospice.

“The process of writing your Will is quite straightforward. I approached it with clear thoughts about what I wanted to happen and went to see a solicitor with a list of priorities.

“Through writing your Will, you gain peace of mind knowing you have taken care of things as best you can and can trust your attorneys to carry out your wishes as fully as possible.”

To find out more about leaving a gift in you Will to St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 723600 or click the button below.