Percy’s Hospice Story

“Hospice care is something many of us will need at some point, but you never realise how much you will rely on that support until you are living through that experience,” explained Percy Ungate, whose wife Anne received support from the hospice’s Inpatient Unit team until her death, aged 73 in 2009.

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, Percy is one of many generous people who have pledged to leave the charity a gift in their Will.

“Anne loved her home and her family. Her home was something she took great pride in and as a couple we were a great team together. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of her,” said Percy.

“When she was diagnosed with incurable oesophageal cancer, her first thought was for me. She seemed to find another gear in her determination.

“She spent those weeks making our house look lovely, changing the curtains and redecorating. That was what she worried about. She just wanted everything to be nice for me and to make sure I was ok.

“After receiving such sad news, it was a terrible time in our lives, but the hospice’s constant support gave us both reassurance. At times like this, you need someone to lean on and the hospice was exactly that.

“It was a very hard time, made more difficult because I have no other family nearby. My wider family live in America and our son and granddaughter, Jazzmine, lived in Hong Kong, so the hospice became an even more important source of support.

“Initially, Anne first received care through the charity’s outpatient service before coming onto the Inpatient Unit for the remaining weeks of her life as her condition deteriorated.

“When she first arrived at the hospice, there was a calm and reassuring atmosphere throughout the building, and all the staff were so helpful.

“The focus of their care was always on ensuring Anne was as comfortable as possible. Everyone involved helped make it easier for us to spend meaningful time together in the precious time we had left.

“The hospice lifted some of the stress and worry I was feeling, because there is no experience that can prepare you for situations like this.

“Also, it was so comforting that friends could visit her at the hospice. I know this meant a great deal to Anne and she even asked them to keep an eye on me after she died, which really shows the kind of person she was – always thinking of others.

“Before coming under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice, we had no real idea what a hospice was or what it did. It is only when you receive their support that you fully understand the difference they make.

“They were incredibly caring towards Anne, both in managing her medical needs and supporting her as a person, while also helping me with practical matters such as registering her death and offering guidance whenever I needed it.

“This vital support made such a difference to me and this is why I have supported the hospice ever since, such as through the Local Hospice Lottery.

“I can never completely repay the hospice for what they did for Anne and me. Their care was vital to both of us and made an enormous difference during the most difficult time of our lives.

“People do not think enough about end of life, but it is something we should talk about more openly. The hospice is there to support not only the person who is dying, but also the loved ones they leave behind.

“As well as taking part in the Local Hospice Lottery, I have also left a gift to the hospice in my Will.

“It is very important to have your Will in place, as it gives such peace of mind to know everything is in order.

“For me, it is a meaningful way to give back to the hospice, to say ‘thank you’ for what they did for me and to help ensure the hospice can continue supporting other families like mine.

“Writing your Will doesn’t take long with the help of a solicitor, but it can make a real difference to the hospice and the thousands of people supported by their vital services every year in our local community.

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