Pip’s Hospice Story
“From my experience with loved ones, the St Elizabeth Hospice team are simply there for you when support matters most.
“It really is an amazing charity, embedded within our community.
“Their compassionate care feels like love and support, rather than treatment, helping you feel reassured during life’s most difficult moments”, said Pip Taylor, whose Granny Prilly, godfather Andy Rankin and childhood friend Flora Walker were all supported by St Elizabeth Hospice in recent years.
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.
“My Granny Prilly was supported by St Elizabeth Hospice in 2022. The team helped manage her pain and cared for her with such kindness and compassion.
“As sad as it was, I feel lucky to have been with her during that time and to see the support she received at the hospice,” explained Pip, who lives near Woodbridge.
“While last year, I lost my lovely godfather, Andy, who was also cared for by the hospice during his illness with cancer. He was one of my dad’s oldest friends and meant so much to our family.
“Andy was an amazing person and even organised his own fundraising events, including a terrific concert with his band, Flaming Cheek, at Woodbridge Rugby Club.
“As well as this, in 2025, one of my best friends, Flora, was also supported by St Elizabeth Hospice. Flora was simply the best and it was a privilege to call her my friend.
“Nothing was too much trouble for the hospice, they even allowed Flora’s family and her dog, Ted, to stay with her. It was so reassuring to know she was being cared for so well.
“In each instance, I saw how kind the nurses, volunteers, doctors and the whole team all are. While it is unfortunate to need hospice care, we felt fortunate to have St Elizabeth Hospice there to support us.
“It was these experiences that inspired me to fundraise for the charity and show my gratitude for the difference it has made to both me and my loved ones over the last few years.
“I enjoy running, although I would not say I am a natural runner, and I felt taking on a marathon would be a good personal challenge.
“I had originally hoped to run the Florence Marathon, but when I heard there was an opportunity to take part in the Paris Marathon, in April 2026, it felt perfect for me.
“I had previously spent a lot of time in Paris and studied French at university, so the city already held a special connection for me.
“Training through the winter was tough at times, but I had great support around me. Flora’s husband, Archie, joined me on some runs, as did my boyfriend, Sam, and my mum, which kept me motivated throughout.
“The actual marathon experience on the day was incredible. Everything happened so quickly in the lead up to the marathon, arriving in Paris, going around the expo, commuting to the Champs Elysees in the morning, until I actually started running.
“Choosing to support St Elizabeth Hospice was the easiest part of the whole marathon for me and I was thrilled to raise more than £7,000, with donations still continuing to come in!
“I would encourage anyone to consider fundraising for the hospice. It is such an important charity and makes a real difference to local people and families.
“Without the community’s support, the hospice simply couldn’t provide the amazing services it does which provide vital care to so many people.”