Sarah Remnant – a daughter’s story

“The hospice team have the knowledge and skills to guide people through life’s most uncertain times, providing reassurance and compassion when it matters most.

“They share a common goal of ensuring the best possible quality of life for patients and their families, with great attention to detail in everything they do,” said Sarah Remnant, whose mum Deirdre was supported by St Elizabeth Hospice until her death, aged 83, in February 2025.

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.

“Mum was a very active, kind and caring person who loved animals, especially horses, and enjoyed spending time outdoors in nature. She valued her independence and took great pride in her appearance too,” explained Sarah, who lives near Ipswich.

“Mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2024. It was shortly after this news that she moved, from her home in King’s Lynn, to live with me so I could support her.

“She first came under St Elizabeth Hospice’s care in the summer, when her health had deteriorated and she was admitted to the Inpatient Unit for symptom control.

“Her symptoms were skilfully managed, enabling her to return home and enjoy a good quality of life over the course of the next few months.

“Some of my most treasured memories from that time are of family trips to the beach, summer meals in the garden, surrounded by flowers, wayward pets and the messiness of family life.

“We enjoyed unexpected birthdays, a final carol concert and a family Christmas with Mum helping to prepare lunch, as she had done single-handedly for most of her life.

“These moments were only possible because of the expertise and commitment of the hospice and the reassurance they gave us, that Mum could be supported at home safely.

“Thanks to the amazing support of the hospice’s Community and Therapy teams, Mum was able to maintain her independence at home.

“They sourced equipment, including a hospital bed and bathroom aids, which enabled her to continue enjoying a daily shower and remain as comfortable as possible.

“The support provided by St Elizabeth Care Agency was also invaluable, helping us to care for Mum at home and ensuring we could make the most of those precious memories together as a family.

“These experiences made me realise just how many layers there are to the hospice and how many people contribute to making it such a special place. Every department works together with a shared commitment to ensuring patients and families receive the support they need.

“The care is genuinely holistic, supporting the whole family and addressing not only medical needs but also emotional and social wellbeing. I received counselling, and my daughter was also able to access support, which made a significant difference during a difficult time.

“What stood out most was the gentle, unhurried approach to care. Whatever stage Mum was at in her illness, the hospice was there for her, and for us. If I needed advice or support, there was always someone at the end of the phone.

“Whenever help was needed, members of the team would come out to the house, arriving with kindness, and positivity. Whether it was setting up a syringe driver, managing symptoms or providing practical support, nothing was ever too much trouble.

“As Mum’s needs changed, the team coordinated her care and arranged for her final admission to the hospice when the time came in January 2025.

“The Inpatient Unit’s atmosphere was so warm and Mum loved looking out over the beautiful garden, while the whole team managed her care exceptionally well.

“Mum had always taken great pride in her appearance, and the staff paid such careful attention to this.

“From helping with her lipstick, combing her hair and providing a spritz of perfume to ensuring her personal care was immaculate. She particularly enjoyed the hospice’s specialist bath, with its lights and whirlpool features, which helped her relax.

“Each day brought subtle signs of change, yet normality ensued. Knowing she was being cared for so completely allowed me to step back and simply be her daughter.

“The comfort and reassurance given to me during Mum’s final hours, and the care shown to her after her death, will always stay with me.

“When Mum died, she was surrounded by flowers, family photographs and her green woolen blanket from home, with Beethoven playing quietly in the background, just as it had been when my dad died.

“From the clinical team and care staff to the kitchen team and volunteers, everyone played a part in helping Mum have a peaceful death.

“This care made it so much easier for us to move forward with our grief. I will always be grateful for the compassion, kindness and respect shown to her and to our family.

“The emotional wellbeing team have also been exceptional in helping both myself and my daughter with counselling support. Over the Christmas period, I also attended the Light up a Life service which was beautifully held and especially meaningful as Mum had a direct cremation.

“As a community, we are fortunate to have St Elizabeth Hospice providing support in our local area.

“End-of-life is a profound time, and it can be a positive experience with the right care. Without St Elizabeth Hospice’s support, our experience would have been very different.

“It is vital, as a community, we continue to support the charity in any way we can to ensure many more local people benefit from the hospice’s services when compassionate care matters most.”