Sujata’s Hospice Story
This story was published in November 2025. Sadly, Sujata died in early 2026.
“The hospice team has made such a difference to me. Their support and simply having someone listen and help me find ways to manage what I’m going through, has been invaluable,” explained Sujata Gathani who has received support from St Elizabeth Hospice’s Community Team since March 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.
“I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2024. After treatment, I had a three-month break before the cancer returned and I had to restart chemotherapy. By then, it had spread to my lungs and I was experiencing a lot of pain,” said Sujata, who lives near Ipswich.
“When the Macmillan nurse first told me she would refer me to the St Elizabeth Hospice palliative team for my pain, my heart dropped. I thought it meant the end, but it hasn’t been that at all.
“Being referred to the hospice was quite a shock. You ask yourself ‘what does this mean?’, but actually it meant helping me live as best as possible with my symptoms.
“St Elizabeth Hospice’s care has been the beginning of learning how to live well with the support around me.
“Friends and family have been a bundle of support as well, coming to visit me for a coffee and a chat or for a walk if I am able to do so, which is something I really enjoy.
“The support I receive from my daughters is so important too. Their love and encouragement means the world to me and couldn’t be without them.
“The hospice Community Team visit regularly too. Their visits can involve anything from listening to how I am and checking my medication is meeting my needs, to simply talking about life in general.
“They’re really good at helping me process my thoughts and feelings. Their knowledge has assisted with practical things such as arranging for me to have a Blue Badge for parking. Something as simple as this makes a big difference in managing and making the most of my energy levels day-to-day.
“The occupational and physiotherapist have been brilliant too. Encouraging me to keep my muscles active and maintain my mobility, especially by building up my leg strength.
“I’ve joined classes at the hospice’s Outpatient Service, where I can use gym equipment and do exercises that also build my strength and confidence.
“The hospice provides a truly holistic service that supports both my physical and mental health, helping me rest and relax, improve mindfulness and develop strategies to cope with the anxiety and stress.
“St Elizabeth Hospice offers so much more than you might expect. Most importantly, their support has given me a real change of mindset. As soon as you walk through the door, you feel the warmth and care of the organisation immediately.
“What makes the hospice so important are the human and personal touches. The way their staff go the extra mile to make patients and families have special times together.
“For instance, I recently went to the Fine Dining evening with a friend, which they hold in their Moments Dining Room at the hospice. It was wonderful and an almost surreal experience. The volunteers and staff were fantastic, serving a three-course meal full of incredible food.
“You wouldn’t think things like this would be possible, but they make moments such as this happen for those under their care.
“Without the incredible generosity of fundraisers and community supporters, many people in our area would be unable to access St Elizabeth Hospice’s vital care.
“I know first-hand how essential this support is and as a community we need to continue to show our love for the charity and the compassionate care it provides when it’s needed most.”
Sujata’s family are kindly raising funds in her memory for two charities which helped Sujata – Macmillan Cancer Support and St Elizabeth Hospice. You can support by clicking the button below.
The whole hospice team wishes to share its gratitude and condolences with Sujata’s family.