The Wishart Family’s Hospice Story
“We are eternally grateful for the love and support the hospice provided to Jemma and our family.
“We will do our utmost to repay this kindness by continuing to raise funds and awareness for this incredible charity,” explained Ross Wishart, whose wife, Jemma, received support from St Elizabeth Hospice until her death, aged 38-years-old, on 22 July 2024.
Every year St Elizabeth Hospice delivers free care to over 4,000 patients and their families throughout East & Mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
Centered on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.
“Jemma was an amazing mother and wife who loved our children, Everly and Finley, and our whole family so much,” said Ross, who lives near Felixstowe.
“We met while working in the shipping industry, and when we had our children, Jemma became a full-time mum while also pursuing her passion for arts and crafts.
“She had a great eye for antiques – particularly crockery – and loved transforming pre-loved items into new creations, which she sold at her own stall at various local craft fairs.
“Jemma first came under the St Elizabeth Hospice’s care in early 2024, after receiving cancer treatment and support from Ipswich Hospital.
“As her condition deteriorated, the hospital referred us to the hospice. Initially, the hospice provided guidance and support to help us care for Jemma at home. However, eventually, she was admitted to the Inpatient Unit in Ipswich, where she received care for several weeks until her death.
“Contrary to what many people might expect, the hospice is a warm and homely environment – not a scary place at all.
“From the moment you walk through the doors, everyone greets you with a smile. The volunteers at reception are so kind, and the staff are exceptional. You feel yourself relax, both literally and metaphorically, reassured that you and your loved one are receiving the best care possible.
“It’s not just the medication and physical support that make a difference – it’s the personal touches and compassionate care. You form real bonds with the staff and get to know each other as people.
“They provided Jemma with a lovely, spacious room where we could be together as a family. Our daughter, Everly, created artwork for Jemma, which we hung on the walls of her room – in many ways, it felt like home.
“The children loved visiting the hospice garden to feed the fish in the pond, and we were even able to bring our dog, Penny, to visit Jemma.
“They also helped us host a special party with Princess Elsa, from the film Frozen, visiting Everly at the hospice. We had planned to go to London to see Frozen the Musical in the West End, but Jemma’s condition meant the trip wasn’t possible. So the hospice team, alongside Sea You and Lucy’s Princess Parties, organised for Elsa to come to us and it was so lovely.
“While Jemma was at the hospice, the team also helped us celebrate our wedding anniversary on 4th July. We had nice meal in the hospice’s conservatory, which they decorated especially for us.
“Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing also visited Jemma at the hospice with their two ‘mini-donks,’ Pippin and Pixie. Our friend helped make this possible, and the hospice staff were brilliant in hosting the visit.
“It was so lovely to see other hospice patients enjoying the visit from the mini-donks. Jemma even struck up a friendship with one of the patients, and we’re still in contact with their family today.
“Jemma loved animals, and being able to arrange these special activities for her and our whole family was just wonderful. It really shows how the hospice enabled us to create positive memories, even in our last moments together.
“As well as supporting Jemma, the hospice provided invaluable emotional support for both our children through their 565 Service. Having someone outside the family to talk to about their feelings has been incredibly beneficial, highlighting the holistic care the hospice offers to support the whole family.
“We’ve always been keen fundraisers for various charities. In fact, Jemma and I took part in the hospice’s Christmas Day Dip many years ago. While Jemma was receiving care, our family also participated in the charity’s Midnight Walk.
“It was a fantastic event, and at the halfway point, the route takes you through the hospice. Jemma was able to see us there and wish us well, which made the experience even more special.
“Everly was too young to join the Midnight Walk, but she wanted to give back to the hospice to thank them for caring for her mum. She decided to fundraise by participating in the Ipswich Twilight 2k Run for youngsters.
“We had hoped Jemma would see Everly cross the finish line, but sadly, Jemma died just four days before the race in July. This only strengthened Everly’s determination to complete the run, and she did brilliantly, raising over £9,500.
“The hospice gave Jemma a peaceful and dignified end-of-life, allowing us to be together as a family and share precious moments. These memories will stay with us forever, and I cannot thank the hospice enough for making that possible.
“This is why we will continue to support the charity however we can and encourage others to do the same. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or taking part in events like the Midnight Walk, you’re making a real difference to families like mine who are supported by the hospice during difficult times in their lives.”
To find out more information about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 723600 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.
