Vanessa’s Hospice Story
“St Elizabeth Hospice helped us ensure Dad’s wish to die at home was achieved and we will be forever grateful to them for this,” said Vanessa Edmondson, whose Dad, Mike Young, received support from St Elizabeth Hospice’s Community Team and OneCall service, before his death, aged 76-years-old in February 2024.
Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East 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.
Vanessa added: “Dad was initially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which was then diagnosed as inoperable stage 4 cancer in September 2023. He went through chemotherapy between October and December, and a scan in December showed the treatment had helped a little but there was evidence of the cancer spreading.
“Dad was a keen golfer and loved playing whenever he could, however the treatment had taken a lot out of him. He was low on energy and had lost a lot of weight, but he had begun to use a golf buggy to help him get around the course to enjoy his hobby and be in the fresh air, which lifted his spirits.
“In January 2024, we saw an oncologist who referred us to St Elizabeth Hospice for end of life care. We had initial phone discussions with the hospice for them to learn more about Dad and his wishes, which was to receive support at home, as he felt more comfortable and safer there.
“Dad’s condition, however, quickly took a decline and we called St Elizabeth Hospice’s 24/7 phone support line, OneCall, for guidance and a nurse came and visited him at home, that evening on 12th January.
“They provided him with pain relief, as Dad was in a lot of pain and arranged to visit the next day to check in on how he was. They managed his pain brilliantly and the OneCall team were just fantastic.
“It was so reassuring to know you could call someone, at OneCall, and they would listen and offer guidance. No matter what question you had, they were there for you.
“Dad died only a few days after he came under the care of the hospice. Within an hour of his death, they sent a nurse out to be with us and to confirm Dad’s death – they were so lovely.
“All the St Elizabeth Hospice staff have a manner about them, which is incredibly sensitive and compassionate.
“Without the hospice Community Team and OneCall, Dad’s wellbeing would have been far less. The respect and care they gave to both Dad and our whole family – you just couldn’t fault it.
“We completely trusted them and and they gave us peace of mind during an uncertain time. Even after Dad’s death they said if we needed anymore support, then we could call them.
“They just have genuine care and concern for those they support – they are all angels, they really are.”
To show their gratitude for the hospice’s support, Vanessa and her family have created a fundraising page for St Elizabeth Hospice in memory of her Dad, Mike Young. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/ppxjs-mike-young
