If there was a place I wanted Jill to be, this was it

Jill was a devoted wife and mum of two who had an adventurous spirit. She had a passion for travel and she loved to dress up and dance.  Here her loving husband Roy pays tribute to Jill and shares how Saint Francis Hospice cared for Jill before she died in May and was there to support him and their children.

In April, Jill and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary and sadly she left me in May. We had a wonderful life. Jill was extremely motivated and over the past 30 years we were fortunate enough to go on so many exciting holidays.

Jill worked for most of our married life in education administration at a local authority. Jill was a beautiful lady who loved to dress up and dance. When we went out on a Saturday evening to meet friends at a local club, Jill would be on the dance floor all evening.

I was a member of a band called Ziatika and Jill was so supportive of me and she would always be in the front row at gigs clapping. Over the years we donated over £5,726 to Saint Francis Hospice from ticket sales.

Jill's journey with cancer

Jill became ill for the first time 11 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent treatment and had a mastectomy. After 18-24 months it was eliminated or so we thought. Everything went back to normal until Jill noticed another lump appeared on her tummy 18 months ago.

She had an MRI scan and the cancer was on her liver. She had radiotherapy and everything went really well but sadly a cancerous cell travelled to her brain.

Jill was referred to Saint Francis Hospice and she expected to pass away at the hospice but it was extraordinary how she started to feel a lot better. The meals were enjoyable and the staff really made her feel content and cared for.

I remember one nurse sitting with Jill for an hour when she was struggling emotionally.  Often when I went to make a coffee, one of the nurses would sit and talk with me. You really felt the nurses cared and when you are in that situation, it is invaluable.

The staff were so kind and considerate. I was genuinely impressed.  I thought wow, if there was a place where I would want Jill to be, the hospice was it. She seemed to respond to the care provided and after four weeks on the ward she requested to go home for a little while.

Hospice at Home were there at the end

She was home for about two weeks when her health started to deteriorate. Jill wasn’t well enough to be moved back to the hospice but the nurses from the Hospice at Home team were with us constantly.

Their presence brought a huge relief to my wife and eased the pain we were both suffering. She was very grateful for the superb care and support we both received during a very stressful and painful time.

Jill passed away at home. She was not conscious but at least my son, daughter and I were there holding her hand.

The support we had from Saint Francis Hospice was magnificent.  My son and daughter were contacted by a counsellor at Saint Francis Hospice. It came out of the blue and I couldn’t believe the hospice was there to care for extended family as well.