Lisa Baker, who gave life and even in death
In 2016 Lisa was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, just weeks after falling ill during a family break to Center Parcs with her husband Dean and their two children Jack and Grace.
The delicate position of the tumour on Lisa's brain meant that it was inoperable. A surgical procedure would have undoubtedly caused paralysis and blindness only for the tumour to grow back again.
Lisa needed an alternative form of treatment, and the Hospice's community nurses stepped in to care for her.
After a year of exhausting chemo and radiotherapy, Lisa was given just three to twelve months to live. Lisa recognised the little time she had left with her family was precious, and she packed in as much as she could.
In 2017, Lisa's condition got worse, and chemotherapy was stopped. She even took part in a clinical trial for a new type of brain cancer treatment in London so she could help others.
It was Lisa's wish to pass away at the Hospice. Lisa was admitted to the ward in the spring of 2018 and despite being given just days to live, she was able to spend a precious three months with her family. She was 44 years old.
"She was a fighter," Dean proudly recalled.
"Saint Francis Hospice will always be a special place for us full of happy memories.
"Lisa was so ill before going to the Hospice and we really didn't know if she'd make it from the hospital to the ward.
"But coming to the Hospice changed her life. Her medication was changed and within a few days she became well again for a while. She was really comfortable and for us as a family, that made a massive difference.
"We felt we got our Lisa back and she was happy again."
Dean recalled precious memories of celebrating their daughter Grace's 16th birthday with afternoon tea, spending time in the beautiful gardens and Lisa even loved the meals she was served.
It was Lisa's wish to return home for a few hours with her family and this was made possible thanks to a volunteer driver.
Lisa also enjoyed having foot massages on the ward and chatting and joking with the staff and volunteers.
"I really believe Lisa was able to go on for longer than she was expected to because of the expert care she was given," said Dean.
"We were able to spend so much time with her and when the kids and I left of an evening, there was no doubt in our mind that she was being looked after."
This Christmas, we're inviting you to remember someone special like Lisa. You can find out how you can remember them while doing something incredible for local people living with life-limiting illnesses here.
