The Lake Family's story

For Julia Lake and her family, months of uncertainty and hospital stays gave way to peace and reassurance within 24 hours of her arrival at Thames Hospice.

Julia had endured six months of undiagnosed pain, followed by emergency surgery to remove a brain tumour and a five-week hospital stay. When a palliative care consultant referred Julie to the Hospice, the family didn’t know what to expect.

“I had absolutely no idea what to expect when she came,” says Julia’s husband, Geoff. “But as soon as she arrived, there was such tranquillity. I just couldn’t believe my eyes.”

Her daughter Georgina recalls the transformation: “The previous few months had been so stressful, going back and forth to hospital, juggling a full-time job, and looking after dad. But when we arrived, I immediately felt at peace. It was so light and airy, and there was no dread about visiting. The care was first class.”

With the doors of her room opening into the garden, Julia could enjoy the outdoors - something she had always loved. The family made full use of the Hospice’s facilities, with Georgina staying in her mum’s room in her final weeks and Geoff using the Visitors Room.

Although they had hoped to bring Julia home, it wasn’t possible, and in time, the family found comfort in knowing she was exactly where she needed to be.

“You can’t fix people here,” says Julia’s sister Barbara, “But you can look after them, and that’s exactly what the Hospice.”

Julia spent the last few months of her life at Thames Hospice, and for the family, the compassionate care from the nursing team made all the difference.

“When the fatal day came,” Geoff remembers, “we stepped out of the room briefly. A nurse called Lou was in the corridor, and I ended up bawling my head off on her shoulder. She was so supportive.”

Geoff and his family now encourage others to visit and see firsthand the difference hospice care makes.

“It would have been absolutely terrible without this place,” Geoff says. “I just don’t know what we would have done. I’ve got nothing but praise for Thames Hospice.”