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Hospice stories

The remarkable people who support us and those we welcome through our doors are all part of our community. This section is dedicated to their inspiring stories - who they are, why they support us and how our care has helped them and their loved ones through life's most difficult time.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019
Showing 70 stories
Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Gordon and Nicki’s Story

Nicki is a passionate supporter of our work and has generously included a gift in her Will to help ensure that the exceptional care we provided for her father Gordon continues for years to come to support other families. In her own words, here is their story.

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Herby's Story

“I couldn’t fault anyone at the Hospice – there was literally no limit to what they would do for us. The way the nurses spoke to us was so calming. I don’t know how they do that job.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Natasha's Story

“Having a counsellor that my children could talk things through with, especially things that they can’t control, has been a huge relief for me as a parent”.

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Courtney's Story

 “I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The staff were amazing and it’s just so peaceful.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Evie-mae's story

“I think Evie-mae was able to express her feelings and understand that it was okay to be sad sometimes and, even though she was very young, she understood that she was not isolated in these feelings and that other young people felt like this.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Sandra and Michael's story

“I really hope we can help squash the myth that a hospice is a frightening place. It couldn’t be further from the truth”.

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Kevin's story

“Volunteering brightens up my day and after a morning in the shop, I go home and feel good within myself. It certainly makes me feel a whole load better.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Janette's story

“Staff are very caring, appreciative and incredibly grateful for any time you can give. I know I am a small part of the Hospice but I am made to feel that I am an essential part of running the shop."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Jan's story

“I would encourage everyone to volunteer, we have a lot of good fun. I just love it.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Gemma's story

“There are so many positives to volunteering here. I also do paid work but the Hospice is really flexible and lets me fit my paid work around my volunteering."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Jess and Matt's Story

"Like us, one day you may find that Thames Hospice changes your lives forever."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

David and Esther’s story

“I’m so impressed with the care and the atmosphere. The atmosphere is relaxed, happy and very professional at the same time and you get on really well with the staff.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Pippa and Grace’s story

“I don’t think I’d be where I am, or as open if I didn’t have the support."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

The Thompson Family’s story

“The Hospice staff adapt so quickly to the needs of the patients. Their agility is amazing and the care was always offered at the right time - it was never intrusive."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Mindy's Story

“The Hospice at Home Team came whenever we needed them and were always available on the 24/7 telephone advice line which is such a fantastic resource. They were so lovely and so human."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Trish's Story

"The Hospice staff treated all of us with such respect. I thought it was extraordinary. I think that we all felt very held through the journey with Trish."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Ryan's story

“I have made friends at the Hospice. I can share my experience with them and they can share theirs with me.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Nicki's story

“This place is beyond phenomenal. It is supportive, but it’s really good fun at the same time and it’s the one place that we can all moan and share our fears because everyone in that room gets it.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Pat's Story

“It makes my day, in fact it makes my week. It’s really nice to have something to do and everyone is very friendly here. I’ve always been one for company."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

*Chris' Story

“I’m running out of words to use. Fantastic, fabulous, incredible. They are some of the most incredible, knowledgeable, friendliest people with huge empathy and who are also hugely brave.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Claire & Alan's Story

“I don’t think he would have been with us for Chloe’s birthday without the care of the Hospice, I really don’t.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Chris' Story

“I’ve received great care all the way through and was offered help when I really needed it."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Yvonne & Simone’s Story

"She loved that feeling of the sun on her private terrace in her bed or the chair. Everything was so accessible."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Stephen's Story

"I was wrapped in a blanket of care that was social, spiritual and holistic. It was exactly what I needed. There’s a lot of joy at the Hospice and I experienced an injection of positivity, it was a perfect fusion of care.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Dennis’ Story

“Life without Thames Hospice would be horrible, because this is a safe haven, I know I can come here anytime and I can just call and speak to somebody.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Maria's Story

"That’s my biggest experience of being at the Hospice – it’s about living with your illness not dying.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Michelle's Story

“Without the Thames Hospice doctors treating me at home, I don’t know where I would have been. I was so scared but the Hospice at Home Team were there for me.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Mark's Story

Thanks to our enhanced Hospice at Home service, as soon as Mark was referred to us we were able to arrange a rapid discharge from hospital.

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Maureen's Story

“It’s the icing on the cake to know that I have the Hospice behind me.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Pete's Story

"The Hospice makes a HUGE difference, and it has been truly eye opening."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Grace's Story

"My dad went from this world knowing that his girls were going to be well-looked after by these amazing workers at the Hospice."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Chesca & Donna's Story

"Knowing the Hospice's Response Team were there made so much difference, I wasn’t on my own trying to decide what to do next.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Pat's Story

“I am treated as a person, not a patient, I can talk about anything and I don’t feel I have to put a smile on my face and pretend I’m fine."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Tahir’s Story

"We’ll never forget the kindness and care that we’ve received. The Hospice hasn’t just cared for Dad but the whole family.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Linda & Lisette's Story

"We’ll never forget the incredible care our family received from Thames Hospice."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Carolyne & Guy's Story

“The Hospice gave Carolyne a calm, peaceful, loving death, which is so important and helped give me peace with her passing.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Emily's Story

"Nothing can take away the pain of losing a loved one but giving something back to the charity that helped our family at the hardest time has been cathartic as well as very emotional."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Alix's Story

“I always feel that Alix was a person to the nursing team, not another patient. The idea that we wouldn’t have been able to get that space in the Hospice, or that others wouldn’t when they needed it, fills me with dread.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

James & Blanche's Story

"They really did do everything to make our last moments as a family so precious."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Derek's Story

“If it wasn’t for Thames Hospice, I don’t think I would be alive now.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Simon's Story

“Counselling is a great way to let out your thoughts and worries so they don’t build up.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Carmel's Story

“I’m so grateful to the team here, they brought me back to life, and they saved me."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Poppy's Story

"I love knowing that the work I am doing is going to help people; it makes every task seem very worthwhile."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Tom's Story

“The counselling support I received from the Hospice was very important, and I am not sure I would be in the place that I am now without it."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Genevieve & Nicholas' Story

"The Hospice supports not just the person receiving treatment but the whole family, that all-encompassing support is why we have chosen to leave gifts in our Will to the Hospice."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Penny's Story

"My husband Ivor was treated with the utmost care, compassion, respect and dignity. We as a family were so well supported and treated with the greatest kindness."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Drew's Story

"Whenever I walk around the lake at Bray now I feel a little bit of pride that I am contributing to such a worthy charity."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Roy's Story

“To sum up the Hospice, I can only say the way I have been treated is beyond excellent."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Angela's Story

“The Rehabilitation Centre at the new Hospice has been a life-saver for me."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

John's Story

"That first step, it was euphoric."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

The Barroso's Story

"The staff that looked after our family are absolute angels!"

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Doris' Story

“I can’t thank the Day Therapies Team enough; every single person is an angel."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Binda's Story

“I can’t say enough to praise the way they helped us and our father."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Sue's Story

“There is a very strong feeling that we really are all in this together."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Rick & Sally's Story

“The care is marvellous, everything you could wish for and more.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Graham & Jenny's Story

“It’s the love and affection above anything else that makes Thames Hospice so special.”

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Gina's Story

"Here you have dignity and respect of life."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Craig's Story

"Knowing that your loved one feels comfortable is so important."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Mathewe & Estelle's Story

"The Hospice nurses and doctors were a godsend - they were always going the extra mile for Estelle and the whole family."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Lisa's Story

“I can’t imagine what life would be like without Thames Hospice."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Selina & Gary's Story

"We've got this!"

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Chris' Story

"The staff are so kind and they make me laugh so much."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Ian's Story

“I count down the weeks until I can come to day therapy again."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Maggie's Story

"It’s the amazing care that gets you through this"

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Mo's Story

"The emotional support I received has helped me find hope again"

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Mary's Story

"Without the team I would have been lost"

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Katharina's Story

"If I walked a million miles, it wouldn’t be enough to thank the Hospice for all the care and support they gave my parents and to us as a family."

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Hatti's Story

"The Hospice was like a home from home"

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Mark's Story

"You were a little shining light at a dark time"

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Russell's Story

“If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t be alive”

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