Celebrating Carol Lake: 28 years of dedication, compassion, and care

In 1997, Carol took a leap of faith.

Having trained and worked as a secretary, following the sensible advice of her parents, her heart had always quietly pulled her in another direction. It was only after the passing of her mother at Thames Hospice in Windsor that Carol’s long-held dream of working in healthcare resurfaced with renewed clarity. By then, her children were growing up, and she found herself with the space to explore the path she had once set aside.

An advertisement in the local paper for a Health Care Assistant position caught her eye. She applied. And that was the beginning of an extraordinary 28-year journey with the Hospice.

Carol’s journey began in 1997, joining the original Hospice at Home team, bringing care and comfort to families during some of their most difficult moments. In 2000, she transitioned to the Inpatient Team at the Hospice, where she continued to bring her warmth, empathy, and steadfast dedication to every patient she met, working on the Unit for 20 years.

When the Hospice moved from Pine Lodge to Bray Lake in 2020, so too did Carol’s role. Joining the Education Team, she found a new calling in sharing her knowledge and experience with new staff. Over the years, she had already become a mentor—guiding colleagues through the ins and outs of hospice work, making sure they felt supported and prepared. Now, she was doing it full-time, helping shape the next generation of caregivers with the same heart she had always given to patients.

Carol's journey at the Hospice has been full of memorable moments shared with both patients and their families, but one moment that stands out is meeting the Queen during her visits to Pine Lodge—an honour she describes as both nerve-wracking and unforgettable.

Now, after nearly three decades, Carol has decided it’s time to say goodbye to her professional chapter and begin a new one – spending precious time with her husband and three young grandchildren and filling her time with new hobbies, travels, and doing all the things that she never had time for when working. Carol adds: “One of the many things I’ve come to learn is you don’t know what’s around the corner, and life is so very precious, so we do need to treasure what we have.”

Looking back, Carol is filled with pride, she adds: “I have always given my all to Thames Hospice - caring for and supporting hundreds of patients and their families,

whilst they are under the care of the Hospice. This has always been one of the main reasons why I have stayed at the Hospice.

“I have always felt the Hospice as one big family, a place where love, support, and camaraderie have been part of my every day. My colleagues, over the years, here have been nothing short of being inspirational, professional, kind, supportive and also fun to work with! I am very proud of having worked for Thames Hospice and I hope that Thames Hospice are proud of me and the service I have given.”

Carol’s devotion to the Hospice and to the people within it leaves an indelible mark. She leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and heart.

Thank you, Carol- for everything.

On behalf of us all – happy retirement!!