“The Hospice Helps Me Live – Even as I’m Dying”: A Patient’s Story of Comfort and Care at St Vincent’s Hospice
These heartfelt words come from Sharon, a 55-year-old patient facing terminal cancer at St Vincent’s Hospice.
Sharon’s story is a powerful reminder of the compassionate care and vital support the hospice provides to people living with life-limiting illnesses. With no cure and limited time left, Sharon finds strength, dignity, and comfort at St Vincent’s – a place where she is seen, heard, and truly cared for.
“My name is Sharon, and I’m a patient at St Vincent’s Hospice. I’m 55 years old and have terminal cancer. There’s no cure, no more treatment options – just time, and not very much of it. That’s a hard thing to face. But what I want to tell you is this: I don’t face it alone.”
Sharon visits the hospice’s Wellbeing Hub several times a week – a warm, safe space where the focus is not only on her illness but on her as a person.
“When I first came, I was frightened. Not just of dying, but of becoming invisible. But here, I’m treated as a person with a life that still matters.”
The hospice team supports Sharon emotionally and physically, managing her pain and offering moments of laughter and humanity. Eventually, when Sharon needs more care, she will move to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit – a peaceful, dignified space filled with light and kindness.
“It’s a strange sort of comfort, knowing where I’ll die – and knowing I’ll be cared for to the end.”
St Vincent’s Hospice relies on the generosity of donors and the local community to continue providing this vital care. If Sharon’s story has touched you and you want to make a difference, please consider leaving a donation today.
Visit https://stvincentshospice.org/summer-appeal/ or call Fundraising on 01505 705635 to give the gift of comfort, dignity, and hope to patients like Sharon.
